Tradition of Non-Cookie-Cutter Kilt Jackets?

[Jock Scot]

I am lucky in that way. One of my staff at the theatre graduated from our local art college with a degree in fashion design and she's absolutely brilliant with a needle... and her dad's family is from the Isle of Skye, by the way.

She's very interested in my kilts and has offered to help alter or make jackets for me, but she asks a lot of questions about style and I am struggling a bit to sort out the answers. She's very creative, but wants to keep rooted in tradition as do I. Frankly that desire is central to my interest in wearing kilts. But I'm trying to find a balance between tradition (it is Highland attire, after all), practicality (cost and comfort) with a dash of creativity (with respect).

These discussions, as well as all the post of pics both contemporary and vintage, are helpful... but I still feel I'm a bit "in the weeds." I'll shut up now and keep reading.

You are well on the right lines ,if I may say so. One of the few things that I learnt in the army, that I still use today is; "time spent in reconnaissance is seldom wasted" and that is precisely what you are doing.Look at ALL the pictures try to spot the traditional,try to spot the no no's(be honest!Even if you like the look!) that way you can be traditional with the added bit of personal flair. Then ask and ask again if you are not quite sure.One last thing! Don't get too wound up with all this matching up nonsense, it really is not traditional and in trying to match things too closely stifles the traditional look. Good luck.

[KFCarter]

One last thing! Don't get too wound up with all this matching up nonsense, it really is not traditional and in trying to match things too closely stifles the traditional look. Good luck.

That is especially helpful!

And yes, growing up in a household commanded by an Infantry officer, I was schooled early and often on the value of careful and thorough observation.