Jacket conversions...some thoughts.

[rondo]

I am in the process of having 3 Saxon style jackets converted to kilt jackets. After perusing several threads it seems many feel that pocket flap location is a dead giveaway on converted jackets. Then I came upon these 2 pics [often posted in these forums] of King Edward and Lord Lovat, I doubt these are jacket conversions:

kingedward.jpg

lordlovatinfrontofhises.jpg

When I look at both of these photos it seems clear to me that if the pockets were placed any higher [especially in the case of Lord Lovat] it would render the pockets useless. As far back as the pockets are, if the were any higher, a man would need 2, maybe 3 elbows per arm to retrieve the contents of the pockets.

Anyone else have thoughts?

Rondo

[MacLowlife]

I agree with you about the King, but Lord Lovat's jacket seems to me to be a possible conversion. Yes, the pockets seem to be as high as his arm will allow, but I am not convinced. Placing the pockets higher might make them slightly awkward, but they would look much more "normal". I think there is a proportion to be observed, that the width of the flap ought not to be (even close to) equal to the width of the space beneath it. Note the rest of his jacket- no epaulets, no fancy cuffs. The button stance is consistent with a 2 button sportcoat. But I don't know. He never discussed it with me.

Is there a tie breaker in the house?

[Highlander31]

MacLowlife, I can't break your tie, however, I do have a photo of Lord Lovat (from the same Life Magazine article) mowing his lawn.

Mowing the lawn.jpg

[Jock Scot]

I have no idea if Lord Lovat's jacket is a conversion, it does look as though it might be to me. It would be pretty much standard procedure to dress thus, for a kilted gentleman in the Highlands when gardening and for general informal and no doubt comfortable, casual attire. After all, one hardly needs to show off and dress to the nines, when one is doing one's own lawn at one's castle!

[Spartan Tartan]

I don't use the pockets on my jacket to carry anything. Maybe inside pockets, but not the ones up for discussion here. For me, the astetic is the concern. His do not look bad to me, but I certainly would not move them simply to make the functional.

[Nathan]

I think Lovat's jacket looks like a conversion due to both the low pockets and the hem. There are lots of reasons why he might have opted to convert the jacket even if he had others that were not converted. For example, imagine he got moth hole or stain in the lower part of the jacket that would be gone if he chose to convert it. Just my view on the matter.

[Highlander31]

I have no idea if Lord Lovat's jacket is a conversion, it does look as though it might be to me. It would be pretty much standard procedure to dress thus, for a kilted gentleman in the Highlands when gardening and for general informal and no doubt comfortable, casual attire. After all, one hardly needs to show off and dress to the nines, when one is doing one's own lawn at one's castle!

It seems his choice of kilts, supports your thoughts on this, Jock.
His kilt has been rewoven (possibly the result of a pesky moth having had an uninvited meal at the Lords' expense.)

[eagle43172]

Pocket placement is why I look for patch pockets on a jacket I consider for conversion. (And a double vent in back since most purpose built kilt jackets have 2 vents.) Any competent seamstress or tailor can put a slit pocket in the right position and use the removed pocket for a flap.
I agree nothing screams "conversion" quite like side pockets that are too low. (And the low pockets are really too shallow to hold much.)
Dave