Proper way to wear a kilt with a tie?

**Tobus** · 3rd November 09, 11:16 AM

Well, I see this: http://www.jhiggins.net/sf_proddetai...181C0C0OQSP9FD

It claims to be 100% wool twill in both the front and back.

I can't readily find any others that even mention or show what the back is made of. If silk is the norm, and is socially acceptable when worn without a jacket, that's cool; I won't worry about it. I just didn't know if it was proper. I've never owned a waistcoat, nor do I know anyone who wears one. I thought someone had told me long ago that the silk back was not meant to be seen, but maybe I just imagined it.

**Paul Henry** · 3rd November 09, 11:22 AM

Some people do have waistcoats with the back done in the face fabric, but this is a little unusual, there is nothing wrong with it, but I confess to generally prefering the silk backs as they are lighter,a bit more comfortable to wear especially when moving. The flash of the silk, often in a contrast colour , is a joy to see.But it's your choice, go for whatever you like or feel most comfortable in

**Jock Scot** · 3rd November 09, 11:27 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

Well, I see this: http://www.jhiggins.net/sf_proddetai...181C0C0OQSP9FD

It claims to be 100% wool twill in both the front and back.

I can't readily find any others that even mention or show what the back is made of. If silk is the norm, and is socially acceptable when worn without a jacket, that's cool; I won't worry about it. I just didn't know if it was proper. I've never owned a waistcoat, nor do I know anyone who wears one. I thought someone had told me long ago that the silk back was not meant to be seen, but maybe I just imagined it.

There was a time when one did not remove one's jacket unless in dire emergencies, so yes showing the back of your waistcoat was not really done. In Scotland it is still, even with global warming, seldom warm enough to remove one's jacket. You chaps in more casual and warmer climes are not so precious about all that, so I should not be too concerned.

**Cavebear58** · 3rd November 09, 11:52 AM

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**Jock Scot** · 3rd November 09, 12:55 PM

Originally Posted by Cavebear58

It had never occured to me before, but that places a heck of a responsibility on Doctors and Midwives north of the border!

Cheers, Graham.

Oh worry not, the Scots medical profession bare the responsibility well!

**tulloch** · 3rd November 09, 02:03 PM

I have a nice vest from Target. I wear it with my Harris jackets all the time. It is great - cost me all of $20. I wear it to court a LOT and am wearing it now. I get a lot of compliments on it. If you have a long tie it goes inside and you don't see where it ends.

Here you see me with a tartan tie matching my kilt along with a Zuni Indian buckle on my belt. The tie is a little short and I never mind the retro look of a short tie. (I would not like one so long that it could get stuck in my sporran.) Like women's hem lines they go up and down with time. I am not much affected by what I think others might think I should or should not wear.

The vest is good by itself or with a jacket as here:

Mostly just wear what YOU think looks good. It is amazing how others will accept what you, with confidence, wear and enjoy.

**HeathBar** · 3rd November 09, 02:15 PM

Originally Posted by Tobus

Well, I see this: http://www.jhiggins.net/sf_proddetai...181C0C0OQSP9FD

It claims to be 100% wool twill in both the front and back.

I can't readily find any others that even mention or show what the back is made of. If silk is the norm, and is socially acceptable when worn without a jacket, that's cool; I won't worry about it. I just didn't know if it was proper. I've never owned a waistcoat, nor do I know anyone who wears one. I thought someone had told me long ago that the silk back was not meant to be seen, but maybe I just imagined it.

JHiggins deals a lot with pipe bands. Sometimes pipebands only wear the vest when performing, so a wool twill back would look nicer than a satin or polyester back. I've seen these and they are nice. So if you were looking for a vest to wear alone, this would probably be the one.

**Strings** · 3rd November 09, 02:30 PM

That's very similar to the waistcoat I snagged at Target a few weeks ago.

And yes , it's all cotton (just checked the tag), both front and back.

Brand is "Merona", and it was >$20 (on sale)

Which reminds me: I need to go see if they still have them in stock, as a couple other colors would be nice...

**Tobus** · 9th November 09, 11:51 AM

I went and picked up one of the Merona waistcoats from Target over the weekend. It seems to fit well and was a pretty good deal.

At first I was concerned that it was a little too long in the front, because it either has to ride behind the top of my sporran or in front of it. It rides almost exactly like the picture tulloch posted:

Is this OK, or should the bottom front points of a properly fitting waistcoat be just a tad above my sporran?

Also, the pockets seem to be sewn shut. What's up with that? At first I thought they were just fake pockets. But I seem to be able to feel a pocket liner inside it (between the outer fabric and inner lining of the waistcoat). So it almost seems like there's a real pocket there that's just stitched closed. You other guys that have a Merona vest from Target, can you tell me if these are actually pockets before I cut the stitching out?

**Strings** · 9th November 09, 11:58 AM

Yep, they're actual pockets.

I believe that sewing pockets shut like that is meant to keep the garment looking "pressed". If you've ever seen how crumpled up stuff gets during shipping and display, it does make sense...

Be VERY careful taking the stitching out (I used an x-acto knife), and you'll be fine...