I wanna order a Prince Charlie and need some advice

[Nighthawk]

Hey there, folks!

Question for you all- I'm planning on ordering a PC with my wonderful economic stimulus check. I just rented one from the Celtic Croft for a wedding. I had myself professionally measured, and I ordered by those measurements. The vest is too small by about two inches, while the jacket fits like a glove. It says on the tag that it's my size, but it's nowhere close. Is there a difference between Scottish inches and American? I assume there is. (Just kidding here- I know the thinking world uses metric). So how should I go about ordering when I finally have the money? I don't want to spend $400 on something I can't wear.

Thanks!!

[pipesndrumsnun]

Hey there, Nighthawk...
Are there any shops near you where you could go and be "fitted" and place your order? I'm figuring that if there was then a problem, the shop would be able to straighten it out (whereas if you order online, the measuring mistake would be all yours and you'd have to eat the entire cost).

[Frank McGrath]

Try USA kilts. I think there pc's are still on sale.

[McMurdo]

I have had similar problems, a rule of thumb is to order one size larger, for example I wear a 40 so for a PC, or Argyll I would order a 42.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I have had similar problems, a rule of thumb is to order one size larger, for example I wear a 40 so for a PC, or Argyll I would order a 42.

For some reason, even though the sizes are supposed to be the same, men's UK sizes usually seem to be about one size smaller than US sizes. Chalk it up to the difference between British tailoring (form fitting) and American tailoring (looser, boxier jackets).

[McMurdo]

For some reason, even though the sizes are supposed to be the same, men's UK sizes usually seem to be about one size smaller than US sizes. Chalk it up to the difference between British tailoring (form fitting) and American tailoring (looser, boxier jackets).

I think that may be part of it, however I think more likely it is that in the US manufacturers use "Vanity sizing."

[ChattanCat]

If, you are a DIY, buy a tailcoat and chop it off! I know there is a thread that will lead you to the directions to modify a tailcoat to a PC.

[Bugbear]

I just happen to have a link to a thread with many, many links to paterns and instructions for these kinds of things and I am glad to post it here.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/j....html?p=521655

And because you might not want to go to all that trouble of reading that thread, Nighthawk, here is a direct link to where you can buy the folkwear patern for a PC jacket and so on if you know anyone who can do those kinds of things.
http://www.folkwear.com/152.html

You know, one of these days I am going to have to go to a kilt wear rental store and look at the differences between all these jackets because I'm just not sure which are which...

[Nighthawk]

I'm about as far from a DIY'er as I can get. I tried to make myself an argyle vest. It turned out well, I'm happy with it, but it was way more involved than I liked. So if I do get a tailcoat, I'll pay someone to chop it for me. Thanks for the links, Ted, and the advice everyone else. I was actually intending to buy mine from USA Kilts. Rocky has done me well in the past and earned himself some loyalty.

[bchunter]

I ordered mine from Geoffrey (tailor), sending them the measurements per their instructions. The coatee and waistcoat both fit very well, and the sleeve length is just right. I ordered an Argyle from TartanWeb, off the rack, and ordered one size up. The chest and shoulders are good, but the fit is not tapered enough in the midsection and I'll have to do some alterations locally for the tailored fit. I suggest talking to whomever you are ordering from and they will guide you accordingly, assuming you are dealing with a competent merchant.