Quote Originally Posted by CMcG View Post
I think I'd have to agree with both Sandy and Arlen-- at first blush this does rather look like a waiters jacket. Likewise, I think that the ordinary Prince Charlie coatee really isn't the best jacket for the barrel-chested, broad of hip, or ample-tummied gentleman. And, as has been noted by others, about half of the Prince Charlie coatees worn today do not fit as they should. Most are too short in the body with the result that they gap at the front and sides, exposing the shirt and top of the kilt. Which just looks bad.

The fact that CMcG bought this jacket a year ago, and still hasn't gotten around to wearing it with the kilt, tells me that somewhere inside of him there is a little voice saying "don't do it". Now why that voice of caution keeps speaking out, I don't know. I'd like to think that it is his innate sense of sartorial good taste, so I'll leave it at that.

On a gentleman with the figure of a slim hipped fashion model this jacket would probably work, even with the 1950's Ricky Ricardo Cuban band leader shoulder pads left in place. On someone with a fuller figure (or a large gut) this would probably not look as flattering. And why is that? Well, the jacket in question was designed to be worn with trousers which, being long and dark, tend to make the wearer look taller, thinner, and (because of the shoulder pads) broader through the shoulders (which de-emphasizes the waist). It will also look dreadful if worn unbuttoned as it will flap around in a most untidy way.

Unfortunately a kilt has none of the virtues of trousers when it comes to making a man look taller, or slimmer. Thus, as Arlen has pointed out, one has be careful in choosing the style of jacket-- especially a formal jacket-- to wear with the kilt, to make sure that it compliments his physical shape. Someone as tall and slender as Skauwt will always look the biz in a PC; someone with a blockier build-- like Arlen-- needs a different cut of jacket to look his best.

My opinion is that while this jacket would probably look alright with proper trews, it is unlikely that it will look anywhere near as nice with a kilt.

CMcG, heed that inner voice.