kilt height+tie length+button height+heaviness

[Thekiltedmohawk]

Agreed with Sir Didymous.

That's why I prefer to wear vests to eliminate the fuss of wearing tie along with the kilt to try to look right in it. I think I look sharp with the vest and tie combo rather than just tie alone.

Probably, that's why I have 5 different kind of vests.

[OC Richard]

Yes indeed traditionally those Argyll jackets were usually worn with vests/waistcoats, which do away with any issues of tie length and kilt height (as long as your kilt is high enough to not create an unsightly gap). Then the jacket can be left unbuttoned in the traditional way and there's no problems.

Thing is, it's often so darn hot here that it's bad enough wearing the jacket. When you're hired for a piping gig it's more or less expected that you wear jacket and tie- the clergy and any menfolk there in official capacities will be wearing coat and tie no matter how hot it is.

But yes I've been wearing a waistcoat more often recently. At our last Highland Games I ponied up the money and got a very nice Scottish-made black Barathea waistcoat to match my black Argyll jacket, and I must say I look much dressier wearing both vest and jacket.

[bicyclebradley]

so run the tie a bit long and then tuck into the top of the kilt. i like this advice, thanks!
wearing a waistcoat with tie this ensures the tie is not peeking out from the waistcoat, which i agree is unsightly.

question: white shirt + black hose = black tie?
I wouldn't wear a tartan tie but i like the idea of a red tie that matches the red in my tartan.
Would this be acceptable?