Bridging the gap between ultra-casual and ultra-formal

[The Wizard of BC]

When I began to wear the kilt, and started this business, I had a vision of what I wanted and how I wanted to wear the kilt.
However I found, as most of you have, that there seemed to be only two styles available to us. There was the ultra-casual and the ultra-formal.
I don't own a pair of Doc Marton boots, don't have dreadlocks, and don't dress "Grunge". So the Ultra-casual doesn't fit me.
I also don't do too many Ultra-Formal events. Oh there is the annual Robbie Burns dinner but for me that's about all I need a tux like outfit for.
My vision was "Casual Business wear". A kilt outfit similar to a sport coat worn with shirt and tie in the trouser world.
So I developed my kilts to that vision. They are less dressy than a Tank and they have pockets for those who find a sporran cumbersome.
But one part of the outfit was missing.

If you have been following the threads on my Kilt-Cut Sport Coat you have seen the Caramel colored Corduroy and the Brown Donegal Tweed coats.

Here are some pics of the Gray Donegal Tweed Jacket.

Here is the overall look of my Kilted Casual Business outfit.



A front shot.



And the back.



The jackets seem to have generated enough interest that we are ready to announce that we will begin accepting orders.

The jackets will not be on the website for a while so this is for X Marks members only right now. You will need to call or e-mail me to order.

To order you will need to know the approx. size you would buy an off-the-rack jacket.
Our Small size will fit 34"-36" chest.
Our Medium size will fit 38"-40" chest.
Our Large size will fit 42"-44" chest.
Our XLarge size will fit 46"-48" chest.
Our XXLarge size will fit 50"-52" chest.
We may be able to accommodate Hagrid Sizes at additional cost.

We will also be able to adjust the torso and sleeve length.

All jackets will have one lined breast pocket, two lined lower pockets with flaps, and one left inside pocket.

Price will be $300.00 + the cost of whatever fabric you choose. We have a source for the Donegal Tweed but if you want Black Barethea Wool, or Corduroy or whatever, we will try our best to accommodate you.

Our Jacket maker is on-site and we hope to deliver in 4-6 weeks from order or arrival of your fabric.

As with the launching of any new project there are bound to be a few bugs. So your patience is appreciated.

[JRB]

Looks very nice. It reminds me of a pedantic professor (in a good way, I assure you). I definitely could see myself owning one of those jackets. Just out of curiosity, why no flashes?

[Canuck]

Just out of curiosity, why no flashes?

At great expense and personal pain he has had velcro implants done at the top of each calf! "It's a Freedom thing...you won't understand" Right Steve?

[The Wizard of BC]

Flashes? We don't need no flashes!

It's CASUAL!

Actually it is because I didn't remember to bring any flashes that color coordinated with the rest of the outfit. I wear flashes so seldom that I didn't even think of them.
I am wearing garters (well, ok, elastic with velcro) but flashes are again too formal for the look I'm trying for.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Flashes? We don't need no flashes!
It's CASUAL!
...
I am wearing garters (well, ok, elastic with velcro) but flashes are again too formal for the look I'm trying for.

Steve,

If I may humbly ask, since when are flashes considered formal attire? I (and most others, I would suggest) wear flashes for casual and formal wear, and everything in between.

I'm not saying there is anything wrong with not wearing flashes. You are certainly free to not wear them if you like, and I think that looks just fine for less dressy occasions. However, flashes are not, in themselves, considered formal and there would be nothing amiss were you to choose to wear them as part of a more casual kilt outfit.

By the way, nice jacket. :-) To keep the thread on topic, you say the cost is $300 (Canadian) plus the cost of fabric. Dealing in fine Scottish woolens myself, I know that the cost of fabric can potentially add quite a bit. So, understanding that the cost will vary depending upon the fabric chosen, what's a reasonable bottom line price a customer could expect? Let's say he wants the cord? What would the total cost be?

Question two: would you be willing to work with customer supplied cloth?

Question three: As these are not "made to measure" per se but stock sizes, are you willing to take exchanges if the first order doesn't fit properly? For instance, I usually wear a 44, but from some companies, their 46 fits me better. So would I order a L and risk it being too small? Or order an XL and risk it being too large? Hmmm....?

Question four: Please tell me the elbow patches are optional....? Yes?

Aye,
Matt

[McMurdo]

Well I think the jacket is very nice indeed, and may be in the market for one as soon as I can. I find the look you are going for very appealing as I do wear a kilt to work on a daily basis, and only have so many jackets.

[cessna152towser]

Looking good Steve.

[DTrain]

I like the slash front pockets. A great idea, and incorporate well into the kilt.

[demobud]

Steve, that look is absolutely smart. I will definately be calling or emailing!

[The Wizard of BC]

I'm waiting to see if this outfit gets the Hamish seal of approval.

If it does, I'll know I did OK.