Blue Patrol Jacket

[Tarheel]

Not a piper (my disclaimer). I like the sharp simple lines this jacket offers. I think I see extra material in the sleeves like my Eisenhower jacket has. That would give better room for bagpipes. The collar is unobtrusive yet stylish. I didn't explore the cloth but if offered in lighter fabrics (linen for example) bands from warmer climates might be drawn to this look.

I am curious to hear a critique from anyone that owns this jacket.

[jumper]

like my Eisenhower jacket has.

I miss my Ike jacket, I grew out of it. Its a 36 I am now a 42 LOL

[Taskr]

Looks very similar in style to the patrol jacket worn by the Strathcona's P&D. Very sharp. I walloped the bass drum for a couple of gigs with them. Lots of movement room, if fitted well.
http://www.strathconas.ca/pipes-and-drums

[48HofC]

If you are trying for the military look, blue patrols are the way to go for a formal appearance without wearing full dress. They are still worn today in the different armies of the British commonwealth as a form of undress. The cut,fit,and material quality varies and will show prominently in the appearance.

[Macman]

Our pipe band wears something very similar, but without the piping. Proper fit is crucial.

[plaid preacher]

I like the look. I would skip the piping, however. the other question is do you want the cadet collar, or open so that you can wear a shirt and tie underneath? Some might find the collar in the picture quite restrictive.

But I love patrol blues as a uniform.

Best of luck.

[Piobair]

Some will disagree, but I'm not a fan. Jackets like this have become part of a trend in the pipe band world where service bands increasingly choose kit that's not quite civilian, not quite military, and wind up with a look that can 100% tacky. Usually there are spats with solid colored hose involved and hackles sticking out of something. It looks a lot like adults playing dress up, which maybe it is.

I have respect for bands that go for full No. 1, but those uniforms can be hard to wear and expensive, especially if they're intended to fit correctly. The minute I see a band kitted out in in aviator shirts and horsehair sporrans or poorly tailored Pakistani doublets, I know exactly what I'm going to hear - and it's usually rough. I appreciate that military uniforms look cool - I have yet to see a picture of Gavin Stoddard from back in the day that didn't make me wish I had a job that allowed me to dress like that. But I would never play at a competition in one of those uniforms. I periodically wear No 1 to play at a wedding or something, but even then the goal is to keep it as close to MOD as possible without wearing an actual regiment's gear.

If someone was really into that look and doesn't want to become a piper, why not join SAMS or something and commit to really nailing it?

[jumper]

do you want the cadet collar, or open so that you can wear a shirt and tie underneath? Some might find the collar in the picture quite restrictive.

I don't mind the stand up collar as you can have less on under the coat, also the historical side of it.