Is this actually formalwear...

[Nighthawk]

SWORDSMAN JACKET/WAISTCOAT

2 IN 1, DETACHABLE SLEEVES

This is a Brand New Jacobean style Swordsman Jacket and Waistcoat, with a two in one feature of detachable sleeves, with can be easily zipped off or on, great for casual day occasions and going to ceilidhs, usually worn with a Jacobean Kilt Shirt.

Definately the jacket for the more relaxed look, worn as shown with the Jacobite / Ghillie shirt and a day or semi-dress sporran. Made in 100% pure wool and fully lined with two antique style buttons and button holes at the waist, each sleeve cuff also has the feature of two antique style buttons.

This jacket is suited for both non-formal occassions - Ceilidhs, birthday parties, family gatherings, etc, or for formal occassions worn with the plaid to weddings etc.

...or are these guys ( http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/KILT-JACKET-SW...742.m153.l1262) just trying to make a sale? My understanding is that the plaid is mainly worn with a PC or for white tie events, if at all. I haven't heard anywhere else that this kind of jacket paired with a plaid can be formal. With a long plaid and penanular broach, it would look like a lot of painting from the early 1700's, but those were not formal I don't think.

What say the rabble?

[Bugbear]

Ehh, that doesn't sound formal. Formal is something kind of on the line of the PC.

That reminds me, Nighthawk, you were asking a while back about using an Eton jacket. In case you haven't seen the thread, here you go.
campbell's thread"Cheap Formal Suit and Tie"

That will help you out.

I'm very confused about the zip off sleeves... It might look good for casual wear, though. Also, I don't think the use of the plaid does anything for making an outfit formal... You're probably right on that.

Good luck.

[Big Mikey]

It would depend on whether we're talking modern formal or traditional formal.

[Alan H]

Robertson wore a slashed-sleeve swordsman-style jacket to his wedding and looked smashing. Besides, he married Emma, who is a babe, and there you go.

But generally speaking, I'd say that the swordsmans jacket is not formalwear....they just look good.

[JSFMACLJR]

It would depend on whether we're talking modern formal or traditional formal.

What's the difference?

[Nighthawk]

Ehh, that doesn't sound formal. Formal is something kind of on the line of the PC.

That reminds me, Nighthawk, you were asking a while back about using an Eton jacket. In case you haven't seen the thread, here you go.
campbell's thread"Cheap Formal Suit and Tie"

That will help you out.

I'm very confused about the zip off sleeves... It might look good for casual wear, though. Also, I don't think the use of the plaid does anything for making an outfit formal... You're probably right on that.

Good luck.

Why thank you, Ted! I appreciate the link. I still need to get myself an Eaton. I've had better things to spend my money on.

So- on the zip off sleeve issue- the costumer in my reenactment group is making me a jacket along these same lines. It was my idea, actually. I'm not using velcro or zippers, though, as those aren't exactly 17th century. We're using eyes and ties. That actually is the reason I was wondering about this jacket. I've been wanting to get one made for a while, and I had no idea that someone actually does it.

[Bugbear]

Oh! That makes sense then. Probably still not formal, but it would be kind of neat.

[Nighthawk]

Oh! That makes sense then. Probably still not formal, but it would be kind of neat.

Yeah, it should look great. I can't wait until we're done with it.

[Phil]

I think you were right about them just trying to make a sale. A "swordsman" type jacket would not be considered formal dress but is great for ceilidhs that sort of non dressy event.

[Scotus]

It would depend on whether we're talking modern formal or traditional formal

What's the difference?

MSFMACLJR, I was about to ask the same thing.