Quote Originally Posted by ixoyedeg View Post
Hey everyone,

Are there any differences between waistcoats built for a kilt and those used with modern suits, especially in their length? I am really not very knowledgeable about such things and am considering getting some of my extra tartan made into a waistcoat. I am unfamiliar with possible differences in styles of waistcoats, so any information any of you may have would be greatly appreciated.
Hello David,

Yes, there are some differences. A waistcoat to be worn with the kilt is usually shorter than one worn with a suit, due to the higher rise of the kilt. Often-times the kilt waistcoat is cut wider at the bottom to better accomodate a sporran (many gentlemen prefer a flat bottomed waistcoat for that very reason).

As you are interested in a tartan waistcoat, might I recommend that it be made up on the bias (diagonal, as it were)? This makes for a very beautiful--and traditional--vestment! Is this an evening waistcoat? If it is, you most likely will want one with three or four buttons; daywear waistcoats five or six.

Regards,
Sandford MacLean