The following link shows a regulation doublet from front and back with the Inverness flaps. I've attached the one picture from the front, but if you go to the link you can see the others from an earlier post. I like it a lot, but then this is a custom-made jacket of amazingly strong material designed to withstand the constant friction of a piper's bag. The inside of the lapel is nearly worn through but the warp threads must be nylon and have held up.



http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-modern-61831/

I too am a 38R, and found this 60-year old Scottish piper's doublet on eBay cheap, having stumbled on a tip kindly posted by Maclowlife for a doublet. Turns out that the purported size was widely incorrect, but by checking the measurements I was able to see it would fit me. I was the only one to bid. I wouldn't count on another turning up soon though!

As for formality. I'm not sure I've ever been to a white tie event.

I think about getting a waistcoat; what might you suggest?