The ideal time for the black argyll

[Nathan]

I'd love to know your opinions on when the black barathea Argyll jacket with metal buttons is the best possible option. I know it can serve many purposes if necessary, but that isn't my question. It will do the trick for black tie, but a Prince Charlie or doublet is ideal. You can wear it in the day, but a tweed is the preferred option for that.

I've read that is is a morning suit equivalent, so does that mean that it is ideal for one's own wedding pretty much? I have read sources like the old WM Anderson catalogue that stated a groom could wear full evening dress for a daytime wedding as the event will go into the night and he is the groom, but perhaps the proponents of the morning suit would disagree.

I have several options including few tweeds, the black Argyll with metal buttons, a charcoal worsted wool suiting fabric Argyll with black leather buttons, a PC, a Kenmore/Balmoral doublet and a single breasted velvet doublet similar to the GT doublet.

I also know Jock's advice about switchable buttons but my question is specifically about the metal buttons.

Aside from perhaps my own wedding, when should that be the jacket I reach for above all of my other options?

Nathan

[McMurdo]

I am not sure that there is an ideal time for the black barathea Argyll jacket. As you say for day events tweed is preferable and for evening a coatee or doublet would be the preferred choice. I do not own one, and have thought about purchasing one, however I have not needed to as I have tweeds for the day and other more appropriate choices for evening wear.

[artificer]

I wear mine for two primary types of occasions.

Times when a VERY nice suit would be appropriate (Morning Dress or a very sharp Business Suit)- worn with the 5 button waistcoat,
And Black Tie, when I wear it with either my 3 button waistcoat or my bias cut 4 button waistcoat, depending on which kilt I'm wearing.

I will go on record as saying that I don't think a wing collar shirt goes particularly well with the Argyll (I don't care for it with a regular Saxon tuxedo either)
so I always wear a turned down collar shirt with a pique front.

Some people wear it without a waistcoat to make it look more casual, but in situations like this tweed is really a better bet, if you can afford it.

I think that the Argyll is delightfully versatile, as long as you've got both waistcoats you can take it nearly anywhere.

ith:

[StevieR]

I wore one on my wedding day - a very long time ago - all the male guests wore morning suits, with three or four kilted. I always thought I would buy one when I started my new love affair with highlandwear last year, however, influenced by the many threads and posts on xmarks, I'm not now sure I see the point. A good quality lovat green tweed for all daywear, dressed up or down as the occasion demands and a pc for black tie in the evening will meet all my requirements. As for the Anderson catalogue suggesting a groom wearing black tie during the day! My dad would have forty fits and my grandpa would be spinning in his grave at the thought. Black tie after 7.

[McElmurry]

A versatile compromise tends to be the best option when facing varying conditions with a single tool. So I would say a trip where one jacket has to serve many purposes. If you are near home and have access to your entire wardrobe you may not reach for it at all.

[creagdhubh]

I have no idea, Nathan! Good question, mate.

What I do know is that I have never owned an Argyll style jacket in black Barathea wool with silver buttons and probably never will. Don't get me wrong, I like the look of it, especially when it's paired up with a 5 button waistcoat. I absolutely love the 19th-century styles with the elongated "Van Dyke" pockets on both the jacket and the waistcoat, i.e.- see some of Kenneth MacLeay's Highlanders and John Brown's (portrayed by Billy Connolly) version in the film "Mrs. Brown."

Honestly, I've never really had an occasion where I would even wear one. For me, it's either Highland daywear, which of course is an Argyll style jacket and waistcoat in tweed, or Highland black/white tie, which is a doublet in black Barathea or coloured velvet. I do realise that this topic may be quite subjective from person to person.

Cheers,

[creagdhubh]

I am not sure that there is an ideal time for the black barathea Argyll jacket. As you say for day events tweed is preferable and for evening a coatee or doublet would be the preferred choice. I do not own one, and have thought about purchasing one, however I have not needed to as I have tweeds for the day and other more appropriate choices for evening wear.

That's precisely where I stand as well, Glen. I have always thought the Argyll style jacket and waistcoat in black Barathea wool as being rather superfluous and may been seen as more along the lines of the "pipe band look." I know many retailers label it as "semi-formal," which is a term that has never made much sense to me anyways. Again, just my two pence for what it's worth. I realise that not everyone can afford doublets and coatees cut for black/white tie affairs when Highland dress is worn, so an Argyll jacket in black Barathea may be a more realistic (versatile perhaps?) option/alternative.

In previous threads, I do believe Jock Scot has gone into great detail in regards to the Argyll style jacket in black Barathea/silver buttons and when/where it's worn.

Cheers,

[JohntheBiker]

I have a black Argyll and frankly don't wear it very often. I have used it on occasion in attending an optional formal event (non-highland) where a PC and full regalia would be a little over the top.

Here is one example:

[Grizzly]

Although I have daywear tweeds I don't have an evening jacket, for me and this is my personal view a black argyle would fit the bill if I were going out in the evening with my OH to a very nice restaurant where a jacket is required, somewhere where a very nice evening suit would be requisite without needing the formality of black tie or the where tradition dictates the wearing of a PC. Also trips to the opera or ballet would suit an argyle and so would a dressy but not over the top evening do at a wedding.

It has its place in a wardrobe and I would probably wear it more often than a PC.

[creagdhubh]

Although I have daywear tweeds I don't have an evening jacket, for me and this is my personal view a black argyle would fit the bill if I were going out in the evening with my OH to a very nice restaurant where a jacket is required, something where a very nice evening suit without the formality of black tie or the where tradition dictates the wearing of a PC. Also trips to the opera or ballet would suit an argyle and so would a dressy but not over the top evening do at a wedding.

It has its place in a wardrobe and I would probably wear it more often than a PC.

Well said, Simon.