Vest/Waistcoat with Kilt

**Hopper250** · 9th July 13, 10:05 AM

I'm looking to dress up a bit for a casual wedding in Nov. With my sewing skills being rusty, I thought I would ask now so I could get underway if needed.

Are there any alterations needed to a vest or waistcoat that I would get from Goodwill or a Savers to work with my kilt or would it be wearable off the rack? Or would I do best getting one from ebay or used from a rental shop?

**NorseCelt** · 9th July 13, 10:09 AM

I have a couple of Goodwill/Salvation Army vests that I wear with my kilt. They're not too easy to find, though. Good luck in your search.

**O'Searcaigh** · 9th July 13, 10:57 AM

It largely depends on the length. Some vests are a bit too long in front for kilt wear as they were originally designed to be worn with pants that have a lower waist line. You can sometimes find a shorter one though and worst-case, just shorten the bottom by cutting it off and hemming it up. That is usually very easy to do if the vest is pointed in front. You can frequently just cut it straight across from the side although the pocket placements are sometimes a problem. I have found some that don't need much alteration (usually from a suit in "short" rather than "regular" length) and have converted a few as well. Good luck!

**Chas** · 9th July 13, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by Hopper250

I'm looking to dress up a bit for a casual wedding in Nov. With my sewing skills being rusty, I thought I would ask now so I could get underway if needed.

Are there any alterations needed to a vest or waistcoat that I would get from Goodwill or a Savers to work with my kilt or would it be wearable off the rack? Or would I do best getting one from ebay or used from a rental shop?

Most waistcoats would be fine. Some are of the "fashion" variety and are a bit longer at the front. Not a problem as such, but they can cover or interfere with the sporran.

The best way is to try it on. If the front Vs are too long, they can be folded inwards and upwards. When they are equal and possibly straight across give them a light pressing/steaming and then the very minimalist amount of stitching. They will be held up by the fact that you are wearing it. In an emergency, a safety pin will do.

And of course, if you find a waistcoat that fits well, it will serve as a pattern to make your own.

**Hopper250** · 9th July 13, 11:40 AM

Chas, that sounds like the best plan. I'll have to start hunting for vests soon since they are hard to find.

Thanks,

**brewerpaul** · 9th July 13, 05:09 PM

Vests seem pretty few and far between at goodwill in my town so you may be at a loss to find one there. As long as the vests arent a modern longer one they should work well with a kilt. Main thing is you want them long enough so your shirt doesnt stick out under them but also not so long as they hang over your sporran. My thoughts are to dust off that sewing machine, get a vest pattern (of which there are tons of) and look around for some nice wool and lining material. Ive found lots of wool on Ebay at great prices and have made a few vests for myself and others. The vest is about the easiest thing to make but be sure to learn to make real welt pockets not just fakes. I can give you a link to a great video tutorial on that if you are interested. Proof in the photos...

A couple of tweed wool vests I cut my teeth on. This was my first real sewing project so if you have any experience, even rusty ones, you sould be able to fashion something quite nice.

This one was more complicated from an 1800's style made of burgundy worsted wool. It came out quite nice and works well under my charcoal tweed Argyle jacket.

Once you get back into the sewing you might find yourself hooked and wanting to make a kilt jacket then. Have fun.

**Hopper250** · 9th July 13, 05:21 PM

That video link would be great. I can easily find fabric being with in a couple of miles of a Joanne's and Hancock. I would probably be able to figure it out by October.

**brewerpaul** · 9th July 13, 05:45 PM

Originally Posted by Hopper250

That video link would be great. I can easily find fabric being with in a couple of miles of a Joanne's and Hancock. I would probably be able to figure it out by October.

Here ya go, she shows an easy way to make nice welt pockets no matter what you are creating.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93Va0XgGvKw

**Mikilt** · 9th July 13, 05:21 PM

I made my own using Simplicity pattern 4762.

**Stan** · 13th July 13, 07:59 PM

Here's a pretty cool place to by a nice vest (waistcoat) for about 25.00. It may be a nice option to as opposed to making one. It's a uniform (waiter and server) uniform supply shop, and the prices are really reasonable. I got the web site (this one) from a post here on Xmark's that was a few years ago, that was talking about spincer jackets, and "going formal" at a great price.......You guys might like to check it out.

http://www.uniformalwearhouse.com/ap...#anchor2186205

Stan L.