Black and White Houndstooth Tweed Kilt Jacket and Waistcoat - What do you think?

[Grae]

The classics are hard to beat I have worn a Jacket like this black & White Houndstooth Harris tweed ( not too small check or it is hard to see the pattern) ever since I saw a pic of Edward the VII and of Lord lovat Life photo.

You can't beat it as it has true style but not over the top or trying too hard.

The jacket (and vest) does go very well with a lot of tartans, I wear mine very well with a weathered Macnaughton, as well as red tartan( Modern Macnaughton) and green tartan( Modern Graham). I have yet to team it up with a weathered black watch but winter is approaching downunder so I shall have to give that a try as well.

I personally don't think any other colour in the tweed is needed and detracts from the simplicy of the B& W houndstooth pattern esp. as added colour can easily be efected by a tie,if you want that level of formality, picking up a colour from the tartan kilt. I have also found a black/ navy tie can pull the ensemble togehter well.

[artificer]

Kyle,
You know how I feel about jackets like this! I think they look perfect with a kilt, regardless of the tartan ( well, there might be one or two that wouldn't work! ).

Here is a photo of me wearing the jacket in question:Attachment 10958

Great look, sharp as always.

I also have a photo of a friend of mine wearing a similar jacket. Unlike mine, this Sandy's jacket is very plain and simple, e.g. with no cuffs or epaulettes.Attachment 10959

I love this blue-on-green! I actually have a Saxon jacket in this colour too, made to the same pattern as the ivory and charcoal. Maybe I'll have to have that one converted as well.

And then there is this great photo of Lord Lovat, from Life: Attachment 10960

Check the pockets! Lovat's jacket looks like a conversion!

This photo has been discussed before, and if memory serves, his aprons are reversed as well. (something that is occasionally done when the outer apron is too badly damaged to simply repair)

ith:

[creagdhubh]

I'm a big fan! This is by far my favorite kilt jacket.



This is my Harris Tweed and I would echo Jock's advice and go for something with a little bit of colour in it. The overall effect will be gray from a distance, softer up close and then all of those evening when you sit back to relax with a fine single malt you can enjoy the plethora of colours that present themselves which you wouldn't otherwise notice:

My Harris Tweed (just lovely):



I was actually just thinking the other day that I must get around to tracking down some more of this and getting a waistcoat made.

My day to day non-kilt (saxon) jacket (I can't remember where the tweed is from off hand but I think it is a John G Hardy alsport) if you look closely enough you can just see the slightly darker overcheck:



A shot of the gauntlet cuffs on my kilt jacket:



I happened to have this photo of the buttons showing the Loch Sunart light stag horn buttons and the mid brown real stag horn buttons that were on the jacket (I ended up staying with the mid brown in this case).

I too prefer the medium brown buttons, but I have both the medium and light brown stag horn buttons on various tweed jackets of mine. And all of my stag horn buttons do come from Emma Ross at Loch Sunart (such a great, wee company). In fact, I just ordered another supply! Your jackets look quite smart as always, mate. Thanks for sharing!

Cheers,

[creagdhubh]

Kyle,
You know how I feel about jackets like this! I think they look perfect with a kilt, regardless of the tartan ( well, there might be one or two that wouldn't work! ).

Here is a photo of me wearing the jacket in question:Attachment 10958

I also have a photo of a friend of mine wearing a similar jacket. Unlike mine, this Sandy's jacket is very plain and simple, e.g. with no cuffs or epaulettes.Attachment 10959

And then there is this great photo of Lord Lovat, from Life: Attachment 10960

Thanks for chiming in, Sandy! The photos are wonderful. Whereas I do like all three styles of houndstooth/check jackets represented, I must say that yours is the closest in style and pattern size of which I prefer. Just superb.

[creagdhubh]

Kyle I think you will look great!

I don't wear houndstooth around here because you will be mistaken for an Alabama football fan.

Thank goodness there are other versions of tweed! LOL!

Hahahaha! Well said, Harold.

Cheers mate,

[creagdhubh]

I like the look. As Jock Scot said, though, it can start to look strange if the pattern is too large, since it's such a repetitive pattern. It can be like one of those optical illusion puzzle thingies that dazzles the eye and comes off as bizarre.

But conversely, if the pattern is too small, it will "wash out" and look grey from a distance. In fact, regardless of the size, they will all do that. The trick is to find the size that washes out at a far enough distance that people can still see the pattern when they're within, say, speaking distance of you. I think the examples Sandy posted above are just about right.

Excellent points here, Tobus. These are details in which I have indeed thought of. I think the pattern shown above through the Kirkton range will work quite nicely. The overall pattern is not overly big, nor is it too small. I think it's just right and highly comparable to both Sandy's and the Duke of Windsor's jackets.

[Spartan Tartan]

I am a fan of the houndstooth pattern. I also like the black and white pattern. I have always liked the look of the gauntlet cuffs and other "traditional" stylings. I look forward to seeing your pictures with this new jacket, Kyle. Although, my wife will probably not like that it might encourage another purchase for myself along similar lines :-)

[creagdhubh]

I am a fan of the houndstooth pattern. I also like the black and white pattern. I have always liked the look of the gauntlet cuffs and other "traditional" stylings. I look forward to seeing your pictures with this new jacket, Kyle. Although, my wife will probably not like that it might encourage another purchase for myself along similar lines :-)

Hahaha! Point taken.

[CMcG]

Kyle, it is interesting to see how your personal take on Highland style has evolved; you've gone from traditional, to more traditional! I'm sure the new jacket will look smashing.

[creagdhubh]

Kyle, it is interesting to see how your personal take on Highland style has evolved; you've gone from traditional, to more traditional! I'm sure the new jacket will look smashing.

Indeed. What on Earth is happening to me, Colin?!

Cheers mate,