"Balmoral" Doublet Help?

[CMcG]

I just won a second hand doublet on eBay and need some help sorting out options for wearing it. Not that I need another kilt jacket, but I didn't own a doublet, and for £14.49, how could I resist?

Retailers refer to this one as a "Balmoral" doublet and it is most famously worn by the Duke of Rothesay. Highland Clans says it is usually worn buttoned up with a black bowtie and waistplate belt worn over it (photos below). They say this look would be suitable for either black or white tie formal. They also suggest that this doublet could be worn open for a less formal look but there are no examples...

OC Richard has posted pictures of older-style jackets that resemble this one, but apart from that, the only recent photos I have seen are of Prince Charles. The Duke of Rothesay is, of course, a good example to follow, but does anyone else have pics that could help guide me?

I'm wondering a few things like if the belt could be left out? What other types of neck wear could work i.e. stock tie, cravat, jabot, or long tie? What about the shirt?

If I wore it open for a less formal look (as per Highland Clan's suggestion), how could that look in terms of the rest of the outfit? How much less formal are we talking here?

Here are some pics.

My new (used) doublet:


The buttons on it appear to have St. Andrew?


The image from Highland Clans:


The Duke of Rothesay:



One of OC Richard's vintage photos of a similar doublet:

[Cygnus]

I am very jealous that I missed that! If it's your size, it's probably my size too...

I think the open jacket option would still be at a black-tie level of formality, just a little less formal than it would be done up with a belt on top. I think it would look quite nice worn open with a contrasting waistcoat underneath.

Since it seems like it would be strictly black tie, I wouldn't wear it with a long tie, but all the other options you listed sound like they'd look fantastic.

I also much prefer it with a belt over the top, though that can lead to wrinkles if the fit isn't just right.

Congratulations on a really great find! I'm looking forward to pictures!

[CMcG]

I am very jealous that I missed that! If it's your size, it's probably my size too...

I think the open jacket option would still be at a black-tie level of formality, just a little less formal than it would be done up with a belt on top. I think it would look quite nice worn open with a contrasting waistcoat underneath....

Thanks for the comments. It is technically my size but I might need to have the cuffs let out a half inch

As for a waistcoat, I'm thinking it would need to be higher cut in order to suit the rather high lapels of the doublet. Or would a lower cut waistcoat (i.e. three button) still work?

.... I'm looking forward to pictures!

I had the jacket sent to a buddy back home in Toronto, because I'll be leaving HK in about a month... I'm looking forward to being able to post some pictures once I finally get my hands on it!

[Mickey]

Nice score! I don't know it "should" be worn, but I've seen a lot of police and firefighter dress/funeral uniforms that have the belt over the tunic, and never liked it. It always looked like an afterthought to me.

Either way, this is gonna look great on you. You really pull off green colors quite well.

[Cygnus]

Thanks for the comments. It is technically my size but I might need to have the cuffs let out a half inch

Well, I may be a bit shorter than you, so I could save you the trouble...

As for a waistcoat, I'm thinking it would need to be higher cut in order to suit the rather high lapels of the doublet. Or would a lower cut waistcoat (i.e. three button) still work?

I think you're right about the higher-cut waistcoat; a three-button waistcoat would probably end up looking more like a cummerbund with a row of buttons down the front.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I really don't think that doublet is suitable at all, for any occasion. You'll probably never wear it, so you may as well just send it to me. :-)

Seriously, fourteen pounds?

Is there a different Ebay you are looking at, because I never find that sort of gem! Kudos, man!

[saxandpipes]

I really don't think that doublet is suitable at all, for any occasion. You'll probably never wear it, so you may as well just send it to me. :-)

Seriously, fourteen pounds?

Is there a different Ebay you are looking at, because I never find that sort of gem! Kudos, man!

I was thinking the same thing... totally unsuitable! I'll give you 15!

Cheers,

Michael

[CMcG]

Matt and Michael, I'll put you on the list after Cygnus if the doublet doesn't work out for me

I found a few more pics of Rothesay wearing his Balmoral doublet, always with a black bow tie and waist plate belt:

[MacRobert's Reply]

Here is a Balmoral hybrid on Ebay with a low starting price and no bids - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2510429362...84.m1423.l2649

For someone looking for something different!

[MacLowlife]

Thanks MacRobert's.

I do wonder about that one. I like it, yes, but does anyone else think that stand up collar might be supposed to lie down? I think so, because there ought to be more buttons if it isn't.