Formal Kilt Wear

**arrogcow** · 23rd September 05, 07:57 AM

What were others wearing to your Burns night last year?

Cincinnati's has guys in kilts and t-shirts to kilts and Prince Charlies with a fly plaid, and everything in between. Unfortunately still more people in pants than kilts (but it is getting better).

Adam

**Iolaus** · 23rd September 05, 08:45 AM

[flame suit on] ...and with appologies to Ham...
To my eye, and this is strictly a personal opinion, the traditional PC looks martial and dated, sharp yes, but dated. How about getting a tailed tux and having a tailor trim off the tail ... kinda bring the look away from 19th/20th century military formal, and into the less decorated 21st century civilian formal; then you have the added advatage of being able to use it and kilt for the Masonic events as well (if that's permited).

Do I recall correctly that you're involved with SASS? Some time ago I saw a "western tux" jacket (i don't recall where) that had bobbed tails, kinda like a PC but different. That sort of thing might have multi-use potential for you.

...

I couldn't find that coat, but I did find this at Renton Western Wear:
http://tinyurl.com/cdtma

**macwilkin** · 23rd September 05, 08:59 AM

A spencer jacket (sometimes referred to as a "captain's jacket") is also a nice alternative; it is similar to the western-style jacket mentioned here, but no western "frills".

[flame suit on] ...and with appologies to Ham...
To my eye, and this is strictly a personal opinion, the traditional PC looks martial and dated, sharp yes, but dated. How about getting a tailed tux and having a tailor trim off the tail ... kinda bring the look away from 19th/20th century military formal, and into the less decorated 21st century civilian formal; then you have the added advatage of being able to use it and kilt for the Masonic events as well (if that's permited).

No reason for a flame suit, that's your opinion. What looks good to you may look good to others, and vice-versa. I personally think the traditional PC is "timeless", and 40 years from now, when my grandchildren look at our wedding photos, my PC will still look good. As long as we respect each other's tastes, then we're fine.

A PC, though, isn't really good with regular tux trousers anyway -- far too short, save a nice pair of tartan trews, which is the epitome of class (look at Hector and Archie in "Monarch" -- but dress chuka boots are a must! :mrgreen:

I must get a pair of trews someday...

T.

**Iolaus** · 23rd September 05, 09:11 AM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

A spencer jacket (sometimes referred to as a "captain's jacket") is also a nice alternative; it is similar to the western-style jacket mentioned here, but no western "frills".

I've brought that idea up in the past and was told by more than a few that a spencer jacket had a "waiter look" to it.

**macwilkin** · 23rd September 05, 09:30 AM

Originally Posted by Iolaus

I've brought that idea up in the past and was told by more than a few that a spencer jacket had a "waiter look" to it.

My best friend has one that he wears with a black vest for semi-formal functions where the PC might be too much, or when he is travelling somewhere and doesn't want to take all of the "kit" with him -- with the appropriate accessories, it looks fine, and resembles some of the "mess dress" jackets for military use.

T.

**Colin** · 23rd September 05, 09:32 AM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

A PC, though, isn't really good with regular tux trousers anyway -- far too short, save a nice pair of tartan trews, which is the epitome of class (look at Hector and Archie in "Monarch" -- but dress chuka boots are a must! :mrgreen:

I must get a pair of trews someday...

T.

Hey Todd, check these out. I thought of you the second I saw them. Very Hectorish.
http://www.houseofbruar.com/store.as...e&type=m&cat=4

and

**macwilkin** · 23rd September 05, 09:42 AM

Thanks, Colin! Love the Buchanan trews!! Musn't spend, musn't spend...

I already have a pair of Plus 2s, though!

Seriously. Hardly wear them, but they're fun. Had a local tailor make them. They look great with my hose from Almost Unwearoutable and my knitted flashes.

Cheers,

Todd

**Cawdorian** · 23rd September 05, 11:41 AM

The trews (can't call them p****) are sharp, they come in the right tartans too, they are about the same price as the RM Williams Jeans sold on the website. These would look good with a navy blazer.

Jim

**Sherry** · 23rd September 05, 12:09 PM

Does anyone wear the Montrose & Sherrifmuir jackets?
http://www.scottishclansman.com/Jackets.html

It seems there's a still for most tastes & body types.

I like the Argyll in tweed for daywear:
http://www.hector-russell.com/jackets4.html

The Kilt Store shows a Crail jacket dressed for day or evening:
http://kiltstore.net/browse.html?cat...e=highlandwear
It's a plainer style than the Argyll.

Sherry

**Shotdir** · 23rd September 05, 07:26 PM

Hey Doc,

If you would like some advice that was passed on to me.

Get the Doublet. Sheriffmuir if you have a larger front end or a Montrose if you are fairly straight up and down in front.

You can not dress them up. They are the best. You can sort of dress them down.

A PC makes you look like the Regiment is having a dining in - in mess dress, out in India no less, from an old Douglas Fairbanks movie, at least that's what my wife says!

Some of the guys who are big in the Pipe band also said "Either get colored hose - diced or argyll are best; but never wear white hose at night!"

I think the PC looks very nice when everyone else is in a PC. If not you usually stand out like a sore thumb, and I feel it looks akward when others are not dressed the same.

Ed