What jacket for my proposed situation?

**Tobus** · 15th September 10, 05:26 AM

Prince Charlie seems to be the standard for pipers

It is? I can't say that I've ever seen a piper wearing a PC.

**EagleJCS** · 15th September 10, 07:36 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

Prince Charlie seems to be the standard for pipers

It is? I can't say that I've ever seen a piper wearing a PC.

I agree with Tobus. I've been involved in the P&D world for about 10 years now, and have yet to see a piper in a Prince Charlie, unless they were piping for a wedding (usually it's by request of the bride). The band I play with rarely wears a jacket at all (too warm for most of the outdoor season).

For the majority of the time, I'd say an Argyle-style jacket (Argyle, Crail, Braemar, etc.) in navy or black would be just fine. Pair it with a 5-button waistcoat and long tie to spiff it up a little, or a three-button and bow tie for more formal events.

**PEEDYC** · 15th September 10, 10:09 AM

If you check out the pictures of pipers at Highland Gatherings most wear an Argyle Jacket or a Waistcoat. I think you would have most events covered with that combination.

**artificer** · 15th September 10, 10:25 AM

Not to derail the thread, but on the note of a 3 button waistcoat with an Argyll, does anyone know of a place where the 3 button waistcoat can be purchased by itself?

I've been having a devil of a time trying to find one. When I was searching for a different 5 button all I could find on eBay were 3 buttons, now it seems reversed.

**MacLowlife** · 15th September 10, 11:35 AM

I believe the easiest solution to the 3 button waistcoat search - if you have a black Argyll- is to get a general purpose (i.e., Saxon) black formal waistcoat in moire taffeta or silk faille, or even in satin. It is nice to have the texture of the waistcoat match your tie. One small advantage is that this kind of waistcoat may well be backless and cooler to wear. Anyway, the next step is to put small silver buttons on it to match your jacket.

I believe it is better to have a formal vest that doesn't try to match your jacket than to have a barathea or flannel one that just misses in color or texture. You'd be surprised at just how many shades of black there can be.

Now get out the crowbar and let's see if we can get this thing back on track...

**iustus** · 15th September 10, 02:39 PM

Hands down I say go with the Argyle and 5-Vest. Could go 3-vest for more formal if you like.

I have tried playing with a PC just for kicks before a wedding, where I was not the piper but had my pipes handy. I am against the practice. Since the Jacket is short and cut dramatically, I found it didn't look so good on me. It didn't get to hang sharp like it tends to do when you are just wearing it and not playing and marching/walking etc. With an argyle or in my case a "Wallace/Gillie's" jacket the longer length and more subtle curve lend itself to playing in public, IMHO.

That being said I did play for many years in the only Jacket I owned which was a US Navy Mess Jacket (cadet I think). It was short and cut, but I must say I never liked it.

Argyl is my recommendation.

peace,
justin

**ohiopiper** · 15th September 10, 09:25 PM

Argyll it is. Maybe it's a regional thing, or maybe it's because the local pipers have found a source of less expensive PC jackets, but many around here (Warren, Ohio) do formal gigs in them.

Anyway, I like the idea of having one kacket and two vests to change the level of formality. Different vest, different necktie, different look. I can live with that quite easily.