Vest cut on the bias or not?

[Downunder Kilt]

I am not aware of any traditional precedence for a tartan waistcoat being cut on the bias or not but it is the way I would go if I was getting one tailored.

[CMcG]

To my knowledge there is no difference in formality between square cut or bias cut tartan vests. My preference is for the look of bias cut because it provides some contrast against the sett of one's kilt. I think a lower cut vest (3 or 3 buttons) is considered to be more formal, because it shows off more of one's pleated or piqué white shirt.

That being said, my tartan vest is square cut and has a higher gorge... I would still wear it for formal events though. It came as part of set on eBay and it was too good of a deal to pass up!

[OC Richard]

I prefer tartan waistcoats to be cut on the bais for the simple visual reason that if the waistcoat is cut horizonal-vertical it can look like an extension of the kilt itself.

[davidlpope]

I prefer tartan waistcoats to be cut on the bais for the simple visual reason that if the waistcoat is cut horizonal-vertical it can look like an extension of the kilt itself.

***.

[Chas]

I prefer tartan waistcoats to be cut on the bais for the simple visual reason that if the waistcoat is cut horizonal-vertical it can look like an extension of the kilt itself.

I agree totally. If a 'Gentleman of Substance' removes his jacket and happens to be wearing a straight cut waistcoat, I think the resulting image is unfortunate. We have seen some pictures here of great slabs of tartan with a head stuck on top - not a pretty sight.

Bias cut every time. I have no reason for saying so, but they look one notch more formal than straight cut.

Regards

Chas