A thought-experiment on a Highland-style Eton conversion

[Tim Little]

Moved from Alan H's very informative Eton jacket thread so as not to hijack.

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I've been intrigued by the possibilities offered by the Eton-style jacket after reading about it on some of the other threads here, and got to thinking about possible adaptation for Highland formalwear.

Someone posted a link to the Custom Uniform Company's offerings, two of which -- ETO-M-02 (p.1) or ETO-W/M-06 (p.2) -- struck me as having particular potential as a custom or DIY job.

In my mind's eye I'm envisioning the Highland-syle M-02 as a fresh/contemporary alternative to the traditional Montrose or Sherrifmuir doublets, borrowing some design elements from these jackets as well as from the standard piper's tunic/doublet and also the Prince Charlie coatee.

(As an aside, I find the traditional jabot and cuffs on the doublets to be just a bit too "frilly" and somewhat old-fashioned for my taste.)

To transform the M-02 into a Highland-style doublet should be relatively straightforward, I'd think: the basic pattern looks sound, but I think you'd want to add gauntlet/Argyll cuffs, braided shoulder straps, and -- of course -- some nice shiny PC-style buttons. The end result should look quite a bit like a toned-down piper's tunic, without embroidery or the embellishment -- altogether quite snazzy, IMHO.

It's hard to tell from a single picture on a website, of course, but it looks like the front cut of the M-02 is quite comparable to that of the PC and waistcoat, though I'd imagine one would want to wear it with a kilt belt.

Because the M-02 lacks the "flash" of the jabot, I'd also imagine that the addition of a fly plaid would add a nice splash of color. Tartan hose would be de rigeur.

I'm not big on headwear myself (for me "toories" fall into the same category as the jabot and cuffs), but I could easily imagine rounding out the full regalia with an Irish caubeen or military-style beret -- perhaps with a tartan flash/rosette to boot.

I'm certainly no tailor (nor fashonista), and I'd hate to think how much this might cost as a custom job. I also sadly lack the occasion to wear something as formal as this -- I barely find enough occasion to break out my PC as it is! But if any DIYers -- or anyone else so inspired -- feel up to the task, I'd be very interested to see how it all comes together.

In the meantime, what's the general X Marks consensus on how this might look? "Stoater" or "Naff"?

[cavscout]

I think on it's own it would look pretty fancy. I think once you mix it into a room full of others dressed at the same level of formality you will stand out like a sore thumb. What I mean by that is if everyone else is dressed in traditional garb, it will be very obvious that you are not in a traditional outfit. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with modernizing a traditional outfit but I feel when you do this you would end up with a better look if you loose/modify/substitute a few of the traditional elements (epaulets, gauntlet cuffs,...) so as not to appear to be trying to mimic tradition with "something close". It's better to be seen as substituting the whole jacket than trying to make something work. For example, my Eton jacket mod has only two buttons on the back of the arm and no epaulets. To me it just would not have looked right trying to emulate a PC without ever having a chance to replicate it.

With all the other extra accessories you mention this outfit would be an extremely formal outfit and most would never wear it as a non-piper or non-military personnel. For civilian to walk in in such a "uniform" looking outfit, I think folks would be wondering whats up and probably spend the evening asking you if you're a piper. Wouldn't that be a hoot, a roomful of kilties asking you if you play the bag pipes

[Nick the DSM]

i think it should be possible to do and not sore to look at.

[Bugbear]

Panache's thread "Tux with tails to Prince Charlie conversion"

kevinkinney's thread "DIY Regulation Doublet"


You might want to look into those two threads.
I would love to have a plain Eton jacket rigged up like a mess jacket. I would really rather have a black argyll with a five and a three button waistcoat... Save the silver and fancies for the sporran cantle and/or a nice buckle.

[Carolina Kiltman]

Panache's thread "Tux with tails to Prince Charlie conversion"

kevinkinney's thread "DIY Regulation Doublet"


You might want to look into those two threads.
I would love to have a plain Eton jacket rigged up like a mess jacket. I would really rather have a black argyll with a five and a three button waistcoat... Save the silver and fancies for the sporran cantle and/or a nice buckle.

My feelings exactly. The conversion of an "experienced" tail coat into a PC is relatively straight forward, and if the price is right, very economical to boot! For using an Eaton/Mess jacket, try to keep as far away from the actual military look as possible, (Unless, of course you are retired military. It would look too much like a costume. "Scotty" Thompson's advice in his book So You are Going to Wear the Kilt for informal wear suggests either the "Ike" jacket, or modification of a military jacket into a "bum-freezer". Since the now traditional Highland dress is quasi military anyway, those military touches are OK. This is just my opinion. I modified a western short jacket from Blair, and the effect is quite good, I have been told.