Tweed Sports Coat to Kilt Jacket Conversion

**Walkman** · 28th February 17, 03:25 AM

I’ve decided to try my luck at a tweed sports coat to kilt jacket conversion. The resulting jacket will be worn with my Gordon Modern kilt. I went to seven thrift stores this weekend, but couldn’t find a coat in my size (50L). I therefore turned to eBay and found a nice medium brown, three button, barleycorn tweed (90% wool, 10% cashmere).

The coat was mailed yesterday, so I should have it later this week. Assuming that it is in the advertised “excellent” condition, the next step will be to choose a tailor. It should make a good three button or two button Wallace style jacket. Any thoughts on which way I should go? I plan to get an oatmeal, tan, camel, or gold wool vest to wear with it. Any opinions or other color suggestions?

Any general tips from those who've done conversions?

Best Regards

**Tarheel** · 28th February 17, 05:26 AM

I think an Emerald or Burgundy vest could work if the material isn't satin and a pastel shirt is incorporated. I believe your jacket will let you have many combinations to play with.

**Walkman** · 28th February 17, 06:21 AM

Originally Posted by Tarheel

I think an Emerald or Burgundy vest could work if the material isn't satin and a pastel shirt is incorporated. I believe your jacket will let you have many combinations to play with.

Thanks for your recommendations, Tarheel. I have an emerald green v-neck sweater. I'll have to give it a try with the coat and kilt. It will definitely go well, but I was trying to stay away from the main colors in the kilt (i.e. dark blue and green).

I hadn’t considered burgundy. That sounds very nice. It just tied with gold for first place. I think I would favor a white shirt with a burgundy vest and a blue shirt with a gold one. Conversely, a gold/yellow tie would look nice with the burgundy vest and a burgundy tie would look rather nice with a gold one. I may have to get one of each. (I need to remember that my opportunities to wear highland dress are rare and usually very informal.)

**MNlad** · 28th February 17, 09:58 AM

It should make a good three button or two button Wallace style jacket. Any thoughts on which way I should go?

This will depend on your final jacket length once you shorten it and shape it for your sporran cutaway. As for a Burgundy waistcoat, you will find it to a very versatile garment. Gentleman's Emporium has some flat bottom vests in several colors that go exceptionally well with a Kilt.

**Walkman** · 28th February 17, 04:53 PM

Originally Posted by MNlad

This will depend on your final jacket length once you shorten it and shape it for your sporran cutaway. As for a Burgundy waistcoat, you will find it to a very versatile garment. Gentleman's Emporium has some flat bottom vests in several colors that go exceptionally well with a Kilt.

Gentleman's Emporium is a great suggestion, MNlad. I stumbled over that site in the past, but never considered it in relation to highland dress. I'll have to take a look. Thanks!

**Walkman** · 9th March 17, 12:02 AM

My tailor is moving the buckles and underapron strap on my kilt and should be done tomorrow. She'll be converting my tweed sports coat into a kilt jacket next.

**Walkman** · 11th March 17, 10:30 PM

I picked up my kilt yesterday and my tailor did a wonderful job moving the buckles and apron understrap. It fits and looks great. She's currently converting my tweed sportscoat into a kilt jacket and I purchased a burgundy vest (as suggested by Tarheel) and a golden brown vest (which might be necessary to brighten things up as the jacket is darker than it appears) from Gentleman's Emporium (as suggested by MNlad). I'll only keep one of the vests.

I'll post photos after the tailoring is completed, but the combinations are illustrated in the photos attached below. This is the result of my attempt to have complimentary items without being "matchy/matchy". I'm pleased and hopefully they will look good on. Any comments/opinions?

**GrainReaper** · 12th March 17, 06:30 AM

I like the golden vest, no idea why though, being color blind I'm not sure if it matches, if it's complimentary or contrasting, but I do know I like it!

**Tarheel** · 12th March 17, 07:38 AM

That is a great looking golden vest. Rethinking the combinations are thus, since you'll have limited times with the entire ensemble. The golden vest will seem more lively, and probably bring more opportunities for conversing with others. The burgundy will seem more solemn and formal, but demand respect from those viewing your appearance. If you must forgo one (until you get the other) choose the golden.

Try to find a tie with burgundy overtones (to humor an old Southern coot).

**Terry Searl** · 12th March 17, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by Tarheel

That is a great looking golden vest. Rethinking the combinations are thus, since you'll have limited times with the entire ensemble. The golden vest will seem more lively, and probably bring more opportunities for conversing with others. The burgundy will seem more solemn and formal, but demand respect from those viewing your appearance. If you must forgo one (until you get the other) choose the golden.

Try to find a tie with burgundy overtones (to humor an old Southern coot).

I'd say Get'em both now. You will find that you will soon become addicted to wearing your day wear outfit and want the second one soon anyway..... Also stockings get many different colours, the the various colour combinations will really change your ensemble ......get the best quality you can afford though, not only will quality items last longer but they usually look much more smart......just my opinions though