Over doing it

[Manxstralian]

Definitely the doublet! You're the entertainment, so it's ok to stand out from the crowd.

[Nathan]

I would wear the doublet with a black bow tie and turn-down collar. Given the photographs, I would also wear hose that breaks with the apparent convention at this event!

I notice the UK folks place a lot more emphasis on turned down versus wing collared shirts than Canadians. It was my intention to wear a turn down collar in either case though.
Regarding hose, I'll be wearing diced hose and buckled brogues but I just combed through the photos and could only find one pair of hose on one of the guys carrying the Haggis in 2012. What am I missing?

Nathan, I have a black velvet Balmoral as well, in the event I feel a bit overdressed I just unbutton the top two buttons as this seems to lessen the formality of the Balmoral but I doubt I'd worry. I first noticed John Macleod of Macleod, the late Chief, doing this when he wore his and it seemed to work well to "soften" the look. You can get a look at a photo of him here.
http://www.clan-macleod-scotland.org.uk/tartans

Interesting point about unbuttoning. I never considered the MacLeod's doublet to be a Balmoral because it has no tashes/Inverness flaps. I always thought of it more as a GT or custom single breasted Montrose. Nomenclature aside, I have always loved his doublet. In fact, it's what inspired me to get this one:

Definitely the doublet! You're the entertainment, so it's ok to stand out from the crowd.

Nope. I'll just be a newbee with no date . I'll be the entertainment the next night at the pub, but I certainly won't be wearing my doublet then. For that night, an Argyll to start and probably just my waistcoat after playing a set or two.
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So far, there are a lot of pro-Doublet folks weighing in with maybe one vote from ASinclair to have a scarlet waistcoat made. ;)

Thanks everyone for your feedback so far! I'm surprised to see it so one-sided considering how casual the ladies are dressed and how much it was stressed to me that the doublet was too much by the local Highland outfitter who attends this supper annually.

I'm finding your replies to be most interesting! keep em coming! Anyone from the PC camp?

[Carlo]

One question: Does the local Highland outfitter sell doublets?

[Grizzly]

Nathan, I suspect that you may have seen this website before -

http://www.blacktieguide.com/Supplemental/Scottish.htm

It gives a good bench mark of what should be worn for less and more formal occasions, obviously it's up to you what you wear but some may see a doublet at a less formal evening as somewhat "gilding the Lilly".

However, we are constantly reminded that Highland Dress is a free dress and that no-one can tell you what to wear, however whether you should or not is completely up to you.

Have a great time whatever you decide. I am sure you will look great.

[Cygnus]

Versatility, in my opinion, is the beauty of the Balmoral doublet and puts it above similar doublets like the Montrose. It can be worn with a turn-down collar and black bow tie and fit in (with a pit more pizazz) with coatees, while it can also be worn with a jabot or even a wing collar and white bow tie for more formal affairs. I was torn between a regulation doublet and a Balmoral doublet when ordering a formal kilt jacket and opted for the former simply because my waist tends to fluctuate a bit and the regulation doublet is more forgiving than a closed doublet.

So, like many here, I say wear the doublet!

[CMcG]

There's doublets and then there's doublets.

Your Balmoral, Nathan, is of the less ostentatious variety and effectively straddles different levels of formality. It is good ol' barathea, instead of velvet or silk; has a solid, subdued colour; and doesn't have lace cuffs sewn permanently into it, all of which combine to give you more wiggle room to dress it up or down for the event.

Has the Highland outfitter you wrote about actually seen your doublet? Speaking of Highland outfitters, have you read what Highland Clans has to say about the Balmoral? They are one of the few -- if not the only -- people who sell this style of doublet:

"The Balmoral Kilt Doublet is suitable for formal evening events, both black tie and white tie. It is traditionally made from Velvet, but is now also made in Barathea Wool.

...It is usually worn with a belt, and black bow tie (as shown but these items are not included).



...It can be worn less formally unbuttoned - in this case the belt would be worn round the kilt (under the jacket)."*

* my bold

Maybe give that a try and see how you like the look.

[Downunder Kilt]

My vote is for the doublet. There are those there that have upped the ante by wearing jabots, so presenting oneself in a doublet is not, to my mind, going over the top. I believe you have the confidence to wear it, as illustrated on other occasions, so go for it.

[Spartan Tartan]

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion... that said, mine is you should wear the doublet. ;-)

I wonder if the gent offer his opinion is not relying too heavily on a different understanding of the role of the doublet? Perhaps he sees the PC as the correct jacket for that particular event for.reasons unique to his view of highland dress. A view, which clearly, the members here do not seem to share... But, like I said, everyone is entitled to.their opinion.

[Highlander31]

I would wear the doublet with a black bow tie and turn-down collar. Given the photographs, I would also wear hose that breaks with the apparent convention at this event!

I agree, the doublet is the way to go, and as for the hose, I would suggest maybe charcoal or claret hose to finish it off. Just my two cents worth.

Nathan, I have a black velvet Balmoral as well, in the event I feel a bit overdressed I just unbutton the top two buttons as this seems to lessen the formality of the Balmoral but I doubt I'd worry. I first noticed John Macleod of Macleod, the late Chief, doing this when he wore his and it seemed to work well to "soften" the look. You can get a look at a photo of him here.
http://www.clan-macleod-scotland.org.uk/tartans

MacCathmhaoil, that's a nice look. I looked at the Balmoral doublet years ago, and didn't really think much of it. However, seeing the photo of the late chief does have me rethinking a bit.

[ASinclair]

Nathan,

I'm shocked, shocked to find that you have no scarlet 3-button waistcoat! So, in that case, go ahead and wear the green doublet.