Top Coats for kilts

[James]

I've just failed to put up a picture that appeared in magazine a bit back of me wearing kilt and a loden cloak-bought in a sale in Austria some years ago.

A cloak is very warm-I think warmer than a regular overcoat-and adds that bit of dash so lacking in an overcoat.

James

[Planopiper]

We found some navy wool in a fabric store a couple of years ago and my wife made me an inverness cape. I'm not following the part about how it's not practical in the modern world. I have no more problem with it in the car than I do with the kilt. Actually it keeps the kilt from spreading out. The only thing I regret is that there are so few opportunities to actually us it here in Texas. I'm not familiar with older designs for inverness capes. The cape portion is adequate for covering my arm and the pipe bag. I'm not sure how well a smaller cape would work.

[Iolaus]

I don't see a problem with the Inverness that any other long style wouldn't have as well; the cape doesn't impair the arms, as the body should have actual arm holes, not just slits, and the cape portion can just fall to the sides. The problem I have is that they're so damn expensive! I've seen the nylon style that's sold, but that's just a step up from the cellophane rain ponchos you keep in your glove box!

I wish someone would come out with a less expensive Inverness that's made of a more modern style fabric, like the canvas kilts. They would be of a more casual style, but with a nod toward tradition still, just like the kilts.

[Freelander Sporrano]

I just love my 13 year old 3/4 length heavyweight Barbour here a picture

[macwilkin]

I just love my 13 year old 3/4 length heavyweight Barbour here a picture

Did someone say BARBOUR? :mrgreen:

Fingers crossed for Christmas!

Cheers,

Todd

[KMacT]

I just love my 13 year old 3/4 length heavyweight Barbour...

I've always wanted a waxed cotton jacket, but they are not readily available and certainly not at an affordable price. After seeing your post I looked into the Barbours and they are pretty much exactly what I have been looking for. But still the price. Several hundred dollars (the only retailer in Toronto sells them for upwards of $600!). Then it occured to me: eBay?

Well, I must say that eBay is a goldmine for Barbour jackets. A couple of days ago I purchased a heavyweight Barbour (International style) from a guy in Japan. I paid about $100 dollars. These coats are made to last, so getting one lightly used shouldn't be a problem. And now I've found a jones comparable to waiting for a kilt (it should arrive in a couple of weeks). Thanks, Freelander!

Kevin

[Iolaus]

I've always wanted a waxed cotton jacket, but they are not readily available and certainly not at an affordable price. After seeing your post I looked into the Barbours and they are pretty much exactly what I have been looking for. But still the price. Several hundred dollars (the only retailer in Toronto sells them for upwards of $600!). Then it occured to me: eBay?

Well, I must say that eBay is a goldmine for Barbour jackets. A couple of days ago I purchased a heavyweight Barbour (International style) from a guy in Japan. I paid about $100 dollars. These coats are made to last, so getting one lightly used shouldn't be a problem. And now I've found a jones comparable to waiting for a kilt (it should arrive in a couple of weeks). Thanks, Freelander!

Kevin

Well, I know it's a little late for you, but if anyone else is looking for waxed cotton coats, Sportsman's Guide has this for $100 with an optional lambswool liner for another $50.

Also, a search at Sierra Trading Post came up with a wide variety of coats and hats in a wide price range, some of it pretty reasonable.

[Hamish]

I have a lightweight Inverness cape in Nylon! Actually, it does nothing to keep the cold out, but it is fabulous against heavy rain.

Top coats with kilts are a bit of a quandary, and so much depends upon where one is going and what one is doing. The important point to watch, as I see things, is to ensure that whatever coat you wear, it is no longer than your kilt. Unless you show an inch or two of kilt below your coat, you might be mistaken for a 'flasher' - especially if your coat is a rain-coat (and a grubby one at that!).


(PS: Thanks, David. You have reminded me that I have a Barbour 3/4 length languishing, unused for at least five years, at the back of the Hall cupboard. It badly needs re-waxing so I must get it off to Barbour HQ for attention).