Belts and Vests

**Nervous Jock** · 25th May 07, 09:58 AM

When you buy a Prince Charlie rig you do not normally get a belt with it. Likewise in military rig if you're wearing a waist coat you don't wear a belt.

If you have a Argyll Jacket a belt would be appropriate. This is the type of Rig I'd suggest wearing to your "hot" wedding if you don't choose something more casual

I have a huge kilt which is far too big if I have to wear it with a waistcoat I'll wear braces so it doesn't fall down, I wouldn't consider wearing a belt.

At he end of the day its not something to get anal over, if you can, try both a YOU decide what looks best

**thescot** · 25th May 07, 10:12 AM

With no jacket, a vest with belt over the bottom would look fine. But as stated above, the buckle makes the bottom of the vest stick out--I tried it, though advised not to! I'm a little hard-headed--and it just isn't needed. Without a vest, a buckle sets off the ensemble. Though Captain Farquharson wears both, and pulls it off well, it's rare to see.

I think your level of formal dress should match the level of the general gathering, so if you aren't sure, just ask. (My own personal policy is that it is better to be overdressed than to be underdressed. You can always shed a jacket or tie, but it's hard to grow one!)

For black tie, a black argul jacket with either a black bow or a long, plain black tie is fine. In fact that's about as "formal" as anyone in the U.S. gets anymore. If it's just jackets and ties during the day, make yours match and stick with brown leather if you have such. For evenings, black leather is always proper.

Strictly speaking, a tuxedo is "black tie," that is, not formal and restricted to after 5:00. So for a day wedding, you'll probably be fine in any combination of a jacket and tie--or less if everyone else is in shirt sleeves and sneakers.

My own personal thinking is that Scottish attire should not become the subject of farce, nor should it detract from the proceedings. So, I never wear my doublet and lace to a wedding; it would not be cool to look better than the bride!

**David Dalglish** · 25th May 07, 10:23 AM

Wear the kilt & belt--leave off the vest if you are wearing a jacket & tie

**Nervous Jock** · 25th May 07, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by thescot

I
For black tie, a black argul jacket with either a black bow or a long, plain black tie is fine.

I must admit I'm intruiged by this long black tie, not something we would do in the UK for a black tie function.

**masonpiper** · 25th May 07, 10:57 AM

Two things, first I am from Albuquerque originally and June is a nice time to wear a kilt, unless you are marching on asphalt.

Second and thread oriented, I have a very plain belt buckle that I wear with a PC and Vest when I have to. If I have to wear a dirk or sword, I use the belt to support them. other than that, I do not wear one with a vest or cummerbund.

peace
Piper

**fluter** · 25th May 07, 11:37 AM

As to comfort, where in South Carolina makes a big difference---is it in the coast, the Appalachian foothills, or downtown Columbia---whose summer temps can be

infernal. I'd also suggest jacket without a vest.

Time of day? Church wedding? Indoors or out?

Best advice we've heard is to find out how the rest of the congregation will be dressing, and tailor your own outfit accordingly. After 5/6 pm you can safely go black-tie. During the day, I'd aim for a business-suit equivalent, unless you hear otherwise. For a wedding, Southerners generally will dress up more than down.

Then too, we have enough Scots and Scots-Irish heritage that your kilt should be appreciated!

**Bob C** · 29th May 07, 11:38 AM

Like clan chiefs and Scotty Thompson, I prefer to always wear a belt, waistcoat or no.

Don't wear a long tie with a Prince Charlie. With an Argyll - OK.

**ehiker** · 30th May 07, 05:53 AM

I found a store on eBay that sells a tuxedo vest and matching straight tie for $37, with shipping.

http://stores.ebay.com/RoyaleClothing

I ordered the vest on Wednesday of last week and received it on Friday (shipped from CA to MO).

To start with, after trying it on, I must admit... it looks better without the belt (although it forced me to go digging through drawers looking for my sporran belt because I usually hang it with belt straps).

I like the look of the vest and long tie with the kilt and no jacket. At the very least, it will get me through the summer without having to find the $$ for a jacket.

Sorry, no pictures at the moment; but I'm headed to a wedding in a few weeks, so I should be able to get the wife to shoot a few then.