Interesting thoughts on cloth buttons...I knew that the square thistle buttons seemed to be predominant in highland formal wear, but I guess I somewhat assumed this to be a by-product of the "kilt for hire" industry. I am definitely looking to shy away from the plain old square thistle buttons when I make my doublet/coatee. I was considering cloth based on one photo I've seen...but from what I read here, that really may not be appropriate for formal wear. I'm guessing my reference might be one of those cases of "daywear" that you allude to.