"Highland" embellishments on jackets

[tundramanq]

I like Nathan's first picture. It is toned down and defiantly not military.
In my view, I would not wear my US Navy dress blue "cracker jack" top with civilian wear.
I am even less comfortable wearing PC or Argyle tops derived from a foreign nation's military uniform.

[Calgacus]

I don't think gauntlet cuffs and scalloped pocket flaps derive from the military, they were common to civilian dress in the 18th century. Epaulettes however do have military origins, their original purpose being to stop straps and crossbelts falling off the shoulder.

[creagdhubh]

I don't think gauntlet cuffs and scalloped pocket flaps derive from the military, they were common to civilian dress in the 18th century. Epaulettes however do have military origins, their original purpose being to stop straps and crossbelts falling off the shoulder.

I was just about to post the very same point, but somehow, I lost internet connection with only XMTS! Anyways, yes, gauntlet style cuffs, as well as pocket flaps with braided cord and typically three buttons, were very popular on men's civilian frock coats and suit coats throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, and even into the 19th century, since it was very much the style then. However, whether this fashion is definitively derived from military uniforms, or vice versa, is up to debate. From my own education, I have always believed much of the civilian fashion of the day in regards to the wee details and embellishments here and there, ran somewhat parallel with the general military practice of the time.

[tundramanq]

Kyle, It would be interesting to see what "the working class" wore back in the day. Few could afford or make use of any more than the basic clothes.
These niceties of fashion were more for the gentry and military.

[Nathan]

Kyle, It would be interesting to see what "the working class" wore back in the day. Few could afford or make use of any more than the basic clothes.
These niceties of fashion were more for the gentry and military.

You're right to a certain respect but you should also remember that it is often written that Highland clansmen didn't trust money. As such, they had a tendency to bejewel their woolen garments with sterling silver, cairngorm and amethyst embellishments so that should they fall in battle, they would have enough of their material wealth on them to pay for a burial etc... They could also leave any additional buttons, weaponry etc.. to their children. They also bartered and made a lot of their own things from spinning to weaving to sewing so depending on the period in question, the common man might not have many clothes, but the ones he had could have been very ornate indeed.

I should qualify the above by saying the texts in which I read the stuff about the jewels and money were tartan books and not academic history journals or writings from the period so if someone pipes up and says that's a myth, it wouldn't be the first time such a myth was perpetuated in a tartan coffee table book ...

I don't think gauntlet cuffs and scalloped pocket flaps derive from the military, they were common to civilian dress in the 18th century. Epaulettes however do have military origins, their original purpose being to stop straps and crossbelts falling off the shoulder.

They remain practical as a handy place to put rank insignia.

[MacRobert's Reply]

The British version of the Napoleon story or legend is that in the Royal Navy, midshipmen were originally boys apprenticed to train as ships' officers. Known as snotties because of their youthful tears and running noses which tended to be wiped on their sleeves, three brass buttons were applied to the cuffs as disincentives. Later, the three buttons became the rank insignia of the Chief Petty Officer.

[Liam]

I like Nathan's first picture. It is toned down and defiantly not military.

I would not say that the legal profession is defiantly not military but it is definately not so..... spell check creates these wonderful opportunaties....

Cheers...Bill

[Tobus]

I would not say that the legal profession is defiantly not military but it is definately not so..... spell check creates these wonderful opportunaties....

Cheers...Bill

Speaking of spell check, that should be "definitely".

[Nathan]

Speaking of spell check, that should be "definitely".

Tobus wins!

[tundramanq]

Aarg, cell phone auto-spell is worse.