Tartan vest/waistcoat opinions in gernral and it's level of formality

[davidlpope]

Yes, I was going to mention that the sett size is smaller. This was because they made from different Lochcarron fabrics. The vest is 11oz and the kilt is 16oz. For some reason the sett is smaller. The kilt maker (Kathy Lare) mentioned that in her catalog one was listed as ancient and one as modern, but as you can see they are practically identical in color. I'll admit I like it better than if the sett was exactly the same size. I'll get some pictures up as soon as I can.

It's actually better that the sett size and shades are slightly different. Too matchy-matchy otherwise. This will look as if they were handed down in the family. Always a nice effect.

[Manu]

While I prefer the bias cut as well, I think the picture you shared looks really good! I have a tartan waistcoat in the works as well and I plan to wear it with a day tweed jacket. I admire McMurdo's ensemble but I don't think I can pull off the tartan suit the way he does, and I think he gave you great examples of combinations on how to wear your tartan waistcoat in day and black tie situations. Enjoy your new kit and wear it proud!

P.s. I too would avoid wearing the tartan tie with the kilt and waistcoat.

[Taskr]

The waistcoat could be a great addition to a jacket/tie for occasions where you want to bring business attire up a notch. Would probably look good with a dark suit also. A tie is a tie, wear with what it accompanies well. Good buy, IMO

[Macseobang]

Thanks for all of the feedback so far. I had time to try out a few combinations, but this has really made me realize that I have a very small selection of ties and shirts which go well with my kilt outfits. Also, I currently only have one charcoal grey tweed jacket which I've used for both day and evening events. It looks like I have some shopping to do. I realize there's not a very good shot of the tartan vest over the tartan kilt. I'll try to get a better one, but in the mean time tell me what you think.

Shirts: I currently have: White, Light Blue, Blue checkered, Green checkered. Any suggestions on what might go well with this very green tartan?

Ties: I have very few ties, only solid black and a few random patterns which are mostly blue. I realized I have no ties with white or green in them so I definitely need to buy something.

Jackets: I mentioned I only have the grey tweed with a matching vest, though I do want to eventually purchase an argyle, PC, and more light colored daywear jacket

Hose: It's hard to see, but I'm wearing dark green hose in most of the pictures and charcoal in a couple of them. I just recently ordered some lovat green hose and ecru garter ties that may give a better pop of color. I'm wearing fringed flashes made to match the kilt in all of the pictures below.

Shoes: I have both brown and black wingtips (black are in the pictures), I do also own a pair of ghillies, mostly for pipe band performances. I've also worn brown boots during kilted day outings

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Overall I think I have to expand my shirt and tie wardrobe a lot and I'm open to suggestions of style and color. Even the light blue shirt and black tie (along with a black vest) are from my pipe band uniform. I found the color combination of the tartan (light green, dark green, and white) a bit difficult to work with in general, especially with my current wardrobe. If anyone has a favorite place to buy their shirt and ties for kilt wear let me know.

[Tarheel]

Your photos are just what I was expecting. I bet you're pleased. My mind would be thinking, hose colors, new shirts and ties, (God forbid) slacks in varied colors when appropriate.

Please don't let me spend any more of your money with my whims. Carry on, it seems you have things under control.

[Tobus]

Thanks for posting those photos! I actually like that waistcoat and kilt combination better than I thought I would. The buttons on the waistcoat are more of an evening wear style, which seems to be at odds with the jacket buttons. It would be great to be able switch those buttons out to serve both purposes.

If it were me, I'd lighten up the colours for daywear. Hose in the Lovat shades or a nice brown, red garter ties, a tweed jacket, tattersal shirt, and regimental style striped tie. Maybe a knit tie would be just the ticket too. There's no need to be matchy-matchy with greens and dark colours. Throwing bits of red or yellow in the mix would help make the greens come alive.

Of course, what you have looks nice for a dressy occasion if you're wanting a more subdued effect.

Anyway, congratulations on the new kilt and waistcoat. They do look nice!

[McMurdo]

Great set of photos that show the versatility of a tartan waistcoat. Well done. My personal preference would be an outfit close to your number 2. I think the waistcoat works best with a kilt in the same tartan. I would also say have fun with the hose colours, one thing to remember about Highland wear is that is not for wallflowers, so experiment, some things will work and others will not but by trying things you will find out what works for you.

[kingandrew]

The pics are great. All these combos look pretty good.

I would definitely explore some lighter colors in hose and accessories, especially with that black kilt.

A shirt color I really like but I don't see others wearing very often is yellow. I find it coordinates nicely with all the greens in most tartans, without looking matchy. Your tartan has a lot more green than mine and might really work well with a yellow shirt.

Have fun trying out some ideas. Luckily you can buy shirts and ties at reasonable prices and hose can also be had affordably. This means you can create a number of looks without shelling out too much more.

[Manu]

Yup! Number 2 is a winner look! I'd stay away from the gingham pattern shirt, tartan is busy enough to add another busy pattern. That's why tattersall shirts work, they're patterned but light and subtle. I second the advice to lighten up things with hose. Ancient green or ancient blue from house of cheviot would look great here, or even bison. Have fun with it!!

[Nathan]

Nice waistcoat! Are your bottons sewn on or held on with onrings or cottar pins? If they are sewn on, I’d reserve this one for wear with a black barrathea Argyll with silver buttons. I swap my horn buttons on for wear with day wear.

I have a couple of tartan waistcoats. I tend to wear my bias cut waistcoat more than my straight cut one but have included examples of both.