gotta outfit the whole band!

**highland mafia** · 21st August 12, 07:39 PM

I'm the president of our pipe band.. We have decided that we want/need to update our uniform.. We want to switch to a tweed waistcoat and I'm looking for a source. Does anyone know where I can find a dealer who has a source a few differnt tweeds in a waistcoat cut for a kilt that might be able to outfit about 40 people???

**slohairt** · 21st August 12, 07:55 PM

I could help you with that. I'm local (relatively) speaking, so you could certainly save on shipping. I have a number of tweed samples you could look at as well. If you'd like to discuss it further, you can contact me at john@gaelicclothing.com

**OC Richard** · 24th August 12, 06:02 AM

I applaud your decision to go with tweed waistcoats! They will look very smart.

There's an unfortunate tendency in the Pipe Band World for bands to dress like each other. The last couple World Pipe Band Championships, every single band in Grade One has worn black waistcoats, save for perhaps one or two wearing charcoal grey ones.

I'm waiting for a band to show up with Lovat Green tweed waistcoats or some such... they would really stand out from the crowd.

**RockyR** · 24th August 12, 06:26 AM

We have over 100 tweeds that we can use that are "Stock Supported" from different mills (important when you're looking to match future band members to existing vests). Here's our Tweed Vest page with roughly 40 of the tweeds shown:

http://www.usakilts.com/index.php/ki...weed-vest.html

In fairness, many of the advertisers can offer the same choices if they know which mills to source the tweeds from.

Also, you'll want to determine whether you want a satin back with a cinch or a tweed front AND Back vest. Also to determine... what kind of buttons you want.

**Cygnus** · 24th August 12, 06:43 AM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

I'm waiting for a band to show up with Lovat Green tweed waistcoats or some such... they would really stand out from the crowd.

Here's hoping for a nice patterned tweed (windowpane, houndstooth, etc.) - that would stand out!

**Jock Scot** · 24th August 12, 07:11 AM

Okay,I am not and never have been a member of a pipe band, I take little notice of the finer points in their attire, but I wonder.

You don't mention a jacket, but do the members of your pipe band wear a jacket?

If they do, can I presume that the present jacket and waistcoat are made of barathea of some hue or other?

So I say this only as an observation, but do you really want a tweed waistcoat with a barathea jacket?

Just a thought before the loot is spent.

**Cygnus** · 24th August 12, 07:35 AM

I've found that most pipe bands in the US wear a waistcoat without a jacket (with a few exceptions) - probably because the temperature during parade season in most of the USA can be a bit warm.

**Jock Scot** · 24th August 12, 07:43 AM

Originally Posted by Cygnus

I've found that most pipe bands in the US wear a waistcoat without a jacket (with a few exceptions) - probably because the temperature during parade season in most of the USA can be a bit warm.

I did wonder about that, but out of interest, in the colder(cooler) months, perhaps in the more northerly states, do the bands not perform?

**Cygnus** · 24th August 12, 08:08 AM

As I don't live in a state that far North, I can't really answer that (here it goes from being blisteringly hot to snowy in what feels like the blink of an eye) - the local bands do hold concerts during the fall and winter, but most of them are indoors and they seem to stick to their typical uniform. I wouldn't say they don't perform during colder months, but, from what I've seen, they perform significantly less.