Quote Originally Posted by OC Richard View Post
...The (dirk) belt is fastened around the waist under the vest.[/I] (The term "waistcoat" was in the future.)
Hmmm... Not sure about this, Richard.

The term 'waistcoat' has been used in English since the early 1500s, but 'vest' seems to be what Charles II called it when he set the sartorial standard at Court in the 1660s, according to Samuel Pepys - a French term no doubt as a result of the King's long sojourn in France during the Commonwealth.

Curiously, to the French, a vest (veste or veston) is the short, universal suit-type jacket, while gilet is the term for waistcoat. In the UK, 'vest' is used almost exclusively by tailors, probably due to the historical fashion associations, and lesser mortals use 'waistcoat but say it as 'weskit' which is how it is sometime written.

If a man were to appear in public in 'vest and pants' here in the UK, he would be marched off quickly to the local nick for a public order offence, as that is what we call underwear! I have seen sporting tweed breeks referred to as 'knickers' (from knickerbocker) by unsuspecting holiday-makers, which has been met with mirthful childish sniggering. Knickers are usually skimpy little lace numbers that ladies like to keep hidden under their clothes.

There is some evidence in historical writings (mainly by European observers) that the Highland style up to the 18th century was for men to wear two waistcoats together, with the inner one being slightly longer. I take these to be more a form of sleeveless doublet, rather than like our modern suit-style under-jacket waistcoat (or vest) - so pipebands who perform in waistcoat and no jacket are committing a sartorial crime whilst being arguably historically correct.