All this talk about Summer

**HeathBar** · 26th July 11, 12:00 PM

As I type its 98F here in middle Tennessee with a heat index of 105F. I know others have it worse off but frankly, anything above 90F is just too dang hot. It seems that every year someone mentions getting a kilt jacket done up in linen or seersucker. Has anyone followed through with this? Since this is in the trad forum, I'm looking for jackets that were specifically crafted for a kilt, not a converted jacket. I was looking at B Black and Sons fabric store and they have different colors of seersucker and linen. They had a seersucker that is a khaki and green plaid that would look nice depending on a look at a swatch. I know these materials are not strictly traditional, but given that heavyweight wool is not suitable for wearing on the upper body in these temps, I thought a kilt jacket in the same style would be more suitable.

So if this is in your future what material would your go for? Colors,patterns? I like the idea of the plaid mentione dabove, but also the solid colors that would resemble existing jackets. But then in the southern USA, the light blue and white striped seersucker is popular.

**cruiser348** · 26th July 11, 12:07 PM

I have a linen jacket in a really light tan color that hangs in the closet where my kilts are kept, and I must say that seeing how it looks against the colors of my two kilts has had me thinking about a kilt jacket in this material and color. I am thinking of doing a conversion if I get lucky and find a similar jacket in my size for the right price. I figure I will start with a conversion and then if I like it maybe take the plunge for one originally made as a kilt jacket. As far as colors for yours that would all depend on what kilts you have in my opinion. Though from a truly traditional standpoint I would think darker hues would be more acceptable.

**piperdbh** · 26th July 11, 12:16 PM

If it were I, I'd use pure linen, undyed, wrinkles and all. That being said, I can't imagine a situation (other than a funeral or wedding, and then it would take some convincing) at which I would wear a jacket until at least the middle of September.

Supposedly the heat is supposed to break some time this week. We can hope.

**JSFMACLJR** · 26th July 11, 12:18 PM

Hi Heath,
I've been talking for years about having a summer weight kilt jacket made, but have just never gotten around to it.

I have been considering several fabrics:
1. Linen. Sort of a mocha colour is my first choice, followed by tan, and navy.
2. Fresco. This is a wool fabric very suitable for summer. Colour choices are limited, though. I would probably choose a darkish blue, with brown horn buttons.
3. Wool Hopsack. Just like the summer weight navy blazers. I like this colour:

4. Cotton Drill. Khaki colour.

Seersucker would be an interesting choice, Heath! I'd have to think about it some.

Cheers,
Sandy

**HeathBar** · 26th July 11, 12:33 PM

Originally Posted by piperdbh

That being said, I can't imagine a situation (other than a funeral or wedding, and then it would take some convincing) at which I would wear a jacket until at least the middle of September.

This would be for someone who liked to dress in the traditional sense while attending the highland games, but not suffer a heat stroke.

**piperdbh** · 26th July 11, 12:41 PM

I see, Heath. This is one more of my arguments that Games in the Southeast US of A. should be held in November and March.

**HeathBar** · 26th July 11, 01:19 PM

Originally Posted by JSFMACLJR

Hi Heath,
I've been talking for years about having a summer weight kilt jacket made, but have just never gotten around to it.

Thanks for your input, Sandy. And thanks for the additional fabrics. You have the experience in bespoke tailoring that a lot of us do not. There is that bit of uncertainty that the jacket won't come out right if its made by someone who is not familiar with Highland styles. I guess we need someone to take the plunge and be the guinea pig for us all.
I know that Xmarker Acolander was selling this style on Ebay under the store Major Slacker's Emporium. They looked nice, but I don't know where they were made or anyone else who bought one. He hasn't listed any for some time, so that source may have come and gone.

**MacLowlife** · 26th July 11, 01:50 PM

https://picasaweb.google.com/MacLowl...62903252621698

OK, so I can't post images.

I also have deliberately linked to a picture of a CONVERTED linen jacket...

I had this done many years ago, as those who look closely may recognize that my hair has lightened a little bit... I would probably have done something different with the pockets today, but taking them off, shortening the jacket and putting them back was the simplest thing to do other than losing them entirely. This is a very light semi-constructed jacket, as one often finds in linen coats. Because it is not "white" or "beige" and the buttons are nice and dark, it works for about 6 or 7 months of the year in Central SC.

The rust color works well with my ancient hunting Stewart kilt. I think today I would opt to do this with a navy blue jacket, either in linen or in tropical wool. Square metal buttons would be perfect with the navy blue.

I do not mean to suggest that a beige jacket is a bad idea, but I think we are funny about pale colors in the South, where it is still in the 90s in October, but some insist on putting up the white shoes at Labor Day.

Thanks in advance to whoever can post my picture...

**English Bloke** · 26th July 11, 02:03 PM

There you go.

**Cygnus** · 26th July 11, 02:08 PM

Hmm... I know that acolander has an ebay shop under the name of "Major Slacker" that, at one time, sold lovely linen kilt jackets.

Sadly, his shop has been empty for some time, though you might consider dropping him a line to see if he's still in the business. Perhaps he'll even chime in here.