Tartan waistcoat

[sydnie7]

[snip]. . . the tartan is straight on the back, on the bias on the front.. . .

Thanks for that bit of detail. I've contemplated making a "full tartan" waistcoat, assumed the back would be bias as well.

Is the back semi-aligned with pleats to the sett below it, or just center a major element?

[Scotus]

If you're looking for Lion Rampant buttons for the waistcoat, Three Feathers Pewter, where I got some for a black waistcoat, has them at reasonable prices. They do good work and are nice people.

http://www.threefeatherspewter.com/Buttons%20Celtic.htm

[Heming]

Any skilled tailor will be able to make a bias-cut waistcoat. The wool will be stiff enough not to cause draping trouble even on the bias, at least for such a small garment.

However, a skilled tailor could also make a straight-cut waistcoat with the same sett element center front as on your kilt... That uses a lot less fabric.

For myself I'd make it with a plain back, make the back from lining material. I'd probably go for what I call basque linen (cotton warp and linen weft, thin and pliable but springy), but I don't know if that's traditional and I have no English name for the cloth...

[BoldHighlander]

Beautiful waistcoats gentlemen!

[Asser 1]

Thanks for all your comments. I agree with many of the comments. I think I will forgoe the fly plaid, they are quite fussy and I doubt I would wear it much. I really like the suggestion about having a day and formal vest made. I may be a bit short on tartan to do both but I like the idea. I also like the tartan back suggestion.

Great ideas!

[JSFMACLJR]

The two waistcoat plan is the way to go! forget about a plaid.

Here is a photo of my tartan evening waistcoat:

[McMurdo]

Sandford
Thank you for the photo, that waistcoat is exquisite. I have to say I agree with what others have said a tartan waistcoat is very traditional. I'd get one in a heartbeat had I the forethought to order more tartan with my kilt.

[Sciuropterus]

There is always this interesting option from Orvis:

[Tim Little]

[Panache]

There is always this interesting option from Orvis:

Jerry,

That waistcoat certainly would go with any tartan kilt equally well




Cheers

Jamie