Tartan vest/waistcoat opinions in gernral and it's level of formality

[Macseobang]

Hi,

A few months ago I was in the process purchasing a new kilt (Macdonald, Lord of the Isles) and when the kiltmaker was ordering the material from Lochcarron, she let me know that they offered a tartan vest for a reasonable price (less than $125). I went ahead and purchased it and everything arrived today, but the truth is that I'm not exactly sure on what occasion I should wear it. I know I've seen the full matching kilt/vest/jacket ensemble before, but most seem to think of that as bit too much. I've seen that many believe that even a kilt with matching tartan tie is too "matchy".

So are there any opinions on an outfit scheme in which a tartan vest/waistcoat seems appropriate? For example: Perhaps with matching kilt and grey day wear jacket? Only on it's own or with a solid print kilt? (I do own a solid black kilt)

Seconldly, would having a matching tartan vest automatically raise the formality level? Maybe only wear at night functions?

I searched through the levels of formality forum pages and I don't believe I ever saw a tartan vest. I realize that should have maybe been a red flag that people do no often wear them, but it was sort of an impulse buy.

Thanks,

Disclaimer: I realize that I can wear whatever combinations of kilt and clothing that I want, but the opinions of those that have more experience with kilt traditions mean something to me so don't hold back!


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I would likely not wear all three of these tartan garments together. I'm open to combination suggestions. Also, I would have preferred the vest be bias cut, but they did not offer that option. Lochcarron did however add pockets at no extra charge, something the kiltmaker informed me they had not done before.

[FossilHunter]

I happen to like tartan vests. I think they fit more in formal evening wear in modern times but there is certainly a historical precedent for them being worn in the day.

[Tobus]

That waistcoat is interesting. Not being on the bias, coupled with the sett size being different from the kilt, produces a visual effect that I'm not sure I've seen before. I'm not sure what to think!

Generally speaking, a tartan waistcoat is a rare bird. It's usually seen on the bias and worn with evening wear. This is probably its best use, although it can look great with daywear as well (depending on what else is involved in the ensemble). I generally think it looks better with a daywear jacket, and not just the waistcoat with shirtsleeves.

I'd really like to see you wearing the kilt and waistcoat in a couple of different contexts, if you could get a chance to model it for us.

[Macseobang]

That waistcoat is interesting. Not being on the bias, coupled with the sett size being different from the kilt, produces a visual effect that I'm not sure I've seen before. I'm not sure what to think!

Generally speaking, a tartan waistcoat is a rare bird. It's usually seen on the bias and worn with evening wear. This is probably its best use, although it can look great with daywear as well (depending on what else is involved in the ensemble). I generally think it looks better with a daywear jacket, and not just the waistcoat with shirtsleeves.

I'd really like to see you wearing the kilt and waistcoat in a couple of different contexts, if you could get a chance to model it for us.

Yes, I was going to mention that the sett size is smaller. This was because they made from different Lochcarron fabrics. The vest is 11oz and the kilt is 16oz. For some reason the sett is smaller. The kilt maker (Kathy Lare) mentioned that in her catalog one was listed as ancient and one as modern, but as you can see they are practically identical in color. I'll admit I like it better than if the sett was exactly the same size. I'll get some pictures up as soon as I can.

[mohughes5150]

I hope I am not viewed as the anti-Christ here, but I wear a tartan vest with pants. Yes, I do own pants, and I do wear them from time to time. It is a nice flash of colour when I wear solid suit or slacks.


Mike

(I haven't come up with a creative signature line........so pretend this is it.)

[Tarheel]

Your photos are just what I was expecting. I bet you're pleased. My mind would be thinking, hose colors, new shirts and ties, (God forbid) slacks in varied colors when appropriate.

Please don't let me spend any more of your money with my whims. Carry on, it seems you have things under control.

[davidlpope]

Yes, I was going to mention that the sett size is smaller. This was because they made from different Lochcarron fabrics. The vest is 11oz and the kilt is 16oz. For some reason the sett is smaller. The kilt maker (Kathy Lare) mentioned that in her catalog one was listed as ancient and one as modern, but as you can see they are practically identical in color. I'll admit I like it better than if the sett was exactly the same size. I'll get some pictures up as soon as I can.

It's actually better that the sett size and shades are slightly different. Too matchy-matchy otherwise. This will look as if they were handed down in the family. Always a nice effect.

[Manu]

While I prefer the bias cut as well, I think the picture you shared looks really good! I have a tartan waistcoat in the works as well and I plan to wear it with a day tweed jacket. I admire McMurdo's ensemble but I don't think I can pull off the tartan suit the way he does, and I think he gave you great examples of combinations on how to wear your tartan waistcoat in day and black tie situations. Enjoy your new kit and wear it proud!

P.s. I too would avoid wearing the tartan tie with the kilt and waistcoat.

[WillowEstate]

Yes, I was going to mention that the sett size is smaller. This was because they made from different Lochcarron fabrics. The vest is 11oz and the kilt is 16oz. For some reason the sett is smaller. The kilt maker (Kathy Lare) mentioned that in her catalog one was listed as ancient and one as modern, but as you can see they are practically identical in color. I'll admit I like it better than if the sett was exactly the same size. I'll get some pictures up as soon as I can.

Maybe I'm over-simplifying but I would have thought that lighter weight tartan would be made with thinner wool and for a given thread count, the resulting sett would be smaller? Those who know better may like to correct me.

I cannot comment on your waistcoat, although I passed my "three score and ten" a few years ago, I have never owned one and am now unlikely to do so. For what it's worth, all my shirts are various shades of pale blue business shirts and they work fine with my Mackenzie kilts, which have a darkgreen/dark blue background. My formal dress shirt is also pale blue!

I've never been a fan of tartan ties, my "go to" long ties (from quite a large accumulated collection - Christmas - bah humbug!) are a navy blue and red equal 45 degree stripes and a clan crest tie and my graduation silk navy blue tie.

Ultimately, it's all a personal thing, wear what YOU think suits YOU in whatever combinations you feel appropriate.

[Dileasgubas]

Thought I would put these ones out there. Tartan waistcoat and a PC.

The first was for a formal event. The second, for a Burns dinner. (I kind of like the second one where it looks like my sporran is taking a whiff of the haggis...) The kilt and vest are of matching tartan but the set sizes and wool weights differ.

I only wear wear this four-button vest when paired with a black tie and tend to favour it over the three-button vest that came with this PC. I had the PC made in blue with black facings to differentiate it from the masses a little but. I have also worn the vest under a black dinner jacket instead of a cummerbund. Anyway, I find it to be fairly versatile for formal wear.