Montrose Doublet

[Graywolf]

I appreciate all the information. I might just go with a PC instead, but I do like the look of the Montrose.

[davidlpope]

Can I suggest a regulation doublet? I think it is a great, slightly more formal option than the PC. Something that sets you apart just a bit at kilted formal gatherings. Works for black-tie or white-tie events and looks particularly good dressed up with proper evening hose and/or a plaid.

Cordially,
David

[slohairt]

I have a Regulation Doublet. They're still being made and are still called Regulation Doublets. I like them better than PCs.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

...just re-read my previous posting, and see that a typo crept in. Tell your tailor you want a STANDARD DOUBLET. A regulation doublet is what bandsmen wear. Mea culpa for the confusion...

[thescot]

...just re-read my previous posting, and see that a typo crept in. Tell your tailor you want a STANDARD DOUBLET. A regulation doublet is what bandsmen wear. Mea culpa for the confusion...

That depends.

A regulation doublet--as I have seen them--looks a lot like a PC but with the Inverness flaps. You wear it with a white vest, I believe.

I, too, love my Montrose, but it is very hot and must be reserved for cool weather. But it looks like dynamite! And the ladies love it.

[slohairt]

A Regulation Doublet is basically a Prince Charlie with Argyle cuffs and Inverness flaps round the bottom instead of tails. (The name "doublet" is a bit of a misnomer here, but it has stuck over time.) Like a Prince Charlie, it comes with matching waistcoat. As thescot suggested, it could be worn with a white waistcoat (and bow tie) for white tie functions. I suppose you could do that with a Prince Charlie as well. A Regulation Doublet is not what bandsmen wear.

[Zardoz]

Thanks for the information. Any dealings with them, i.e., how is their quality?

I've got a lot of stuff from J.Higgins, including a couple of jackets, I've always found the products to be of good quality, very reasonable, and the staff easy to deal with.

[gilmore]

...
I, too, love my Montrose, but it is very hot and must be reserved for cool weather. But it looks like dynamite! And the ladies love it.

I will wear mine to Burns supper if you will wear yours. Still planning on wearing a great kilt? I am.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Sean, as one Irirsh man to another, I'm going to have to disagree with you, just a tad, over the use of "regulation" vs "standard" when describing doublets. In my admittedly far from complete collection of scottish outfitters catalogues (1910 up through the mid 50s) a gentleman's evening doublet is repeatedly referred to as a standard doublet. In Renton's catalogue (c.1950 but definately post-WWII) they list a bandsman's jacket as "our regulation doublet" and the illustration shows a typical standing collar, button up the front, band jacket. Similar to, but different than, the illustration of a "standard evening doublet" elsewhere in their catalogue. I believe that the term "regulation" comes from the fact the the bandsmans jackets conform in style to the "regulation pattern" of those worn by the army.

Interestingly, it is not until the introduction of the Prince Charlie Coatee that most outfitters begin to call their doublets "standard" as in "our standard doublet", probably to give a boost to the sales of the then new (and certinly cheaper to make) PCC. Early catalogues simply refer to a doublet or evening doublet.

It would be intersting to know when and how the word "regulation" came to be applied to the civilian doublet. I suspect it may be a carry over from the Lord Chamberlain's rules for dress worn at Court (a doublet is required for Scottish levee dress) but that is pure speculation on my part.

Now if bandsmen do not wear "regulation doublets", what do they wear?

With best regards from a Wicklow man--

[thescot]

[QUOTE=MacMillan of Rathdown;469287]. . .Now if bandsmen do not wear "regulation doublets", what do they wear?. . .QUOTE]

Khaki shirts?