Need jacket/waistcoat quick - suggestions?

**Tobus** · 3rd October 11, 05:25 AM

My stepdaughter is getting married in less than three weeks (October 22nd). All I have is a converted tweed jacket and tweed waistcoat (they can go together, but don't really match). Unfortunately, I've lost some weight and the jacket is really too big for me. Plus the waistcoat was never a good fit to begin with; it's a little too long.

So I'd really like to find a new Argyll jacket and waistcoat, and investment which I've been meaning to make anyway. The problem is, I need it quickly. I do not have time to order one from Scotland and wait for it to be made. And what complicates it is that I'm not a normal size. I wear a 36 Short jacket.

I can get by with a 38 Short, but it's always too big in the shoulders and looks pretty stupid... like I'm wearing my dad's clothes.

I'm checking with Rocky this morning to see if he has anything like that in stock. But since he doesn't even list 36S as an available size on his website, I'm not holding out much hope. Looks like the STM only takes orders to be made in Scotland, and I have no time for that. Who else in the States would be a good source to check, that might have a wide variety of sizes available for immediate shipping?

*edited to add: This is an evening wedding, but it's not formal by any means. I'll probably be the most dressed-up person there, aside from the actual wedding party. Most folks will probably be in boots and jeans, maybe a suit or two. So a PC would be way over the top. I could even get by with a tweed jacket or other 'day wear' options. I just don't want to go without a jacket/waistcoat.

If I can't find something in time, I can always just fall back and wear my regular suit, leaving the kilt at home. But of course I'd rather wear the kilt!

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 3rd October 11, 05:42 AM

I think I may have a really nice black & white shepherd's check Harris Tweed kilt jacket and waistcoat in your size. I know it's either a 36 or 38, the problem is I don't recall if it is a short or not. When I get in to the museum this morning (in about an hour) I can check in the gift shop for the sleeve length.

This would normally be in the $600 range retail for the set, however, I'm motivated to move it, so I can do 50% off, and have it shipped out immediately if you like,

Let me know if a shepherd's check Harris Tweed jacket is something you are even considering, though. If so, I'll double check the sleeve length and see what kind of a deal I can make on the price.

**Tobus** · 3rd October 11, 06:16 AM

Hmm... that sounds very tempting, Matt! Could you take a pic of it? Even if it is the right size, I'm a bit unsure if a shepherd's check would be right for this. I don't want to be too 'loud'. The kilt itself is going to be enough of an attention-getter at this distinctly non-Scottish wedding, and I want to be as conservative as possible. But I'd kinda have to see it to make that decision.

**MacMillans son** · 3rd October 11, 06:24 AM

Tobus, it is my understanding that J Higgins carries a pretty large stock on hand, you may want to give them a call.

Best of luck, and my best wishes to the bride and groom.

Regards,
Brooke

**davidg** · 3rd October 11, 07:43 AM

Tobus

It may be worth checking some of the bigger Scottish outfitters, like Geoffrey (Tailor) , Kinloch Anderson or Hector Russell to see if they have anything in your size in stock ready for immediate dispatch. If sent by priority it could even be with you next day

**Silent Raven** · 3rd October 11, 08:29 AM

im not sure if they have jackets or not but cornerstone kilts is in texas and might be able to get you something if needed, they are a fairly new company, but it could be worth an email or call. the shipping time would probably be quick since its in state. good luck

**piperdbh** · 3rd October 11, 08:32 AM

Tobus, try PMing Matt at the Museum and ask about the green jacket I have there. It might fit you.

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 3rd October 11, 08:44 AM

Ok, I just measured both the B/W shepherd's check jacket as well as the Harris Tweed one David mentioned. Both are a 36 chest and 25.5" sleeve.

First, here's the shepherd's check jacket. I took this photo with my phone, so sorry for the quality.

This is made in Scotland from Harris Tweed cloth, and has a matching 5 button waistcoat. It's a brand new jacket. We had it made for a customer who actually needed a 38, so it was a size too small.

Originally this would have retailed for $595. I'll sell it for $295 plus shipping.

I think, personally, that the black and white shepherd's check jacket would go well with just about any tartan and though it may be a bit "loud" by some people's standards is quite traditional with Highland attire. I've seen photos of Sandy MacLean as well as McMurdo in similar jackets and they look just smashing for daywear.

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 3rd October 11, 08:52 AM

Ok, here is the Harris Tweed jacket that we have on consignment from David. This is another really lovely item. It's a vintage jacket, made sometime in the 1950s if I had to guess. It's in nearly perfect shape, and the quality on this is incredible. I don't know where you'd find a jacket made to the same standard today. It has real horn buttons. And the Harris Tweed is very sturdy, and made in the era when the yarns were all hand spun and dyed.

Again, the measurements are 36" chest and 25.5" sleeve length.

We have this one priced at $300.

Please call us toll free at 1-866-898-1192 if you are interested in either.

**creagdhubh** · 3rd October 11, 09:00 AM

Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome

Ok, I just measured both the B/W shepherd's check jacket as well as the Harris Tweed one David mentioned. Both are a 36 chest and 25.5" sleeve.

First, here's the shepherd's check jacket. I took this photo with my phone, so sorry for the quality.

This is made in Scotland from Harris Tweed cloth, and has a matching 5 button waistcoat. It's a brand new jacket. We had it made for a customer who actually needed a 38, so it was a size too small.

Originally this would have retailed for $595. I'll sell it for $295 plus shipping.

I think, personally, that the black and white shepherd's check jacket would go well with just about any tartan and though it may be a bit "loud" by some people's standards is quite traditional with Highland attire. I've seen photos of Sandy MacLean as well as McMurdo in similar jackets and they look just smashing for daywear.

What a deal! I would take Matt up on the offer if I was you! Fantastic jacket!