Waist coat sizes

[Warhoover]

Ok, ya'll 'splain sumtin to me. I have been looking at ordering a waistcoat for piping. I understand that the chest measurement is needed just like jacket, but why do you have to specify short, medium or long. There are no sleeves! Or, does this refer to the length of the waistcoat itself? (Measured down the back from the neck). If so what measurement would be concidered short , medium or long?

Thanks!

[PiobBear]

Waistcoats are made to be worn with a jacket, so they're sized to match; I wear a 48R jacket, so I wear a 48R waistcoat...a 48S or 48L would be too short or too long in the body, just like the jacket would (it's not just sleeve length).
While I realize that they're pipe-band fashionable, I don't like the look; I think it makes you look half-dressed. I'd prefer just to wear a short-sleeve oxford shirt & tie.

[Warhoover]

Thanks for clearing that up for me Emmet. My wife was questioning my decision about the waistcoat as well, so I am scrapping that. I will just save my schillings until I can go with an Argyll or the like later on. I like your idea and I am looking at shirts like you suggested. I had a look at your webpage again and I like your idea of the "Tropical uniform". I have several of my old Summer white uniform shirts that would work well. I don't know why I did not think of them. I guess because they are in the back of the closet. Thanks for the input its much appreciated.