Kilt Jacket manufacturer recommendations re sizing

**RSHAW** · 9th January 15, 11:18 AM

From reading websites, it has been noted that British tailoring is a slimmer cut than typical US. Do some manufacturers have more relaxed or fuller cut coats as opposed to others? Specifically I would want a jacket with roomy arm holes, sufficient chest and biceps room. I do see piper flex jackets which have stretch, but at the same time are noted to be cut high in the arm which for me would the opposite of what I require. Thanks for input. I am on a budget so a truly custom garment is not what I am looking for.

**Andrew Breecher** · 9th January 15, 12:28 PM

For what it's worth, a high, small arm hole gives you more freedom of movement. It's just more difficult to provide this arm hole in a ready-to-wear jacket, since everyone is built slightly differently, which is why most RTW jackets have larger arm holes.

**Benning Boy** · 9th January 15, 04:55 PM

I recall that Steve Ashton once posted that nearly all kilt jackets are made by maybe two or three makers, and labeled to suit buyers, which accounts for the sameness of today's "traditional" kilt jackets. So, is suspect they must all be tailored about the same.

I have one of those dressy black with silver button jackets, whatever the heck it's named, from J. Higgins, right here in Kansas. It fits me true to size. Also have a Wallace jacket from Freedom Kilts, Steve's business, that fits me like a 'Merican jacket ought. Neither one is tight in the shoulders or arms, though a bit snug buttoned up, but I'm fixing that. I'd suggest you check out these two sources.

**RSHAW** · 9th January 15, 07:48 PM

Thank you, Robert

**Tarheel** · 10th January 15, 05:18 AM

Benning, my Eisenhower jacket is also shaped thin at the waist. AH, to have my former military "6-pack abs" again ( or for some of us) our girlish waists of yore. Good thing is, the arms have extra sleeve material giving added room for large biceps. That probably is the fix for the jackets of your inquiry and I can see the jump in price for tailoring.

**Piper** · 10th January 15, 05:42 AM

I'm not sure about the differences in tailoring between manufacturers, but I'll put my own experience out there. I have an Argyle from Higgins. Excellent jacket, but a bit snug. It was purchased in the size that I regularly wear. I have a Piper Flex Argyle from USA kilts. Fits great, but I have the advantage of living where I can make the trip to have Rocky measure me in person. What you may find to be your best bet is look for a good second hand jacket. My Prince Charlie was purchased very reasonably from a previous owner who had lost a great deal of weight. I took it to my local Men's Wearhouse and had it altered to fit for $25.00. Fits perfectly, for very little money.

**Riverkilt** · 10th January 15, 09:04 AM

Locharron was making made-to-measure jackets not long ago. I have three. Have it your way.

**Cyd** · 7th March 15, 07:31 PM

Originally Posted by Piper

I'm not sure about the differences in tailoring between manufacturers, but I'll put my own experience out there. I have an Argyle from Higgins. Excellent jacket, but a bit snug. It was purchased in the size that I regularly wear. I have a Piper Flex Argyle from USA kilts. Fits great, but I have the advantage of living where I can make the trip to have Rocky measure me in person. What you may find to be your best bet is look for a good second hand jacket. My Prince Charlie was purchased very reasonably from a previous owner who had lost a great deal of weight. I took it to my local Men's Wearhouse and had it altered to fit for $25.00. Fits perfectly, for very little money.

Excellent advice! I would have just given you an "Aye" if I could just figure out how to do it.