Vest question

[Kiltedmedic]

I am looking on amazon for a vest to dress up my kilt outfit. Has anyone had any experience doing this? I read reviews and find sizes seem to be an issue. Also, it is the EMS memorial tartan, I am thinking gray or black in tweed material. Thoughts?

[Tobus]

You can buy generic "vests" anywhere, but they will range from good to truly awful. And just like any other piece of clothing, sizing is not consistent.

Keep in mind, also, that most vests/waistcoats made for wearing with trousers will be a tad too long in the front, and will interfere with the sporran. They tend to put those 'points' on the front that just don't work when wearing it with a kilt. So if you're looking for a waistcoat specifically for wearing with a kilt, you may want to consider a flat-bottom one. Or be prepared to alter the one you get to shorten it in front so it's not fighting with your sporran.

This site tends to have a decent selection, including flat-bottom waistcoats: http://www.gentlemansemporium.com/store/vests.php They may not be as cheap as what you'll find on Amazon, but may be better quality.

[Kiltedmedic]

And this is why I came here. Thank you, Tobus. Good points all

[Manxstralian]

I quite like the look of this one:
http://www.gentlemansemporium.com/store/003155.php

Cheers,

Cameron

[Kiltedmedic]

The problem I am having is that I have a 44 inch chest but I am only 5'7" so I am thinking online may not be the way to go.

[Tobus]

The problem I am having is that I have a 44 inch chest but I am only 5'7" so I am thinking online may not be the way to go.

Hmm. You may be right. Have you considered finding a local person to make you a custom waistcoat? Even just a friend who can sew? Waistcoats don't require much in the way of special tailoring (unlike jackets and such), and ought to be pretty straightforward. There are numerous patterns out there that they could follow to make you a waistcoat for your size. It may cost a couple bucks more than a generic-sized one off the peg, but it would be worth it to ensure a proper fit.

[Kiltedmedic]

The only reason I chose amazon was because family members gave me gift cards to use there knowing that I wanted a vest but didn't know what to get me. Ah, well, there are enough other kilt accessories on there to spend it on. Perhaps another Sportkilt.

[brewerpaul]

Gentleman's Emporium has a good selection at reasonable prices. They have everything from canvas working vests to nice wool dress vests. As stated above they have some straight cut vests that will not interfere with the sporran. Having a friend who sews or learning to do it yourself has its rewards also. Below is a recent finished vest project of mine. I used a burgundy wool tweed and vest pattern, Burda 2767. The vest has a stand up collar and about 6 bottons and two welt pockets. This is from Burda's historic patterns and is from 1848. Best of luck in your searching.

[Mikilt]

With guidance from my mother, I made this vest from Simplicity Pattern 4762

[Son of the Rock]

I have some suggestions, but it would be easier to help if you could tell us which country you're from (because it will affect shipping) and around how much your willing to spend. Don't worry, I don't think your dimensions will be much of an issue, if you're looking for a kilt vest.