Less Can Be More

[Dale Seago]

I'd like to acquire a charcoal tweed jacket with matching waistcoat and replace my AWOL plain leather sporran.

When I first thought of getting a tweed jacket, I figured charcoal would be the most versatile go-with-everything option. But then I found this Harris Tweed fabric and just could not resist. In low light you'd take it for charcoal with a subtle herringbone pattern, as in my photo on the previous page on the stage at Revels. But with different lighting and wearing it with a variety of differently colored kilts, shirts & ties, etc. it seems to change. Here are some pics of mine -- the first is indoors in daylight, out of the sun:





And the second is outdoors in direct sunlight:





These photos were taken about a minute apart, on opposite sides of my front door.


EDITED TO ADD: I ordered this jacket and waistcoat through the Scottish Tartans Museum Gift Shop back when they had Harris Tweed fabric as an available option. I'm not sure whether this particular pattern is available anywhere anymore, but it's nice enough that it seems it certainly ought to be.

[CMcG]

When I first thought of getting a tweed jacket, I figured charcoal would be the most versatile go-with-everything option. But then I found this Harris Tweed fabric and just could not resist. In low light you'd take it for charcoal with a subtle herringbone pattern, as in my photo above on the stage at Revels. But with different lighting and wearing it with a variety of different kilts, shirts & ties, etc. it seems to change. Here are some pics of mine -- the first is indoors:

Harris tweed is indeed a wonderful type of fabric; my lovat green tweed jacket is made from such and, as with yours, has those glorious, minute flecks of various hues that add up to a solid colour at a distance The charcoal that I'm thinking of is kind of the same, though monochromatic.


It would be cool to find one with some coloured flecks in there too


It would also be cool to get a matching charcoal tweed jacket and waistcoat in something with a bit of a pattern, as long as it was subtle. I've seen some herringbone and windowpane tweeds that appear solid at a certain distance, but reveal their nuance up close... that's a two-for-one deal; less AND more at the same time

[artroland]

Well, while I doubt it was the Yves St. Laurent tie (my favorite tie - beautifully made) that threw anyone for a loop, it was likely the custom-made Converse high tops.

So, this is more, or less, to the traditional perspective? (aside from the aforementioned footwear?)

Thanks for the heads up about crew neck tshirts under an button up shirt worn with the collar open... I was unaware of the style points you raised, but I'll look into it.

As for the sections, the traditional section is for traditional kilts, worn in traditional ways. A traditional kilt worn in contemporary ways would be more germane to the contemporary or general sub-forums.

[artroland]

That is one versatile bit of cloth you have there. I like it!

When I first thought of getting a tweed jacket, I figured charcoal would be the most versatile go-with-everything option. But then I found this Harris Tweed fabric and just could not resist. In low light you'd take it for charcoal with a subtle herringbone pattern, as in my photo above on the stage at Revels. But with different lighting and wearing it with a variety of differently colored kilts, shirts & ties, etc. it seems to change. Here are some pics of mine -- the first is indoors in daylight, out of the sun:





And the second is outdoors in direct sunlight:





These photos were taken about a minute apart, on opposite sides of my front door.


EDITED TO ADD: I ordered this jacket and waistcoat through the Scottish Tartans Museum Gift Shop back when they had Harris Tweed fabric as an available option. I'm not sure whether this particular pattern is available anywhere anymore, but it's nice enough that it seems it certainly ought to be.

[Jock Scot]

Well, while I doubt it was the Yves St. Laurent tie (my favorite tie - beautifully made) that threw anyone for a loop, it was likely the custom-made Converse high tops.

So, this is more, or less, to the traditional perspective? (aside from the aforementioned footwear?)

Just so you know. The fact that not only the shoes, but your hose, kilt height and lack of sporran make the look very difficult----impossible in my view------to define your look as traditional. Again, if that is how you want to wear your attire then fair enough, but traditional it is not. I hope this helps.

[artroland]

Thank you for clarifying that. I understand regarding the footwear and hose. The kilt, however, hits me mid-knee. It was windy on the roof that day (hence the crossed arms holding down ties). I really don't like the look of a kilt higher on the knee on me, especially above the knee. The reason being I have rather thick legs compared to the rest of my body (playing ice hockey as much as I have in life will do that to you), so I'm a bit self conscious about the disproportions. I don't like wearing shorts for that reason, either.

As for the lack of sporran, there's a reason pipers don't dance jigs while wearing heavy sporrans, and my activities onstage typically direct me to dress accordingly for fear of grave injury to any potential offspring. ;) In future endeavors I'll remember to wear it for photo shoots though, as you do bring a good point there.

[Jock Scot]

Thank you for clarifying that. I understand regarding the footwear and hose. The kilt, however, hits me mid-knee. It was windy on the roof that day (hence the crossed arms holding down ties). I really don't like the look of a kilt higher on the knee on me, especially above the knee. The reason being I have rather thick legs compared to the rest of my body (playing ice hockey as much as I have in life will do that to you), so I'm a bit self conscious about the disproportions. I don't like wearing shorts for that reason, either.

As for the lack of sporran, there's a reason pipers don't dance jigs while wearing heavy sporrans, and my activities onstage typically direct me to dress accordingly for fear of grave injury to any potential offspring. ;) In future endeavors I'll remember to wear it for photo shoots though, as you do bring a good point there.

The problem with the traditional kilt attire "look", is that there are huge grey areas in interpretation, so, most confusingly to many, nothing is cast in stone. For example, not wearing a sporran can in some circumstances be traditional, not wearing shoes and hose on the beach whilst paddling can be perfectly traditional, The one "absolute" is kilt height at around the top of the knee, however if you see a picture of a kilted soldier, for example, in the midst of a battle with his kilt being worn rather lower, then well, understandably one is forgiving------actually kilts moving south during a battle would be probably considered as very traditional! So in many ways, it is the overall look and the situation that can define the "traditional look".

[artroland]

Well, there are other reasons I wear my kilt mid-knee, however I try not to explain them in polite conversation, and in impolite conversation most just claim that I am bragging.

[Jock Scot]

Well, there are other reasons I wear my kilt mid-knee, however I try not to explain them in polite conversation, and in impolite conversation most just claim that I am bragging.

The height that you choose to wear the kilt is entirely your decision. It may not be traditional, but that is your choice and no one else's!

[TheOfficialBren]

***, Jock.

If you want to be traditional then show some knee and wear a sporran and hose. If not then have fun with your non-traditional style.

Well, there are other reasons I wear my kilt mid-knee, however I try not to explain them in polite conversation, and in impolite conversation most just claim that I am bragging.

Side-note: Pish-Posh! Anatomically impossible and rather cheeky, Artroland.