Wanted: someone to do a jacket conversion

[kilted2000]

I’m in need of a couple of kilt jackets, and I’m looking for someone who does jacket conversions. I could take the jackets to a local tailor, but I’d rather support someone here and also I’d rather use someone who was familiar with kilt jackets.

[ktk1961]

I’m in need of a couple of kilt jackets, and I’m looking for someone who does jacket conversions. I could take the jackets to a local tailor, but I’d rather support someone here and also I’d rather use someone who was familiar with kilt jackets.

If you don't have your heart set on a particular jacket that you love, I would encourage you to think about ordering a jacket MADE for a kilt rather than converting one that is not. The placement of the buttons and pockets on a "Saxon" jacket are very different than for a kilt jacket. Frankly, I've yet to see a conversion that did not look like a conversion. The flaps on the pockets ends up being way too close to the hem of the jacket to the point where the pockets can't possibly be functional.

There are lots of kilt jackets (with or without matching waistcoats) that can be obtained for a reasonable price, particularly if you scout Ebay and Etsy ... or check out www.ministryoftartan.com. While I would avoid new jackets available on Etsy and Ebay (they tend to be of poor quality), there are plenty of gently used jackets available on these sites if you can wait to obtain one in your size.

Just my two cents ...

Good luck with which ever path you choose.

[Steve Ashton]

I agree that a regular suit coat or sport coat are not always suitable for conversion due to the button and pocket placement. About the only regular jackets that seem to work well are single button with patch pockets that can be turned into false pocket flaps.

I would also keep an eye on your local thrift stores. My local stores always seem to have Barathea and Tweed Argyles on the racks. The price is usually less than what you would pay a tailor for alterations

Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist always seem to have a few too.

[kilted2000]

I agree that a regular suit coat or sport coat are not always suitable for conversion due to the button and pocket placement. About the only regular jackets that seem to work well are single button with patch pockets that can be turned into false pocket flaps.

I would also keep an eye on your local thrift stores. My local stores always seem to have Barathea and Tweed Argyles on the racks. The price is usually less than what you would pay a tailor for alterations

Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist always seem to have a few too.

The problem is I’m on the larger side so finding jackets can sometimes be problematic, especially if I’m trying to avoid a cheap Pakistani mass produced one.

[ktk1961]

The problem is I’m on the larger side so finding jackets can sometimes be problematic, especially if I’m trying to avoid a cheap Pakistani mass produced one.

Understood. Check out Ministry of Tartan: http://www.ministryoftartan.com/kilt-jackets

They have jackets up to size 54.

Good luck!

[kilted2000]

Understood. Check out Ministry of Tartan: http://www.ministryoftartan.com/kilt-jackets

They have jackets up to size 54.

Good luck!

Unfortunately pre-Covid I wore a 56 jacket. Now I still can wear this size, but I have put on a little more weight with the decreased activity of the last nearly two years. I know a conversion isn’t going to be the same as a “ real” kilt jacket, but people here have done it, and I’m guessing most non kilt wearers wouldn’t know the difference, so why is everyone so down on this idea? I’m just curious.