Waistcoat only?

[Tenmiles]

I live in southern California, where it has already hit 32 degrees (90 in Farenheit) and is likely to remain in that range for the next six months (we have two seasons here; a few months of "Winter", which is basically what you'd expect Spring to be like, and "Bloody Hot", which is all the rest of the year).

Though I look forward to a nice tweed jacket for sharp-looking daywear, seasons permitting, in actuality it'll be unfeasible to wear one much of the time 'round here.

However, in the interest of still looking sharp and stylish, I'd like to compliment my kilt & shirt with a nice tweed waistcoat for more regular day wear.

With the disclaimer that I've already been told how "official" I should consider the "THCD Rulebook" to be, I just wanted to ask: Is waistcoat + kilt (sans coat) a conventional thing? Or is it something looked down on by purists?

(Further disclaimer: the answer to this question will not influence my decision to wear what I want; I'm more curious so that I can be fore-armed when dressing for going out to casual situations where I might encounter others who'd be in a position to have an informed opinion on my attire)

[unixken]

I should think you'd be just fine, with waistcoat, sans jacket.

Two oft-held principles you'll see on this site are:

A) Think of the kilt as simply a replacement for slacks - if you'd wear a waistcoat/vest only, when wearing slacks, then it would be equally ok to wear with a kilt.

B) Weather and climate will certainly influence an outfit. In warmer climates, one can not be expected to wear what one might wear in the often cooler, damper regions of the world. Better to be seen minus the jacket, than to be seen sweating like a dog.

[Tenmiles]

Weather and climate will certainly influence an outfit. In warmer climates, one can not be expected to wear what one might wear in the often cooler, damper regions of the world.

Aye, this is one of the frequent complaints about being a reenactor in this region.

[unixken]

Aye, this is one of the frequent complaints about being a reenactor in this region.

I would, however, submit that a reenactor's outfit is meant more as an appropriate "costume", as opposed to "civilian street clothes." The "role" you play as a reenactor participating in the reenactment, is not the same context as the spectator observing the reenactment. That probably changes ones expectations for comfort a bit.

[Tenmiles]

Oh to be sure, and we grin and bear it; but that's not to say the frequency of 'aside' comments we make to each other in our commiseration is any less. Oh how we delight in overcast or rainy days, that the weather has decided to reenact along with us.

[MacCathmhaoil]

One adapts to the weather conditions as one needs, even the lightest of tweed jackets may be impractical in high heat. A waistcoat, shirt and tie are fine and in fact for a more casual approach lose the tie and unbutton the waistcoat if you like. You will look much better if you are dressed so you are comfortable, rather than under layers of sweat soaked tweed.

[The Wizard of BC]

If I may suggest - If you wish to wear a vest alone, look for one that has a fabric back, not the satin back with the adjuster thingy.

Vests with satin backs and adjusters are meant to be worn under a jacket. They are not meant to be outer clothing. It is pretty plain that the back is not designed to be seen.

Yes, I know, you see it done all the time. But a vest with a finished back looks much nicer when worn alone. Just an old school guy dressing thing I learned many moons ago. Like not wearing a belt and a vest at the same time. That is what braces are for. Braces hold your pants up and are worn under the vest so they are not seen.

[Taskr]

I think the waistcoat only looks quite sharp. I take Steve's advice, but also know a satin back is far more common a vest to find. Might it also be a bit cooler for warmer weather or is satin going to be less or similarily breathable? I frequent thrift shops looking for a suitable one.

[unixken]

I've often seen what Steve describes, as a "Snooker Vest". (Snooker being a game of billiards/pool.) An example of which can be seen here. Note the absense of the adjuster that Steve speaks of, and the fact that the back of the vest is a fabric other than satin. Think "Minnesota Fats."

[Steve Ashton]

There are about a gazillion styles of vest designed as outer wear.
It does not have to be one specifically for a kilt nor one seen with a suit.
Let your imagination go wild.