Tartan waistcoat experimentation

**Nathan** · 13th May 14, 07:34 PM

So I've posted a thread about this waistcoat before and I ended up trying it with day wear. Given the fact that it has silver buttons, I thought I'd try it with evening wear. I'm aware that while tartan waistcoats are rare, the more traditional choice with the PC is a bias cut three buttons with lapels.

So today I tried two evening wear looks. The first was with the black barrathea Argyll:

This is a similar look to one that CMcG posted with his nice hair sporran.

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This one is the more out there. I wanted to try it with my Balmoral doublet. When I tried it on open, it looked a little strange around the bottom so I decided to channel the old school look of a dirk belt over the waistcoat only in my version, I did so sans dirk as I don't own one and don't really wish to.

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I'd be interested to know your thoughts on these experiments. I'm sure they are pushing the limits of the traditional canon, the second more than the first, but have they crossed the line?

**Stan** · 13th May 14, 09:29 PM

Nathan, I like the look.....I don't think that a tartan waist coat is to much, in fact I was just looking at ordering one or two myself. I have a hand made "diced" waist coat coming, and just this last week have been looking at the tartan waist coats on Scotweb as well.

I think that a 3 button waist coat seems to be preferred by many for a PC, but then on the web sited MacGregor and MacDuff they show a PC with a 5 button waist coat, and I like that look too.

I'm of the opinion that if more people knew where to get a tartan waist coat, than maybe more would be wearing them. I'm also of the opinion that wearing a tartan waist coat takes your highland dress to another level. One that I like.

One of my major inspirations for tartan waist coats has been a photo of the Clan Gregor chief Sir Malcom MacGregor, MacGregor in a PC, and a nice 3 button diced tartan waist coat....So...As you can tell, "I'm a fan", and think that (A) the tartan vest looks great, and

I'm going to see about wearing MY (soon to come) diced tartan 5 button waist coat with a PC and a black Crail jacket with a nice black hand tied bow tie......

5 stars.....

**Downunder Kilt** · 13th May 14, 09:40 PM

Nathan, in the first photo, I think you the addition of the tartan waistcoat is most acceptable and well within the tradtional look. As for the the look with the doublet, I say it looks OK to my eye, though I would like to see a pic sans the belt. I think it works as your doublet has a row of buttons to the collar that allows the buttons on the waistcoat not to look out of place. I would not have the same opinion if you paired it with a PC or Regulation Doublet. I don't think you have wandered outside the boundary with either outfit. Cheers

**longhuntr74** · 13th May 14, 09:50 PM

I'm pretty much with Downunder on this...the Argyll is a definite yes (much like you see in my Avatar pic)! The Balmoral looks fine too, IMHO...but I would not pair a 5 button with a regulation doublet or PC (as DU stated).

**JohntheBiker** · 14th May 14, 06:07 AM

Like both looks, but the Argyll is a clear winner.

**Tobus** · 14th May 14, 06:14 AM

I like the Argyll look better too. Though I'd like it even better if you could get a decent photo with better lighting and less contrast.

**Nathan** · 14th May 14, 06:26 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

I like the Argyll look better too. Though I'd like it even better if you could get a decent photo with better lighting and less contrast.

I agree with the lighting issue. I live alone in a warmly lit flat and if I use flash in the mirror, all you see is the glare. I try to improve the pics with the limited tools on my mac but alas...

I have a friend coming to watch the Boston Montreal game 7 tonight. Maybe I'll request some photography services.

**creagdhubh** · 14th May 14, 06:42 AM

Originally Posted by longhuntr74

I'm pretty much with Downunder on this...the Argyll is a definite yes (much like you see in my Avatar pic)! The Balmoral looks fine too, IMHO...but I would not pair a 5 button with a regulation doublet or PC (as DU stated).

I completely agree!

**Nathan** · 14th May 14, 09:04 AM

Originally Posted by Downunder Kilt

As for the the look with the doublet, I say it looks OK to my eye, though I would like to see a pic sans the belt.

Originally Posted by Tobus

I like the Argyll look better too. Though I'd like it even better if you could get a decent photo with better lighting and less contrast.

Points taken! My friend has agreed to shoot some photos of me this evening. I'll post the Argyll again as well as the Balmoral with and without belt. Maybe I'll shoot some other looks just for kicks.

N