plain black sporran acceptable for 'formal'?

**Moose McLennan** · 16th August 06, 05:59 AM

In the hope of upcoming upscale invitations

I've just splashed out on a Prince Charlie jacket on the 'bay'. It was too good to miss

I got married in one, and attended my sister's wedding in one too, both rented outfits. They are pretty much the sharpest thing around at the right event.

My question is this: Do you reckon it's OK to wear an ultra-plain (no tassles, no cantle, no embellishments) black sporran with the PC?
This is the only sporran I own (and wanted) although I will get hold of one in brown for casual- and daywear one day. My tastes run to the more simple.

Or is it going to scream CHEAP SPORRAN, CHEAP SPORRAN, A' FUR COAT AND NAE DRAWERS (?).

What do you reckon? Suave master of understatement, or cheapskate?

I will get photos up soon; just need to find the right time (prancing around all dressed up and taking pics of myself tends to draw sarcastic comments from Mrs Moose).

Cheers
M.

**Graham** · 16th August 06, 06:23 AM

Moose, I am not the most formal person in the world, an Argyle jacket and tie is as formal as I get.

To answer your question, a fur sporran is considered more formal and would look nice with your PC jacket, but I've worn a plain black sporran for semi formal and evening wear. Black would certainly be better than brown.

If that's all you have then I think it would look just fine.

**bubba** · 16th August 06, 07:06 AM

Moose, if you were wearing an Argyle I'd say it would work ok, but with a PC I think you'd be better off getting a dress sporran.

**cavscout** · 16th August 06, 07:17 AM

I did a quick mock up of a PC coat and celtic knot black buzz kidder sporran (no tassels, no medallion...) and it did look like something was missing.

I think a black leather sporran will look fine in lieu of a fur sporran but you may want to consider putting a nickel badge on the flap or even a quick modification to apply horse hair tassels to the sporran. Here's a pic of the tassels I put on my Buzz Kidder Rob Roy

http://community.webshots.com/photo/...69831397nTwSOv

The tassels were $9 + $3 shipping. 3 quick hole punches and you are set.

Another option is the company I bought my dress sporran from on ebay. Seller name was Paramount International I think. The catch is that it took about a month to get it but for on $30 I was pleased with the sporran.

http://community.webshots.com/photo/...69831397rvWYBz

**Moose McLennan** · 16th August 06, 07:34 AM

Some good ideas, thanks!

Luckily I do have a black Braemar jacket with black buttons. The plain black sporran looks fine with that (and to be honest, will almost certainly be dressed up enough for anything I'd be attending). My vanity just got the better of me with the Prince Charlie

In cavscout's 'superman suit' photo the cantle on the dress sporran seems to balance out the mass of buttons on the PC, it works well.

M.

**Cawdorian** · 16th August 06, 08:20 AM

I just responded to another post on a smilar subject. I have a plain black Country Sporran (the only one I have) with the pewter fob. I have worn it with my black Argyle Jacket and black tie. I don't know whether it is "correct" or not, but I've never had the tartan police after me because of it. The Country Sporran seems to be quite popular with our group, Has anyone else worn theirs with black tie?

**Bob C** · 16th August 06, 09:35 AM

I wouldn't do it, Moose. You can pick up an inexpensive dress sporran on Ebay.

http://search.ebay.com/search/search...=dress+sporran

billmcc · 16th August 06, 09:56 AM

I think you need a sporran with a metal cantle to go with a PC. How about something like this:
http://www.sportkilt.com/departments...ss-sporran.cfm

It is made of black leather and has a metal cantle. It is more conservative looking than a standard dress sporran with a fur pouch. This type of sporran is also sold on E-Bay.

**turpin** · 16th August 06, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by Moose McLennan

I will get photos up soon; just need to find the right time (prancing around all dressed up and taking pics of myself tends to draw sarcastic comments from Mrs Moose).

You got that right!

**O'Neille** · 16th August 06, 11:10 AM

I think that the dress sporrans are really great with a PC. One with a cantle looks great w/ or w/o furr. I admit it will just stay in a plastic bag until you have a formal occasion though. I'm looking for a semi-dress one that will go with my Argyle Jacket when it arrives. O'Neille