Dress coat opinion.

[TJ Kelley]

Unfortunately had to attend a funeral last week.
First time ever in a formal kilted situation.

I know my jacket isn't cut for kilt length.
But what do you gentlemen think, does it look to long/bad?

I have a upcoming 50th wedding anniversary to attend in a month.
Should I look into a shorter dress coat?

I am fairly good sized at 6'5" and this is a x-long jacket.
I think If purchased a regular length jacket, it may work.

Let me know what you think? Thanks.
—T

[TJ Kelley]

sorry... I guess this should have been in the Advice thread.

[Jock Scot]

Sometimes you have to make the best of what you have got, that's just the way it is. But in truth, your present jacket is not showing the kilt and more importantly, you, off to best advantage. So a properly cut kilt jacket would be your best option.

[BCAC]

Very diplomatic, Jock.

I would just say that it's too long but with a month you have probably just enough time to either buy something suitable, get this one tailored or even hire a suitable jacket.

[Grizzly]

I agree with Jock and David above. I accept the fact that one has to save up for pieces of kit and that we all cant rush out and buy everything we want. However I am not a fan of the regular length sports jacket being worn with a kilt. It does not show you or the kilt off to the best advantage.

With regard to buying a shorter length regular jacket to fit your tall frame, as far as I am aware the Short, regular or long classification refers more to the sleeve length than the body length. So therefore it wont really work because the sleeves length will be far too short.

Keep an eye out on Ebay, there are very often ex hire jackets for sale for bargain prices. I bought one a week ago and its really good quality. An black Argyle would be best as they can be dressed up or down to suit the occaision.

[Nile]

TJ,

You look very good, despite the jacket's length. Though I agree with the other posts about the length of the jacket, I did the same as you, before I got a kilt jacket (like Jock says "you make the best of what you have got").

I wore standard cut jackets a number of times with my kilts usually to functions where most folks didn't know or recognize the incongruity. Once, I wore my Amerikilt (utility type) and a standard cut sports coat to a Burns supper and I'll tell you, I got some strange looks from the PC crowd.

The important thing is, you're thinking the right way so, take your time and get the jacket that's right for you when you're ready. Other wise, the way you are dressed (in the picture) is good for a funeral but, for the wedding, I would suggest adding some contrasting color, perhaps in the tie and/or flashes, IMHO.

Nile

[TJ Kelley]

I was thinking the same thing, after looking at several dress photos posted here. Thanks for your valued opinions I appreciate your time and feedback.

I like the idea of tailoring a existing jacket, I have 2 that may work. Is there a rule of thumb where the coat tail should lay?

I was planning on wearing a black Stewart tartan, red flashes and red tie to the upcoming anniversary party. My wife will be in red... we should look smashing.

[Friday]

The tail of the coat should hit just above the fell line of the kilt in the back, and the center (button) edge of the jacket should curve away to make room for the sporran.


You might also look at your local thrift store and see if they have a jacket that could be altered for a kilt jacket.

[madmacs]

If you're planning on altering a jacket, look at buying a shorter length.

It's far easier to lengthen the sleeve (assuming there's enough fabric there) than it is to move the pockets. The alternative in most situations is that the pockets will be too close to the bottom of the jacket.

In my experience going up from a regular fitting to a long usually changes the body length by about 2-inches. If you're 6ft 5 a long fitting may work for you.

If you are looking at thrift store jackets keep your eye out for double vents at the back of the jacket, and probably a 3 button front so that the collar looks better.

[BCAC]

I was thinking the same thing, after looking at several dress photos posted here. Thanks for your valued opinions I appreciate your time and feedback.

I like the idea of tailoring a existing jacket, I have 2 that may work. Is there a rule of thumb where the coat tail should lay?

I was planning on wearing a black Stewart tartan, red flashes and red tie to the upcoming anniversary party. My wife will be in red... we should look smashing.

If you're thinking of tailoring an existing jacket you should be aware of (and therefore be able to avoid) the two most glaring mistakes people make when attempting this.

The first one is to cut the jacket too short in the body. The rule of thumb, normally, is to have the jacket as long as to the "fell" (which is where the pleats are sewn down across the back of your kilt) but I like my kilt jackets to have the body of the jacket as long as the sleeves.

The second most glaring mistake people make is to make the "sporran cutaway" curves too abrupt. When it's done wrongly it just looks bad.