Chieftain Waistcoat Supplier?

**Panache** · 13th April 23, 06:10 PM

Hi All,

My dance group , the Red Thistle Dancers, are considering using Chieftain waistcoats as a replacement for some aging black vests in our costume repertoire. While not traditional highland attire, they show very well and would look good on stage. I was wondering if any of our membership could recommend any vendors with reasonable prices ? These are dance costumes and we do have to supply all our male dancers so cost is a consideration.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

Cheers

Jamie

**Jock Scot** · 14th April 23, 01:56 PM

Could you explain what a “chieftain waistcoat “ is and what it looks like, please Jamie? I am really not familiar with the term. Thanks.

**kilted2000** · 14th April 23, 02:03 PM

This is a 'chieftain waistcoat' for those wondering. Can't say I'm a fan.
https://www.usakilts.com/chieftain-vest.html

**Father Bill** · 14th April 23, 02:48 PM

Originally Posted by kilted2000

This is a 'chieftain waistcoat' for those wondering. Can't say I'm a fan.
https://www.usakilts.com/chieftain-vest.html

I was afraid of that. Will they be worn for Samhain?

**MacKenzie** · 15th April 23, 08:21 AM

Cripes! Give it a rest.

The man said, "While not traditional highland attire, they show very well and would look good on stage." And, "These are dance costumes"

Google Red Thistle Dancers.

**Father Bill** · 15th April 23, 08:30 AM

Originally Posted by MacKenzie

Cripes! Give it a rest.

The man said, "While not traditional highland attire, they show very well and would look good on stage." And, "These are dance costumes"

Google Red Thistle Dancers.

Yes, I know who they are, I know where and how they will be worn, and I consider Panache to be a good friend. I was twitting my friend. I guess you didn't get that.

**MacKenzie** · 16th April 23, 08:04 AM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

I was twitting my friend. I guess you didn't get that.

Not at all.

All good then.

**Panache** · 22nd April 23, 10:04 AM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

I was afraid of that. Will they be worn for Samhain?

A bit formal for Samhain don't you think Father Bill?

Cheers

Jamie

**Panache** · 22nd April 23, 10:15 AM

For those interested, here is another waistcoat that the male dancers wear in my dance group below.

I did expect a fair bit of flack about the chieftains waistcoats

. However, I will reiterate that these are costumes worn performing on stage.

A chieftains waistcoat with a full sleeved pirate-like shirt is going to look a lot more dynamic and interesting than a a subtle tweed jacket, a tattersal checked shirt, and nicely coordinated wool tie on stage at a distance. (Nice as that might look close up).

I'm absolutely sure that the ones that Rocky at USA Kilts are first rate quality, however they would be a bit out of reach for our group's costuming budget and we already require our dancers to purchase their own Prince Charlie Coatees so I was looking for more affordable options.

Cheers

Jamie

**OC Richard** · 26th April 23, 04:52 AM

Being a former RSCDS dancer myself I appreciate wanting to have a waistcoat that shows well on stage, but still isn't too hot to wear, and gives full freedom of movement.

I've seen their current ones and they're quite nice, styled a bit like an Argyll jacket but sleeveless of course.

Likewise RSCDS show groups often favour the shirts with full sleeves which likewise show well on stage.

In full disclosure, I myself wore such a waistcoat as a dancer in the early 1980s.

The only photo I have was taken at a Renaissance-themed banquet I was hired to perform at.

These waistcoats were made of rather thin fine-wale corduroy in deep Royal Blue with shoulder shells and tashen around the bottom. We wore them with these Puffy Sleeve shirts. Being thin 100% cotton the waistcoats and shirts were cool to wear when dancing.