Crail vs. Argyle

[Nanook]

I have always thought the cuffs of the Braemar and Argyle jacket with fancy pocket flaps make it a bit more dressier than the plain-cuffed and unadorned-pocket-flap crail jacket. But that is just in my head, feel free to choose whatever works best with you.

Among my jackets (to illustrate how the styles can be mixed): are a district tweed with Braemar sleeves (3 horn instead of silver buttons) and mess closure (chained button), a solid purplish heather tweed with Argyle cuffs and silver buttons; and a close fitting and darted heavy black barathea crail (plain sleeves). What's dressier?

I think the crail. Its not the cuffs but the material and cut.

[beloitpiper]

Among my jackets (to illustrate how the styles can be mixed): are a district tweed with Braemar sleeves (3 horn instead of silver buttons) and mess closure (chained button), a solid purplish heather tweed with Argyle cuffs and silver buttons; and a close fitting and darted heavy black barathea crail (plain sleeves). What's dressier?

I think the crail. Its not the cuffs but the material and cut.

Of course theres exceptions, but I was trying to be helpful to Jamie by talking about off-the-rack jackets. So again, by going by the basic structure of the jacket, I think crails are best suited for day wear.

[James MacMillan]

Granted - The biggest difference between the styles is the cuff, but don't forget variations in the collar.

[Chef]

Is there an overwhelming preference for one vs. the other for semi formal dress? I think I would prefer a Crail jacket, but I don't want to engage in a fashion no no.

If you would prefer a Crail then by all means get a Crail. It can be argued that the gauntlet cuffs are dressier. (one reason why they are found on a regulation doublet which is considered by many to be the dressiest jacket) That said if you are getting a jacket that will serve several uses (i.e. dressy day wear to black tie) then get the one you like. You won't be considered incorrect.

I would suggest you get a matching waistcoat as this will make the outfit a bit dressier when you need it to be. As far as colour, if you want to use it for a black tie affair get the jacket in black. If you don't then a dark grey would be quite nice.

Granted - The biggest difference between the styles is the cuff, but don't forget variations in the collar.

James, I think the variations in the collar are usually slight and they depend on the maker. The Crail/Braemar/Argyle isn't defined by the collar. The only jacket I know of that is known for a distinct collar is the Brian Boru, which has the shawl collar.

[Jock Scot]

Granted - The biggest difference between the styles is the cuff, but don't forget variations in the collar.

Good lord James, is there a difference in collar style between the Crail and Argyll?In all my years I have never noticed!Are you sure?

[James MacMillan]

Good lord James, is there a difference in collar style between the Crail and Argyll?In all my years I have never noticed!Are you sure?

Heck no, I'm not sure. I just know that my jackets also show slight differences in the collar. But it probably isn't a defining factor. Also, I've seen combinations and mix & match features on many a jacket. What one tailor may call jones, another may call smith - for the same exact cut. I do know that my tailor has names for several variations of collars, not just "regular" and "shaw."

To me - The only real thing that makes a kilt jacket a "kilt" jacket is the overal length. Kilt jackets are shorter than regular pants jackets. Cuff, pocket, epaulette etc features are all secondary.

-or, at least that's how it seems to me.

[Chef]

Heck no, I'm not sure. I just know that my jackets also show slight differences in the collar.

I have those subtle differences in jackets as well. Two supposedly identical jackets (both Argyles), both have what is considered a notch collar, but the collars are slightly different. I think that is the kind of difference that depends on who makes the jacket rather than whether it is an Argyle, Crail or Braemar.

[Jock Scot]

Heck no, I'm not sure. I just know that my jackets also show slight differences in the collar. But it probably isn't a defining factor. Also, I've seen combinations and mix & match features on many a jacket. What one tailor may call jones, another may call smith - for the same exact cut. I do know that my tailor has names for several variations of collars, not just "regular" and "shaw."

To me - The only real thing that makes a kilt jacket a "kilt" jacket is the overal length. Kilt jackets are shorter than regular pants jackets. Cuff, pocket, epaulette etc features are all secondary.

-or, at least that's how it seems to me.

Phew!That's good,I thought for a moment that "old" Jock had missed something important!