Kilt Jackets

[SoldierSpike]

So I've read the thread regarding the formal coats, and was wondering where the Crail style fit into all of that. I'm asking because I'm looking at getting a semi-dress setup for church, other occasions where a tux would be overkill and maybe job interviews.

Marc

[Bob C]

A Crail jacket would be fine for church, etc. An Argyll is another good choice. I have a lovat green Argyll (picture below), but a darker one -charcoal, for example, would be very versatile.

[Chef]

So I've read the thread regarding the formal coats, and was wondering where the Crail style fit into all of that. I'm asking because I'm looking at getting a semi-dress setup for church, other occasions where a tux would be overkill and maybe job interviews.

Marc

The Crail would be a nice choice. It's basically an Argyle with a simpler cuff. Like the Argyle it will work as an all round jacket. If your budget allows consider a waistcoat to go with it for a bit more flexibility.

[davedove]

Here's a couple of pictures of my Argyle in charcoal worn in an office environment:





A Crail would look much the same.

[RockyR]

Hey Dave,

What you have is a Braemar jacket... it's the body of an Argyll, but the cuff of a Prince Charlie (3 buttons running UP the sleeve, not horizontal to the bottom like the Argyll).

It gets pretty confusing having to know the different names of the different styles. Also... please note that some manufacturers interchange the styles Argyll & Crail & Braemar, however, the above description is the general standard.

A CRAIL jacket is the body of an argyll, but the sleeve has a "normal" cuff at the bottom (no fancy sewing) and a single button on the back (where the back edge of your hand would be). Hope this info helps!

[Kilted KT]

who made this set? It looks really sharp, and just may have jumped onto my list of kilted items I need!

[Kilted KT]

who made this set? It looks rally sharp, and just may have jumped onto my list of kilted items I need!

sorry, should be more careful using the word "set"...

(ahem)...who is the maker of that jacket and vest?

[RockyR]

If I'm not mistaken, it's the Edwards tartan (Welsh) from the Welsh Tartan Center.

[scoutniagara]

Lovely outfits, DaveDove. ...and no, that's not an invitation for dinner. ;)

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Rocky is right that the names of these jackets can be awefully confusing. "Argyle" is often used as a general name for this particular cut of jacket. Made from a tweed, or a lighter color worsted wool, it is suitable for day wear (and is often just called a "Day wear jacket"). Made from black or another dark color it can be worn more formally.

The Argyle jacket is usually made with guantlett cuffs (like in Bob's picture). However, it can also be made with Braemar cuffs (like in Dave's picture), which is the same style cuff as used on the Prince Charlie jacket. Lastly, it can be made with Craill cuffs, which is just another name for a plain cuff. See the picture of the jacket I'm currently Jonesing for here:
http://blog.albanach.org/2007/02/jon...lt-jacket.html

Often the jackets are referred to simply by their cuff style. So when you say "Argyle" jacket it is assumed you mean a guantlett cuff. With a different cuff you'd call it a Braemar jacket or a Craill jacket.

But you cannot assume this to always be the case. For instance, the jacket pictured in my blog is not called a "Craill jacket" by the makers, but a "Modern kilt jacket." And the House of Edgar sells what they call a "Craill jacket" which is simply a charcoal grey jacket with Braemar cuffs. And Edgar's Argyle jackets come standard with a plain cuff, not a guantlett cuff.

So, the moral of the story is that you cannot make any assumptions when a particular retailer or manufacturer uses terms like Argyle, Braemar, or Craill. It's best to always ask for specific details about the item (or better yet see a picture -- or best yet, see a sample in person) before you buy.

Aye,
Matt