Jacket dilemma

[Phil E. Begg]

Okay, here on the base there is a Turkish Tailor. Now Turkish Tailors are some of the best around, and they will do a custom-tailored, made-to-fit jacket for me out of pure wool for about $125.00.

The problem is, of course, that they have never done any of the Scottish formal jackets... you see where this is going.

I would really like a Montrose Doublet, which is probably the most difficult to explain and show them how to get it right. Should I try to get them to do that? Try to find a pattern on line? Or should I try for something more simple, a PC or Argyll?

Tough decision here. Any help?

Thanks!

Phil

[Bob C]

Where do you plan to wear it? The Montrose is probably the least useful, in terms of events where you'd wear it. An Argyll would be more versatile, but again, it depends where you're planning to wear it.

If you like the Montrose, and have formal events to which you wish to wear it, give it a shot. Find some pictures, front and back, and show the tailor what you're after. For $125, how far wrong can you go?

[ccga3359]

Where do you plan to wear it? The Montrose is probably the least useful, in terms of events where you'd wear it. An Argyll would be more versatile, but again, it depends where you're planning to wear it.

If you like the Montrose, and have formal events to which you wish to wear it, give it a shot. Find some pictures, front and back, and show the tailor what you're after. For $125, how far wrong can you go?

At the price it may be worth the risk. Just furnish lotsa piccies.

[gilmore]

You might look for patterns online.

Here is one for US Civil War uniforms that looks as if it could easily be modified into a Montrose. In fact, that is what I am planning to do: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...5513&rd=1&rd=1

From the photos, it seems that the only modification necessary would be the length and perhaps the collar. Oh, and the buttons. A Montrose would have fewer.


This one is simlar to a Montrose: http://www.costumes.org/HISTORY/vict...ages/09_45.htm

as is this one:http://www.folkwear.com/133.html


You can find patterns for Prince Charlies also.

http://www.smoke-fire.com/folkwear-patterns-1.asp

and the same one here: http://www.folkwear.com/152.html

Or a Highland doublet and an argyl, perhaps a bit old fashioned:

http://www.costumes.org/HISTORY/vict...ages/09_44.htm
http://www.costumes.org/HISTORY/vict...ages/09_45.htm
http://www.costumes.org/HISTORY/vict...ages/13_22.htm
http://www.costumes.org/HISTORY/vict...ages/13_23.htm

Good luck!

[Phil E. Begg]

Hmm - thanks for the links! Unfortunately, most did not work from here. I seem to be having trouble finding pictures that show detail or construction - amazing how many different kilt companies have the same young man in the same photograph advertising their doublets! I have done a google image search, and pulled in the best of those, but I am still trying to find some better pictures...

If anybody has more links to try, please feel free to post.

Thanks again!

Phil
Fallujah

[turpin]

Phil, do a search on jacket conversion here on x-marks. you will find a link to Alan H's site that has detailed instructions on converting a regular sports jacket to a kilt jacket. this may give the tailor a go-by.