Mess jackets - questions

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Well, I've decided to wear this black mess jacket but not to alter it permanently. Which means I'll keep the shoulder loops but temporarily replace the buttons with something more civilian (if I have time). It might be kind of cool to try making simple braided epaulettes out of black ribbon that could attach to the loops on the shoulder temporarily and be removable. But I don't know if I'll have time for that either.

I'm definitely going to go with the horse hair sporran and pretty much everything else as you see them in the photos. I'm going this afternoon to try to find a formal shirt, studs, cuff links, and a bowtie.

You might try your local Penny's Store for formal shirts at a modest price....

[Mickey]

Wow, that looks great! I've been looking for my USMC mess dress jacket for months (haven't seen it in about 5 years) and my son came across it last night. Looks very similar to yours, or will be after a serious cleaning and pressing. Just need to figure out what to put on the lapels where the EGA insignia is worn.

Thanks for the pics. I had an idea that it would look that good. And I love your white one too. Very sharp.

[Brock63]

I am going on a cruise in Spring and planning on wearing my USAF Mess Dress on it....here is my question: I am a retired SMSgt....I know I can wear my medals and rank otherwise but is it acceptable with my kilt?

On one hand it is not within Air Force regulations to wear the kilt with the mess dress jacket as it sits now.....but if I demilitarize it by putting civilian buttons on it...removing my chevrons (SMSgt)...and just have a few of my medals....not sure if it is much different than any other retired military person wearing part of uniform or medals with a suit jacket or tuxedo to a VFW or similar formal event.

Thoughts?

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I am going on a cruise in Spring and planning on wearing my USAF Mess Dress on it....here is my question: I am a retired SMSgt....I know I can wear my medals and rank otherwise but is it acceptable with my kilt?

On one hand it is not within Air Force regulations to wear the kilt with the mess dress jacket as it sits now.....but if I demilitarize it by putting civilian buttons on it...removing my chevrons (SMSgt)...and just have a few of my medals....not sure if it is much different than any other retired military person wearing part of uniform or medals with a suit jacket or tuxedo to a VFW or similar formal event.

Thoughts?

While there are usually a few formal nights on most cruises, none are really civilian "black tie & medals" affairs. My suggestion would be to either wear your full USAF Mess Dress, complete with medals and insignia of rank, or your kilt, but without medals. If you opt for the kilt, rather than alter your mess jacket, I'd advise you to buy a black Argyll jacket & and three button waistcoat (if you want to forgo the waistcoat you can wear a dirk belt in its place).

Were it me, I'd opt for the Mess Dress uniform-- you'd be surprised at how many new friends you'll meet as a result.

[Tobus]

My suggestion would be to either wear your full USAF Mess Dress, complete with medals and insignia of rank, or your kilt, but without medals.

***

I think it's best to either go all military or all civilian. There are certainly plenty of folks who do try to mix the two, but it looks strange to me. Military medals just seem out of place on civilian attire.

[macwilkin]

***

I think it's best to either go all military or all civilian. There are certainly plenty of folks who do try to mix the two, but it looks strange to me. Military medals just seem out of place on civilian attire.

However, medals, be they full-size gongs or miniatures, are worn on mufti at certain events such as ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day, Regimental Days, etc., in accordance with the traditions of the Commonwealth Nations. If event organisers ask for "medals and decorations" on their invitations, then there's nothing wrong at all with gentlemen wearing them.

T.

[triolamj]

I loved your photos of the two mess jackets. I've been looking for a mess jacket or modified Prince Charlie to replace my Argyll. As broad in the shoulder (and big in the paunch) as I am, I need a jacket without tails to slim me down. I would love to see some photos of you at the wedding to see how your final look came out. Some advice for the future: Replace the shoulder boards with traditional braid so you can use a plaid broach; if you wear a long tie, wear a narrow one, and wear it with a button-down shirt; and replace the horsehair sporran with a fur one (see eBay) when you can afford it. Congratulations to the new bride!

[Tobus]

However, medals, be they full-size gongs or miniatures, are worn on mufti at certain events such as ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day, Regimental Days, etc., in accordance with the traditions of the Commonwealth Nations. If event organisers ask for "medals and decorations" on their invitations, then there's nothing wrong at all with gentlemen wearing them.

T.

Of course. When specifically called for, or appropriate to the occasion, that's a different matter. I still think it looks odd out of military context, but that's just my personal taste, and has nothing to do with being "wrong" or "right".

triolamj, I still haven't seen any of the pictures from the wedding. I'm rather curious about them myself.

[WolfmanJack]

So Tobus, how did it go for you? We'd all like to see the kit you finally put together.

[WolfmanJack]

I am going on a cruise in Spring and planning on wearing my USAF Mess Dress on it....here is my question: I am a retired SMSgt....I know I can wear my medals and rank otherwise but is it acceptable with my kilt?

Brock, If your kilt is made up in one of the several US Air Force tartans, I would think you could wear your full medals and rank with it without concern. As a retired NCO, you wear the uniform that was regulation at the time you completed service.