Argyll Jacket

[ctwii]

I think an ordinary tweed jacket could be cut down to an argyll jacket -- if you look into "So Your're Going to Wear the Kilt" you'll see that the difference is length (it is shorter than the sleeves) and the curve of the opening in front ( so the belt buckle is more visible when the jacket is open -- which it almost always is). However, the jacket should have little initial cost (so a mistake is not expensive) I got this one from a Goodwill- type store for 99 cents. Furthermore, it needs to have patch pockets that can be removed and/or raised.

Does anyone have a design for an argyll jacket so I don't have to freehand it? Any other suggestions?

[Blu (Ontario)]

I think you might want to borrow or at least have a real good look at a regulation jacket before attempting a refurb project like that. Adding the proper buttons is important too but I don't know how readily available they are. So ctwii, have you done any work like this before?

blu

[Graham]

I tried this, with the help of a tailor, it was unsuccessful.

I did see a lad wearing a home-made one, he is also very expret with a needle, it was a good job, but still lacked the finesse of a "proper" one.

[bikercelt1]

I tried a couple of jacket conversions on my own to mixed results. I did it by hand since I don't have a sewing machine, and I'm certainly no tailor. They passed for my purposes, which was a dinner party/dance in a darkend hall where nobody else knew what the real thing looked like anyway. I got the jackets cheap and only invested time and thread so it was no big deal. I certainly wouldn't want anybody who knew tailoring or Argyll jackets to see my effots in bright light though. I will say one thing; I now know the value of a real Argyll jacket and its much more than the cost in dollars!

Jamie

[Hamish]

I think an ordinary tweed jacket could be cut down to an argyll jacket -- if you look into "So Your're Going to Wear the Kilt" you'll see that the difference is length (it is shorter than the sleeves) and the curve of the opening in front ( so the belt buckle is more visible when the jacket is open -- which it almost always is). However, the jacket should have little initial cost (so a mistake is not expensive) I got this one from a Goodwill- type store for 99 cents. Furthermore, it needs to have patch pockets that can be removed and/or raised.

Does anyone have a design for an argyll jacket so I don't have to freehand it? Any other suggestions?

Hi,

A couple of things here:

With any jacket worn with a kilt, the hem should not be lower than the hip, or the point where the kilt's pleats fall free from being stitched down. This is so that the swing and movement of the pleats is not impeded by the jacket. For this reason also, the bomber-style of casual jacket, in leather or suede, is perfect for wear with the kilt informally. I have two tweed and one black barathea Argyll jackets, but seldom wear them on a daily basis (because they are a little too formal to wear to the supermarket, but they are great for when I am on duty with The National Trust!!).

The cut aways at the bottom of the front of kilt jackets, is to allow space for the sporran rather than for allowing the belt buckle to be seen. Sorry ctwii!