In China, I have had access to very affordable tailors. Although my Beijing tailor knew nothing of Highland wear, I had her make me a couple of Argyll-style jackets, using photos I printed off the internet as references. I used a waist-length "varsity" jacket I have as a length reference and had her measure me wearing my kilt.
The results look perfectly respectable. One jacket, which has a matching vest, is in brown herringbone tweed. The other jacket is kelly green cotton shirt fabric, unlined to keep it as cool as possible. While the herringbone jacket is warm in even Beijing winter conditions, the cotton jacket is comfortable in humid summer weather. Our climate outside Hong Kong is comparable to South Florida, so pretty similar to the Texas coast.
I later found an actual Highland tailor in Hong Kong (Yuen Tailors), who used to make items for the Highland regiments posted there. They made me a jacket and vest in a "summer-weight" tweed, which also works in warm weather. Although the jacket from Yuen is certainly more detailed than my Beijing jackets, all 3 of them look close enough that only another tailor is likely to notice much difference.
So, in my experience, a lightweight wool can work in hot, humid weather, but a lightweight cotton may be even better. I think the idea of linen, or perhaps a linen/silk blend, would also do well if you can find it.
Originally Posted by Pleater
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