Coloured Waistcoats

[JSFMACLJR]

Most Forumeers mention wearing black evening waistcoats when togged out for formal events, with a smattering of tartan waistcoats worn by some of more...advanced tastes. Seldom, though, do we hear about coloured waistcoats. I have a red one I sometimes wear, as well as a white marcella one.

What thoughts do you have about this very traditional bit of Highland haberdashery, the coloured waistcoat?

[davidlpope]

I've commissioned a formal four-button waistcoat with lapels out of lovely burgundy velvet from Matt at the STM. Hoping it shows up in time for Grandfather Mountain...

Cordially,

David

[creagdhubh]

Wonderful topic Sandy. Speaking in terms of Highland evening attire, I sometimes wear a scarlet three button waistcoat with lapels, or a white, also called 'buff' three button waistcoat with lapels (in which I only wear to 'white-tie' functions) - just the same as you. I currently do not have any other waistcoats for Highland evening attire in solid colours, however, that may change at some point in time. I think with Highland day attire, specifically with the tweed hill jacket (Crail, Argyll, Braemar), one could get away with an infinite array of solid coloured five button waistcoats, which tend to create quite the smart contrast between the pattern of the tweed in the jacket, and the tartan in the kilt. I think doeskin, melton wool, barathea wool, or even a different coloured tweed in comparison to the jacket, produce a striking look. Matthew Newsome in his Highland day attire is a prime example of the latter.

Cheers,

[creagdhubh]

I've commissioned a formal four-button waistcoat with lapels out of lovely burgundy velvet from Matt at the STM. Hoping it shows up in time for Grandfather Mountain...

Cordially,

David

Sounds beautiful David! I like burgundy too, or a rich claret/plum colour. This variant tends to look spot on with the Macpherson dress tartan, which has double lines of claret running throughout. Hmmmm, I think I may have to consult the boss (my wife!).

Hope to see you in North Carolina mate, haven't been back since my tenure in the Marine Corps!

Cheers,

[Cygnus]

... Hmmmm, I think I may have to consult the boss (my wife!).

If it weren't for "she who wears the pants" (and the munchkins), I would most undoubtedly already have a nice solid-colored waistcoat, probably in golden yellow to bring out the line in the Macqueen tartan.

I think a more comfortable couch may be necessary before I start splurging on such accessories!

EDIT: Just out of curiosity, Sandy, is there a particular place that you recommend for such waistcoats?

[JSFMACLJR]

EDIT: Just out of curiosity, Sandy, is there a particular place that you recommend for such waistcoats?

No one place in particular comes to mind, I'm afraid. David is having Matt Newsome at STM make one. My red waistcoat is ancient. I've been told by my tailor that making up a properly fitting waistcoat is no easy undertaking, so I'd make sure that whoever makes it has made many, many waistcoats and is highly recommended.

I believe Kinloch Anderson makes up waiscoats in various colours and fabrics. In the MacLean Collection, I do have an old red waistcoat made by William Anderson, which unfortunately is much to small for me now!

[MacAngus]

JSFMACLJR If you would like to see another red waist coat I have pictures up of our burns night here in Ct.
If you go to search look up CTBURNS NIGHT 2011.
I should have fixed my buttons better.

[Chas]

Waistcoats, you say, and in red...



Regards

Chas

[Jock Scot]

In the dim and distant past I had a mustard yellow waist coat for day wear and loved it. Sadly it suddenly shrank, as they do and the last time I saw it, it was being worn by one of my nephews.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Solids and tattersalls... nothing wrong with 'em. Mine include burgundy, deep moss green, snuff, and mustard, as well as a new on-the-bias (to match my Kingussie pleat kilt) from Matt Newsome that should be here sometime this summer....

Evenings I prefer black or white, tartan on the bias, or plum, claret, or gold.