Alternative jacket cuff styles?

[piperdbh]

Specifically, when you plunk down your hard-earned, do you want to order the equivalent of the beautiful Buick with extra nice grade of paint and upholstery or must you get flames on the fenders and leopardskin on the seats?

You forgot the spinners and mudflaps.

[Tobus]

At the risk of hijacking this thread, might we discuss the larger question of custom tailoring choices? Specifically, when you plunk down your hard-earned, do you want to order the equivalent of the beautiful Buick with extra nice grade of paint and upholstery or must you get flames on the fenders and leopardskin on the seats? People who are hard to fit are just trying to take care of the basics like sleeve length, but for those who can wear off-the-rack sizes, what do you look for when you ratchet up?

I've only recently started to purchase custom tailored clothing. The first and most obvious reason is to ensure a proper fit for my unique size and shape. But beyond that, I want my clothing to reflect my personal tastes and style, not be restricted to a standard style that someone else dictates. I want something unique! But within the realm of good taste.

In your Buick analogy, it doesn't have to be one extreme or the other (flames on the fenders and leopardskin seats). What about a tasteful extra, like an upgrade on the wheels, or wood paneling on the dash? These are small things that add a bit of uniqueness to the vehicle, but still make it look classy. I think classic cuffs on a jacket fall into that category, and certainly don't come anywhere close to flames on fenders or leopardskin seats.

[creagdhubh]

If I'm not mistaken, these little details, and extra affectations like leaving the bottom jacket cuff button unbuttoned are markers of bespoke tailoring. That way everyone around you KNOWS that your suit cost +£1800.

ith:

***

Exactly, Scott. Check out Bookster online. They have a wonderful selection of tweeds and offer lovely bespoke options, to include a variety of cuffs. I especially like the coloured stitching of the functional buttonholes. Their online gallery of various jacket styles and ensembles is to die for!

Cheers,

[creagdhubh]

In general I think nearly any cuff would do well on a highland wear jacket...especially in tweed. In fact, I would submit that a tweed kilt jacket is more prone to unique cuff styles.

I agree!

[MacLowlife]

I've only recently started to purchase custom tailored clothing. The first and most obvious reason is to ensure a proper fit for my unique size and shape. But beyond that, I want my clothing to reflect my personal tastes and style, not be restricted to a standard style that someone else dictates. I want something unique! But within the realm of good taste.

In your Buick analogy, it doesn't have to be one extreme or the other (flames on the fenders and leopardskin seats). What about a tasteful extra, like an upgrade on the wheels, or wood paneling on the dash? These are small things that add a bit of uniqueness to the vehicle, but still make it look classy. I think classic cuffs on a jacket fall into that category, and certainly don't come anywhere close to flames on fenders or leopardskin seats.

I hope I sound sincere and not argumentative when I say that flames and leopardskin can be tasteful. I think we have come to the next point, though, which is that reasonable people may disagree as to what is tasteful. I agree, Tobus, that nicely understated add-ons can be worthwhile, just as nicer fabric and a better than "good enough" fit are certainly worthwhile. But the question is still there: What are most of us willing to pay extra for and what do we consider unnecessary?

Better still, how about some more pictures of worthwhile custom touches?
thanks
m'll

[CMcG]

But secondly, do you have other examples of cuff styles which aren't usually seen on traditional Highland style jackets, but that you think would be nice looking?

The flap/mariner/PC and gauntlet/Argyll cuffs are definitely the ones I see most often. My mess jacket has something a little different, which is seen a bit less often. Another Xmarker told me these are called Polish or cavalry cuffs. I think there is supposed to be a single button at the peak of the cuff (rather than two on the side like mine), but I haven't got around to fixing that yet

I like the cuffs on my jacket because they adds a bit of detail, without getting too ornamental. In some regimental mess jackets I've seen, the cuff can be a contrasting colour or have piping. This probably has symbolic associations with different military units or ranks, so I think self-coloured is a better bet for civilians, unless one really knows the uniform regulations!

[plaid preacher]

Hey Colin,

No, there is no button at the top of the point of the cuff. You are correct, that the pipe changes. Gold for Juniour Officers, gold with a finial for Senior officers at the top of the point.

[Glen]

Hey Colin,

No, there is no button at the top of the point of the cuff. You are correct, that the pipe changes. Gold for Juniour Officers, gold with a finial for Senior officers at the top of the point.

http://www.kaisersbunker.com/gtp/gtp01g.htm

[Angstrom]

Check out Bookster online.

Thanks! If I wore jackets more often, I'd be sorely tempted.....

Nice fabrics. Prices aren't bad for bespoke work, especially since US customers pay 20% less than the listed price because VAT is deducted.

[BCAC]

I agree, but unfortunately no Highland wear line