Ex Army (Military) kilt jacket (used) Advice needed.

**A Robertson** · 4th January 13, 04:34 PM

Hello! - and a Happy (PROSPEROUS!) New Year to all!
I am a 'newbie' - newly registered, but not new to these pages - I have been reading your advice for years.
I need help please.
I was in need of a civillian 'casual' jacket, and have just purchased an ex MOD (army) kilt jacket. But, I have a problem. The jacket is just - great! - but it looks toooo military! I personally, have no connection with the military, and am trying to work out how to make it more civillian. I think I should change/add buttons (although they are are just a depiction of a 'lion rampant'), and maybe loose the belt? Any other ideas? (MOST welcome!) Thanks.
Please advize!

Link to photo of the jacket for your consideration - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1907335822...84.m1438.l2649

PS. I have heard many explanations from our American cousins as to the origin of the 'Grand Canyon', Most claim it is the work of nature over millions of years. Here in GB, we all know it was made by a pioneer Scotsman, around the year 1860, who thought he had accidently dropped a dime down a rabbit hole.

**CMcG** · 4th January 13, 09:23 PM

Welcome to the forum. I agree that changing the buttons would help, perhaps to something wood, horn, or even plastic. Losing the belt altogether and maybe even wearing the jacket unbuttoned would also push the look away from a military one, though I think just loosening it (as you've suggested) wouldn't do too much.

Originally Posted by A Robertson

I think I should change/add buttons (although they are are just a depiction of a 'lion rampant'), and maybe loose the belt?

**Chas** · 5th January 13, 04:08 AM

Sorry, but I don't think it could be done. Even if you dyed the jacket a different colour, removed the two breast packets and the epaulettes it would still look like a military jacket. Removing the belt will not give a lounge suit look, but rather it will emphasise the lack of the forth button.

You would have to completely re-model the collar/lapels and front closure to remove the military look. It would be cheaper to buy the jacket that you want in the first place.

Sorry, almost forgot - Welcome to XMarks.

Regards

Chas

**Jock Scot** · 5th January 13, 04:21 AM

Welcome, from Inverness-shire.

I agree with Chas, by the time you have fiddled about, it will be easier to get a jacket that you really need. Military uniform jackets are built the way they are to show off the individual serviceman/woman to best advantage from a military point of view and to tinker with it----- to "civilianise" it------ just defeats the exercise from the jackets perspective and the wearer's.

**CMcG** · 5th January 13, 03:08 PM

Further to my first reply, and in light of Jock and Chas' comments, I'd like to add that a jacket like that can be "decommissioned" so it doesn't look like a uniform, but will always look like a military jacket. That is to say, no amount of tweaking will make it look like a civilian jacket, but it can be worn as army surplus that has been adapted for civilian use, which is a certain type of look. Whether or not one should mix civilian and military kit is another question...

If A Robertson is looking for a civilian jacket, he had best look elsewhere. If he wants a military jacket without looking like he nicked someone's uniform, there are things he can do.