Why are jackets to be left open?

[rtc872]

I am referring to kilt jackets. Thanks

All that I guess is that the kilt jacket is cut different to make sure it doesn't flop like a dead fish.

My tutor also told me to button up while playing only because there is nothing more annoying than the jacket getting caught between bag and armpit

[Jock Scot]

I am referring to kilt jackets. Thanks

All that I guess is that the kilt jacket is cut different to make sure it doesn't flop like a dead fish.

My tutor also told me to button up while playing only because there is nothing more annoying than the jacket getting caught between bag and armpit

That makes sense. I am not a piper but as a lad in the 1940's we used to be told in no uncertain terms that when we carried a gun our jacket button, on tweed kilt jackets and tweed shooting coats, should always be done up. In that case(like a pipers jacket apparently) it does stand to reason

[OC Richard]

Yes every image I showed above was of a kilt jacket. Kilt jackets (that is, by definition, any jacket intended to be worn with kilts) have changed a lot over the years.

You bring up another reason for a piper to button his jacket! And that is, if your jacket is hanging open there's a 50/50 chance that when you strike in the pipes the jacket will get pulled up in an unsightly way.

[Lallans]

Another possibility is that the kilt jacket was originally left open by someone, or a class of people, who wanted quick access to a weapon and the style caught on... when I'm out and about and see that happening with (say) an apparent plainclothes officer walking up to someone, it's a cause of instant hyperalertness on my part- I've been accused of going up on my toes but I'm sure that's an exaggeration.

Personally I 'most always do button my kilt jacket and I guess it's for reasons related to that perception. Or because of the cold.

[piperdbh]

Buttoning the jacket causes it to cover or at least obscure the sporran, plus it covers the top of the kilt which you've spend the big money to acquire.

When you wear britches, the legs (usually) taper in, which causes the waist to look wider. The buttoned suit coat reduces this widening appearance. The kilt, on the other hand, flares out, which makes the waist look slimmer. A buttoned kilt jacket enhances the slimming effect, making the wearer look bottom-heavy. Unbuttoning the jacket allows the shirt to show, which breaks up the lines and makes the wearer look better-proportioned.

What say ye?

[rtc872]

I must say that I button up every time I stand at work. Mostly because I payed good money to have suits that fit me well and I am not going to waste the cost by wearing it open. On a cheaper suit I probably wouldn't be so concerned.

When you wear britches, the legs (usually) taper in, which causes the waist to look wider. The buttoned suit coat reduces this widening appearance. The kilt, on the other hand, flares out, which makes the waist look slimmer. A buttoned kilt jacket enhances the slimming effect, making the wearer look bottom-heavy. Unbuttoning the jacket allows the shirt to show, which breaks up the lines and makes the wearer look better-proportioned.

I like this explanation. Not because it is right, I found many points made to be valid reasons, but because it really makes sense.

I imagine that there are so many reasons for what we do that no single explanation fits the bill.

Thank you all for such a great discussion and I feel that I have learned from reading it.

Cheers

[artificer]

I must say that I button up every time I stand at work. Mostly because I payed good money to have suits that fit me well and I am not going to waste the cost by wearing it open. On a cheaper suit I probably wouldn't be so concerned.

***.

If you've got to wear a suit, it's a JOY to have a beautifully tailored one. Buttoning up shows off many suits to their best (and yours) advantage.

This is especially true if you DO taper down from shoulder to waist.

Certain 'deconstructed' suits (think higher end 'fashion') with softer jackets should be worn open only, as they aren't tailored the same way as a business suit.

[Zardoz]

OK, Who can button their jacket?
I'll admit my build is not athletic, and mine are off the peg clothes, but while the argyll jackets I have generally fit me fine, the matching waistcoat fits as well, it is still a bit of a pull to actually button the jackets. I have always assumed they were just not designed to be buttoned. In fact, my black chrome button argyll didn't even come with the button holes opened.

[artificer]

OK, Who can button their jacket?
I'll admit my build is not athletic, and mine are off the peg clothes, but while the argyll jackets I have generally fit me fine, the matching waistcoat fits as well, it is still a bit of a pull to actually button the jackets. I have always assumed they were just not designed to be buttoned. In fact, my black chrome button argyll didn't even come with the button holes opened.

I can button mine (not that I've ever worn it that way...)