Formal Kilt Wear

[Iolaus]

[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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[MacConnachie]

Sherry,

I'd love to wear a Montrose, and probably will get around to having one made, eventually, since I can't seem to find a used one in my size (48R). However, since there are very few events around here where one would go in tuxedo/formal wear (other than a wedding), let alone in tails, it might be much dressier than I need.

I do have an archer green doublet made by Higgins that's the right size, and I have considered wearing that with jabot/lace cuffs and without the shoulder shells, since it's apparent to me that the pipe band I'm in will probably never be upscale enough to go to doublets.

For semi-formal to formal wear, I have an Argyll jacket that still looks pretty sharp. Sometimes I'll accessorize that with a bow tie and cummerbund in the same tartan as my 7-yard kilt.

Semi-formal appearances with the band will occasionally find us using dark vests with the rest of our gear. I have a navy blue suede Arizona Jeans vest or waistcoat, on which I have replaced the 4 original buttons with smaller round metal buttons with the thistle motif often found on Scottish doublets. Seems to fit in with the black cloth vests worn by the rest of the band, unless someone is giving us short-distance scrutiny.

Mac

[Shotdir]

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