advice on tweed color

[FossilHunter]

I've been looking for a tweed jacket and MacGregor and MacDuff seem to have a good deal on ex-hire jackets.

They have this light gray "lomond" tweed:

lomond gray.jpg

and this charcoal "glen orchy" tweed:

glen orchy.jpg

I would prefer a jacket that would work with any kilt that I may own. I have a wool kilt in the making in MacDonald of Glenaladale:

IMG_5352.JPG

and the PV MacDonald modern kilt I've worn in my forum pictures up to this point:

mac mod.jpg

I would also like the option of wearing macdonald tartan in ancient or muted colors if I ever decide to. But that's not something that would happen any time soon.

My initial preference is for the lighter gray tweed but the response to my beige linen jacket in my "too rustic?" thread makes me think that I could use others' thoughts before I buy anything.

Note: the tweed photos are from MacGregor & MacDuff's rental website. I cropped them to focus on the tweed (the original photos were enormous) but I want to credit them as the owners.

[ShaunMaxwell]

If I were you, I think I'd forego either of these options and save up for a more traditional color jacket/waistcoat in either lovat green, Highland green, bottle green or a perhaps a nice estate tweed. A blue jacket might work, but you don't see those worn as often as the earthier tones.

I think the light gray is too light and, as the owner of a charcoal jacket/waistcoat, I find that I am MUCH less inclined to wear it than others as it tends to be a bit dressy for most daytime events (think Highland games) but not quite dressy enough for a more formal occasion. Better to have something that's really what you need than to get something that's tolerable because it's a good deal.

You might even consider something along these lines:



I'll be curious to see what you end up with.

Cheers,

SM

[Karl R]

I would prefer a jacket that would work with any kilt that I may own.

If you're looking for something that will work with anything that you may own (currently or in the future), then you're on the right track looking at neutral colors.

If you start broadening out with other colors (as Shaun suggests), then it may limit the options that it works with on future kilts.

My initial preference is for the lighter gray tweed but the response to my beige linen jacket in my "too rustic?" thread makes me think that I could use others' thoughts before I buy anything.

What situations do you want to wear it for? The charcoal will work better for more dressy/formal situations. The light gray will work better for less dressy/formal situations.

Personally, I'd consider either, but the light gray would fill a larger gap in my wardrobe.

Important consideration:
The Glen Orchy is just the jacket. The Lomond includes the waistcoat.

[FossilHunter]

If you're looking for something that will work with anything that you may own (currently or in the future), then you're on the right track looking at neutral colors.

If you start broadening out with other colors (as Shaun suggests), then it may limit the options that it works with on future kilts.


What situations do you want to wear it for? The charcoal will work better for more dressy/formal situations. The light gray will work better for less dressy/formal situations.

Personally, I'd consider either, but the light gray would fill a larger gap in my wardrobe.

Important consideration:
The Glen Orchy is just the jacket. The Lomond includes the waistcoat.

I already own a black barathea jacket for formal/dressier use. My tweed would really be for day use/business-suit equivalent.

[figheadair]

I agree with Shaun, I'd opt for something in the green/range. But I would say that wouldn't I.

201602028-Calender House-1.jpg

[Tobus]

I have to go with Shaun and Peter on this one. Monochrome (grey hues with no complexity to the tweed) kilt jackets bore me to tears. There's nothing wrong with them per se, but they are just a bit unimaginative and make the whole outfit look very modern and urban. If that's the look you are going for, then by all means, go for it. But much of the traditional aesthetic is in the earthy colours, patterns, and textures. This is why I am so in love with vintage tweeds. They have it all. Modern kilt jacket choices can get there to some degree, but it really depends on the pattern and tweed choice.

It really comes down to what look you're going for, and where you intend to wear this jacket. Since you already have a black Argyll jacket for more dressy occasions, my suggestion would be something that is firmly in the daywear category, suitable for outdoors. The opposite end of the spectrum from the black Argyll. Shaun's example would be perfect, and if I were going to buy a newly-made kilt jacket, that's likely what I'd go for: an olive-coloured tweed with a nice windowpane check pattern. But for pity's sake, skip the ruche tie!

If you're not quite ready for a bold pattern, there are still options for more uniform colours. Lovat green or blue, various shades of earthier greens to browns, etc. Any of them can go with the tartan in your kilt, if the other accessories (tie, shirt, hose, bonnet if worn) are paired well.

And of course, there's more to a traditional jacket than just the colour. I'm particular about the cut of the jacket, the cuffs, epaulettes, buttons, etc. But that's probably a different subject.

[John_Carrick]

I really like the light grey jacket and have a similar dark grey Crail jacket myself. If you have the black barathea jacket for more formal evening events, then you certainly cut a dash

[figheadair]

I would prefer a jacket that would work with any kilt that I may own. I have a wool kilt in the making in MacDonald of Glenaladale:

IMG_5352.JPG

Good choice of pleating on the Glenaladale BTW.

[gsmacleod]

My tank is a MacLeod of Harris and I currently have three jackets; charcoal Braemar (with waistcoat), a lovat green Argyll (with waistcoat) and a herringbone blue-grey Crail.

My favourite is the lovat green although the charcoal works well for dressier occasions that I attend (such as graduation).

To me, both of those jackets would benefit from more texture/pattern but that's really personal preference.

Shane

[figheadair]

To me, both of those jackets would benefit from more texture/pattern but that's really personal preference.

Agreed. I'm a fan of both texture and pattern on a tweed.

Studio_20190214_140920.jpg