What kind of Jacket/Waistcoat needed?

[ChubRock]

Thanks for the advise all. yes a 40S is too small especially for a guy named ChubRock. More of a 52-54r kind of fella.

[BobsYourUncle]

On the one hand, I agree. But on the other, black matches everything! So I don't see it going out of fashion any time soon. So onto the question... I would think that you should go with what Jock says- Jock is good, Jock is wise. I defer to him in all things traditional.

Hear, Hear, Nighthawk! All hail Jock! I agree with finding a jacket that fits, and having it cut out to accommodate a sporran. Here in NY, while winters can be quite cold, most of the time it is too warm for a tweed jacket, so I had a black linen jacket cut into a kilt jacket. It has worked out great, and cost a fraction of the price of any of the jackets quoted to you heretofore. Just my two cents--good luck. Nice kilt, by the way...

[Rob Wright]

Thanks for the advise all. yes a 40S is too small especially for a guy named ChubRock. More of a 52-54r kind of fella.

I'm a 52 R and here is what my tweed looks like:



Rob

[vipermcgee]

I'm not one to give fashion advice, but here is a picture of my wife and me at a recent wedding. I do not own a jacket of any kind, so I opted for just a waistcoat. Bear in mind that I was the only person there kilted and some guests were even wearing jeans.



Robert

[thescot]

A tweed jacket and waistcoat is one of the most versatile outfits available, especially for those of us who rarely go to black tie or formal events. In the US, at least, it will get you through almost any casual to dressy event. And for your wife's upcoming honors, you will want to look sharp.

Save you pennies and buy the jacket with matching 5-button waistcoat. Or have one cut down as mentioned. You can find some really nice jackets at Goodwill believe it or not. Add a pocket square and a tie, and you'll look as good as anyone there.

[Nighthawk]

Gosh! Steady on!

Truth is, I have learned a lot from reading what you have to say. You're very knowledgable, and at the same time, practical. You are able to differentiate between "What I like is..." and "The conventions are..." A lot of people don't do that. You don't like tartan flashes, but also say that it's a matter of taste, where others will say that you should never wear them, and then you will give advice like you did in this thread, explaining the conventions of dress in a matter of fact and nonconfrontational way. A lot of people (myself included!) haven't mastered that skill.

so- I don't do tweed myself- never did like it much- so what would you recomend for those of us who don't do tweed? Would an Argyle work? What about an Eton?

[Jock Scot]

Truth is, I have learned a lot from reading what you have to say. You're very knowledgable, and at the same time, practical. You are able to differentiate between "What I like is..." and "The conventions are..." A lot of people don't do that. You don't like tartan flashes, but also say that it's a matter of taste, where others will say that you should never wear them, and then you will give advice like you did in this thread, explaining the conventions of dress in a matter of fact and nonconfrontational way. A lot of people (myself included!) haven't mastered that skill. so- I don't do tweed myself- never did like it much- so what would you recomend for those of us who don't do tweed? Would an Argyle work? What about an Eton?

You are so kind.An Argyll is just a style of day jacket and one that I am a fan of,but there are as you know, various styles of day jacket. OK,you are not a fan of tweed.Out of interest, is that all tweed, or just heavy tweed?There are literally hundreds of patterns to choose from you know and also tweed is also to be found in lightweight cloth too.In passing, tweed does not have to be the hairy fuzzy stuff that is much loved by some of us old fashioned Scots.Here endeth the tweed sales pitch!How about barathea?The stuff that the black silver buttoned argylls/PCs are usually made of, only put black buttons on instead of silver--very,very smart.Some one here mentioned having a kilt jacket made out of linen,very sensible in hot climates.How about the very expensive option?Silk? I hope this gives you a wee bit of help.

[Bugbear]

Don't forget corduroy!

[fluter]

Since your role is arm-candy, the best case scenario is to wear a dressy jacket. Possibly most of the attendees will be "business casual," but if your bride is being honored, then you want to dress up to match what she is wearing. Short answer: ask your wife for her preference.

If you're on a budget, look for something like this jacket to be altered to suit the kilt. That one has no vent in back, which is probably preferable to a single vent for our purposes. Check Ebay, local thrift stores, and close-out sales. In your size, you may have to watch and wait for a bit. I have not dealt with that particular Ebay seller, but they have lots of interesting inventory come through; and their feedback numbers look good.

By watching and waiting, I found a summer-weight jacket with a tiny houndstooth pattern, new, on close-out for twenty bucks. This is my next alteration project after I finish up a warmer one.

"Suit separates" (jackets and pants offered separately) are a boon to those of us who don't fit the makers' idea of waist/chest proportion---also good if you don't want the trousers! They also run to dark and dressy-looking. You may be able to find an affordable jacket with side vents, which usually lie better after bob-tailing.

If you have a bit of capital, the charcoal jacket and waistcoat that McMurdo models so well is about the most versatile thing ever. A nice tweed would be equally useful.

Congrats to your wife, happy hunting, and please keep us posted on progress.

[Jock Scot]

Oooops!Quite right Ted.