Purchasing a vest/waistcoat?

**Kilted Hiker** · 7th February 11, 09:54 AM

Hello everyone!

I recently found two tweed jackets that I am converting to kilt cuts to wear with my Black Watch kilt. Here is where the question comes in, I am looking for a vest or waistcoat to wear with my jackets to dress them up a bit. Forgive my ignorance, but growing up in the South Eastern states, I've had limited exposure to formal dress. What exactly is the difference between a vest and a waistcoat? And can anyone provide a source to purchase one that will not cost a arm and a leg. And finally, what colors would look good with my Black Watch kilt?

Thanks!
Seth

**Paul Henry** · 7th February 11, 10:00 AM

A waistcoat is the British word for the American Vest, that is about it.
We in the UK think of a "vest" as an undergarment, or perahps a singlet type of thing.
There are of course many types of waistcoats, have a look at some of these, although UK based it will give you a good overview,and perahps some new ideas!
Waistcoats

**Spartan Tartan** · 7th February 11, 10:16 AM

Since the above answer about waistcoat v. vest has already been given...

I think nearly any color looks fine with Blackwatch. It's a pretty neutral tartan from that perspective (again, to me). I would let your personal comfort guide the color decision. For example, red would be a great contrasting color and look fantastic to some. On the other hand, it may be a bit too loud a contrast for others.

How's that for a non-answer?

I personally like less flamboyant colors on myself. So I would go toward browns and/or grays. If I did go with a red, it would be more maroon--a deeper color and less "bright".

My 2 cents...

**Downunder Kilt** · 7th February 11, 01:47 PM

Cheapest place to get a lot of things is your local Op shop (thrift store)
I have purchased several waistcoats from them, doeskin, tweed, linen.
Also ebay have them a lot, some go cheap, some expensive. You just have to be patient and know what you want.

**MacBean** · 7th February 11, 02:29 PM

http://www.newjerseypiper.com/vests.html

**Kilted Hiker** · 7th February 11, 03:31 PM

Thank you paulhenry for clarifying!

Thanks Spartan Tartan, I really like the look of a nice dark red or burgundy with Black Watch as well.

Downunder Kilt, this is really good advise. I've been monitoring the local thrift stores

Sad, I found TWO silk or satin backed waistcoats at a thrift store but both were WAY to big for me.

Thanks a ton MacBean! I like the look of those colored vests. Have you delt with this company before? With prices that low ( NOT a complaint

) I wonder how the quality of the vests are?

**seanachie** · 6th March 11, 06:29 PM

Originally Posted by MacBean

http://www.newjerseypiper.com/vests.html

As I know it is always an issue that floats around the forum, a problem with service, I just wanted to make mention that Tim at New Jersey Piper provided me very good service. A Miscommunication occured with my waistcoat size that arrived 26 February and I really needed for a formal event last night, 5 March. Tim let me know in an email that whatever it takes he would make sure I had it. Good to his word, I had my waistcoat which he had to send expedited service to arrive on time. The waist coat was a good match for my argyll and looked very sharp.

**Cowher** · 17th February 11, 12:28 PM

Bump
I would like to know if there is a vest length that goes better with a kilt. also would a sweater vest go well with a kilt?

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 7th March 11, 10:51 AM

Originally Posted by Cowher

Bump
I would like to know if there is a vest length that goes better with a kilt. also would a sweater vest go well with a kilt?

Absolutely. In fact, the only thing wrong with this photo is the hat... other than that (and the red corduroy trousers, which are smashing!)... this style would work well with the kilt.

As far as length is concerned... the waistcoat (vest) should go over the top of the kilt by about 2-inches. The main thing is that there should be no gap between the kilt and the waistcoat. So, like the conductor says when people are boarding the train...

Mind the Gap!

**mookien** · 18th March 11, 01:52 PM

Seth: Based on Mark's (MacBean) pointer and Seanachie's comments, I bought a green vest with green plastic buttons from NewJerseyPiper.com. By the way, they have at least 6 different types of buttons from which one can choose.

I experienced a bit of natural, but as it turns out, unwarranted concern about the fit and quality, because the prices were so reasonable (from $32 to $44). The vest came today and it is great! It fits me as if it were made-to-measure, but I may have gotten lucky on that. I am a 44 chest size, but the vest label has "L" on it. So for me, I suppose the fit was a fortuitous coincidence. The vest does not have an adjustment strap.

The vest is 100% polyester The green outer material looks and feels like a wool/polyester blend and the black inside liner has a shiny and smooth satin look and feel. It matches the green in my Hunting kilt and blends well with the other fall/winter like colors. Can't wait to wear it!

Obviously, I can't speak for its durability only having tried it on, but it looks very well cut and sewn. It tapers into my waist and then back out again at the hips. The 5 buttons and holes are well sewn and placed. There are two exterior pockets and 4 interior pockets in which you could carry a lot of small contraband. :-)

Tim's service was excellent and gets an A rating from me.