Montrose Doublet owners, a favor please

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Absolutely. I'm leaning towards the Montrose over the styles you posted, BUT, there's a lot I don't know about Highland formal wear in general, so all posts are welcome. You've given me some other options to talk over with the future missus.

You do know that Montrose doublets can get very warm? If your evening out is going to include much in the way of physical exertion-- such as dancing-- you might want to reconsider your choice of styles.

[Teufel Hunden]

You do know that Montrose doublets can get very warm? If your evening out is going to include much in the way of physical exertion-- such as dancing-- you might want to reconsider your choice of styles.

Yep, I had heard that. I don't mind a little heat... i spent a couple years in Iraq and Kuwait, as well as my groomsmen, so dancing in a doublet under the air conditioning shouldn't bother us too much. I don't mind sacrificing a little comfort in favor of the look in this case.

[JSFMACLJR]

Every time there's a thread where I mention or show that old jacket style, which was nearly univerally worn by civilian pipers from the mid-19th century up through the early years of the 20th, somebody posts saying that they're still being made. However I have repeatedly asked for someone to post a link or a photo actually showing one, and over the last few years no one has yet done so.

I think my doublet comes pretty close to what you have in mind. It was made in 2006 by my London tailors Meyer & Mortimer.

[MacLowlife]

TH, I saw on eBay a double breasted blazer described as WELSH GUARDS' EQUINE BLAZER. It is interesting because it has two columns of four buttons and a much higher neck opening than is customary for civilian double breasted jackets. It looks to me like it could easily be chopped off to kilt / waist length. That would give you a Double Breasted doublet with lapels and a suitable tie space for a cravat or bow.

Here is the link. Even if this one doesn't fit, it might serve as a pattern or example for you:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

A traditional Navy uniform (dress blue ) jacket might be similar, but again, there's that whole Corps thing going on.

[Phil]

The Montrose or Military doublet was THE formal jacket in my younger days. It is a very hot (and restrictive) garment and I would not recommend it to anyone. JSFMACLJR's picture is a much more sensible alternative. With the advent of central heating the old ideas of thick, padded clothing have changed to a more modern, cooler style. One that you can unbutton to let the air in!

[MacAngus]

That jacket is amazing just amazing I would love to have one like that one day.

[Teufel Hunden]

This thread turned out to be much more interesting than I originally thought it would. Thanks everyone!

TH, I saw on eBay a double breasted blazer described as WELSH GUARDS' EQUINE BLAZER. It is interesting because it has two columns of four buttons and a much higher neck opening than is customary for civilian double breasted jackets. It looks to me like it could easily be chopped off to kilt / waist length. That would give you a Double Breasted doublet with lapels and a suitable tie space for a cravat or bow.

Here is the link. Even if this one doesn't fit, it might serve as a pattern or example for you:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Hmm. That's pretty cool. I might pick it up and see if my tailor can do anything with it. With a good starting pattern, I could make essentially whatever I want.

A traditional Navy uniform (dress blue ) jacket might be similar, but again, there's that whole Corps thing going on.

Nah, I wouldn't consider wearing a Navy style to be sacrilegious or anything. I'd just draw the line at wearing a current Marine Corps uniform top or something along those lines.

[McMurdo]

Phil
I agree wholeheartedly, while I love the look of my Montrose, I would not wish it on my worst enemy, it is restrictive and very hot under one, I plan on getting another doublet before next Burns Night.

[Teufel Hunden]

Phil
I agree wholeheartedly, while I love the look of my Montrose, I would not wish it on my worst enemy, it is restrictive and very hot under one, I plan on getting another doublet before next Burns Night.

This isn't an issue to me. Having done my parade time (albeit in modern, not as hot uniforms), and worn flak jackets and the like in the desert sun, a few hours out of a single day being a bit hot isn't enough to make me rethink my entire plan.

[McMurdo]

Fair enough, I was simply putting forth my experience. I really do like the way a Montrose Doublet looks.