What to wear?

[R. Anderson]

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

While looking at the great pictures in the dressy outfit thread I noticed a few fellows wearing blazers (or so I thought). The reason I mention it is that I just don't have the cash at the moment to purcahse an argyll jacket but I have a few dressy occasions where I really want to wear my kilt. Is it OK to wear a blazer with the kilt?

[macwilkin]

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

While looking at the great pictures in the dressy outfit thread I noticed a few fellows wearing blazers (or so I thought). The reason I mention it is that I just don't have the cash at the moment to purcahse an argyll jacket but I have a few dressy occasions where I really want to wear my kilt. Is it OK to wear a blazer with the kilt?

The average blazer or club jacket is meant to be worn with trousers, and therefore is too long; it covers up the pleats of the kilt.

Regards,

Todd

[slohairt]

Dia Dhuit!

A standard blazer/sports jacket/suit jacket is far too long for a kilt. You'll end up looking very top-heavy and out-of-proportion. The jackets you saw would have been standard jackets that have been shortened. There are numerous threads about members who have bought second-hand jackets and modified them for very little money.

[auld argonian]

Todd is right...a little research will show you a whole raft of kilt length jackets.

That having been said - and just asking for a discussion - you can get away with some jackets that are "conventional" ones but it depends very much on the cut of the jacket. Yes, it doesn't look quite right but if the situation calls for a jacket I think it's better to wear a jacket that looks a little (I stress little) off rather than show up without. The point seems to be finding jackets that don't look too long...and don't button up...and wearing a vest helps create enough of a visual seperation...and definitely wear the sporran. I've seen a couple of photos of Xsmarksers who've worn conventional jackets and they haven't looked too bad. A real kilt expert will take exception, of course, but, like I say, better to wear A jacket when appropriate. Blazers seem to be cut to look a bit shorter and the fronts are usually more open...I'd look in that department first.

But you will end up wanting a nice kilt jacket...they just look "right".

Best

AA

[sav]

Ditto to everything that's been said so far...I wore a regular blazer with my kilt for some time before I had the guts to try and alter it to a "kilt jacket"...You'll be amazed when you have one, they do just "look right."

[Jimmy the Celt]

To me, if it covers the pleats significantly, it looks sloppy. I've yet to get an Argyl myself, and I just don't have the guts to modify a blazer . . . although, now they are just kinda hanging lonesomely in the closet . . . . maybe I should reconsider modifying them.

[Panache]

To me, if it covers the pleats significantly, it looks sloppy. I've yet to get an Argyl myself, and I just don't have the guts to modify a blazer . . . although, now they are just kinda hanging lonesomely in the closet . . . . maybe I should reconsider modifying them.

You could go to your local thrift store. Find a cheap tweed jacket that fits the bill (it doesn't have even be your size) and practice on it before trying one of your own jackets. If you mess it up you are out $5-10 bucks and your time. Though you will learn. If you succeed, you could see if you could sell it on X Marks.*

Or just go to your local tailor shop with some pictures (both front and back of what you want. You should be able to have one shortened with the sporran cutaway, the slash pockets sewn shut, and pocket flaps installed to make them look higher up the jacket for about $50.

Cheers



* I'm kinda of surprised nobody has thought of doing this

[R. Anderson]

Thanks guys,

I will give the thrift store a try and do a little basic tailoring.

[turpin]

I'm surprised no one has posted this link to AlanH's jacket conversion directions.

http://www.geocities.com/alanhsails/...lt_jacket.html