The ideal time for the black argyll

[McMurdo]

I am not sure that there is an ideal time for the black barathea Argyll jacket. As you say for day events tweed is preferable and for evening a coatee or doublet would be the preferred choice. I do not own one, and have thought about purchasing one, however I have not needed to as I have tweeds for the day and other more appropriate choices for evening wear.

[creagdhubh]

I am not sure that there is an ideal time for the black barathea Argyll jacket. As you say for day events tweed is preferable and for evening a coatee or doublet would be the preferred choice. I do not own one, and have thought about purchasing one, however I have not needed to as I have tweeds for the day and other more appropriate choices for evening wear.

That's precisely where I stand as well, Glen. I have always thought the Argyll style jacket and waistcoat in black Barathea wool as being rather superfluous and may been seen as more along the lines of the "pipe band look." I know many retailers label it as "semi-formal," which is a term that has never made much sense to me anyways. Again, just my two pence for what it's worth. I realise that not everyone can afford doublets and coatees cut for black/white tie affairs when Highland dress is worn, so an Argyll jacket in black Barathea may be a more realistic (versatile perhaps?) option/alternative.

In previous threads, I do believe Jock Scot has gone into great detail in regards to the Argyll style jacket in black Barathea/silver buttons and when/where it's worn.

Cheers,

[JohntheBiker]

I have a black Argyll and frankly don't wear it very often. I have used it on occasion in attending an optional formal event (non-highland) where a PC and full regalia would be a little over the top.

Here is one example:

[Grizzly]

Although I have daywear tweeds I don't have an evening jacket, for me and this is my personal view a black argyle would fit the bill if I were going out in the evening with my OH to a very nice restaurant where a jacket is required, somewhere where a very nice evening suit would be requisite without needing the formality of black tie or the where tradition dictates the wearing of a PC. Also trips to the opera or ballet would suit an argyle and so would a dressy but not over the top evening do at a wedding.

It has its place in a wardrobe and I would probably wear it more often than a PC.

[creagdhubh]

Although I have daywear tweeds I don't have an evening jacket, for me and this is my personal view a black argyle would fit the bill if I were going out in the evening with my OH to a very nice restaurant where a jacket is required, something where a very nice evening suit without the formality of black tie or the where tradition dictates the wearing of a PC. Also trips to the opera or ballet would suit an argyle and so would a dressy but not over the top evening do at a wedding.

It has its place in a wardrobe and I would probably wear it more often than a PC.

Well said, Simon.

[MacLowlife]

In the Southern US, especially when you are going to be indoors, a barathea jacket is far more comfortable many months out of the year. If you go to a "kirkin o' the tartans" of a Sunday morning, an Argyll jacket is highly appropriate. A crowded church heated to 60 or 70 degrees is likely to be warmish for those in tweeds.

I will take advantage of this opportunity to air my own prejudice in favor of a NAVY argyll. Many men grew up wearing navy blazers for just-slightly-less-formal than suit occasions. A navy Argyll does this nicely. I have also found, under most lighting conditions that one can't easily tell the difference between navy and black at night, thus allowing you to squeak by with a navy argyll for black tie events.

The all-seasons aspect of barathea might eventually get you into trouble. Standing in a graveyard when it's 45 degrees, you might prefer the tweed, formality and versatility be darned. But those days occur much less often than the 85 degree ones in my neighoborhood.

[MacRobert's Reply]

I find the Argyll with silver buttons is ideal for weddings or any other event where formal morning dress is being worn. Mine gets worn about half a dozen times a year. It's also fine for the less posh black tie events with a waist belt or three-button waistcoat.

[MacCathmhaoil]

The black Argyll is ideal in the summer for an afternoon wedding when it gets a bit too hot for tweeds. I don't own a P.C., I do have a Sheriffmuir and a velvet Balmoral for formal so the Argyll is a good, less formal option for me. I am considering Jock's sage advice and having it adapted so I can change buttons if/as the need arises.

[DyerStraits]

My Argyle jacket is easily the most versatile kilt jackets I own. The only kilt jacket I wear more often is a more basic black Barathea wool day wear kilt jacket with stag horn buttons and no shoulder straps. Unless you're like me and wear kilts very regularly on weekdays and weekends, an Argyle jacket is what I would recommend. The more formal metal buttons and the shoulder straps are the key--they provide that military uniform air of formality and allow the wearer to stow a beret and/or wear a fly plaid, for some extra dramatic dash for special occasions. It's basically the blazer jacket of kiltwear. Any serious kilt wearer simply must have one.

Happy Holidays To All My Kilted Brethren. Slainte!

[Liam]

Although I have daywear tweeds I don't have an evening jacket, for me and this is my personal view a black argyle would fit the bill if I were going out in the evening with my OH to a very nice restaurant where a jacket is required, somewhere where a very nice evening suit would be requisite without needing the formality of black tie or the where tradition dictates the wearing of a PC. Also trips to the opera or ballet would suit an argyle and so would a dressy but not over the top evening do at a wedding.

It has its place in a wardrobe and I would probably wear it more often than a PC.

At our company Christmas party.



I own both, and find the Argyll considerably more versatile.