What about the waistcoat?

[Lyle1]

I think the bottom of the waistcoat would normally cover the belt, if you are wearing one.

I have a suggestion for getting a waistcoat to work with your build, and it could be made to work with both kilts and trousers. The dress pattern companies sell patterns for waistcoats for men. Most of the patterns allow for several design choices in one pattern. One of the options involves an adjustable neckline that allows you to control the length of the waistcoat. Basically, the front pieces of a backless waistcoat are not sewn together at the neckline. The top of each front piece narrows down to a strip; by varying where you connect the two strips, you control where the bottom of the waistcoat falls. The strips can be connected with Velcro, buttons, or a buckle.

[Whidbey78]

I think the bottom of the waistcoat would normally cover the belt, if you are wearing one.

I have a suggestion for getting a waistcoat to work with your build, and it could be made to work with both kilts and trousers. The dress pattern companies sell patterns for waistcoats for men. Most of the patterns allow for several design choices in one pattern. One of the options involves an adjustable neckline that allows you to control the length of the waistcoat. Basically, the front pieces of a backless waistcoat are not sewn together at the neckline. The top of each front piece narrows down to a strip; by varying where you connect the two strips, you control where the bottom of the waistcoat falls. The strips can be connected with Velcro, buttons, or a buckle.

That might be a good thing to try. I've seen adjustable ones from tux rentals. I'm not fond of the look without a jacket, though I realize that these particular waistcoats are really not intended to be worn without the jacket. I'd like the option to wear it without the jacket and still look right. Though an adjustable unit would be good to figure out exactly where it works best for me.

I have to agree that a straight cut looks better with the kilt. Beside that the points can't curl up if they aren't there, and I'm thinking it just wouldn't look right with a kilt jacket anyhow. I have found a few pics of some with curved bottoms which might look okay with the curved cutout of the jacket...I'll have to ponder this.

Thescot, the first five or so pics in the thread you linked to are exactly what I'm looking for and spot-on for where I want to get. It appears his waistcoat has points in some of the photos, but the overall look is exactly what I had pictured. Thanks...now I have a visual aid! Oh, and there is no way I'd wear a belt with the waistcoat. I've seen people do it and there is either a bulge or the belt shows and it's just too busy for my taste.

Any suggestions on materials if it doesn't match the jacket? Also, which is more versatile of the three and five button varieties?

[Squeaky McMurdo]

Or....you could get a longer jacket that fits you otherwise and you would have enough to make a matching waistcoat out of the scraps. The back would of course have to be made out of the lining material if you go that route.

--Chelsea McMurdo--