Purchasing a vest/waistcoat?

[Kilted Hiker]

Hello everyone!

I recently found two tweed jackets that I am converting to kilt cuts to wear with my Black Watch kilt. Here is where the question comes in, I am looking for a vest or waistcoat to wear with my jackets to dress them up a bit. Forgive my ignorance, but growing up in the South Eastern states, I've had limited exposure to formal dress. What exactly is the difference between a vest and a waistcoat? And can anyone provide a source to purchase one that will not cost a arm and a leg. And finally, what colors would look good with my Black Watch kilt?


Thanks!
Seth

[Paul Henry]

A waistcoat is the British word for the American Vest, that is about it.
We in the UK think of a "vest" as an undergarment, or perahps a singlet type of thing.
There are of course many types of waistcoats, have a look at some of these, although UK based it will give you a good overview,and perahps some new ideas!
Waistcoats

[Spartan Tartan]

Since the above answer about waistcoat v. vest has already been given...

I think nearly any color looks fine with Blackwatch. It's a pretty neutral tartan from that perspective (again, to me). I would let your personal comfort guide the color decision. For example, red would be a great contrasting color and look fantastic to some. On the other hand, it may be a bit too loud a contrast for others.

How's that for a non-answer?

I personally like less flamboyant colors on myself. So I would go toward browns and/or grays. If I did go with a red, it would be more maroon--a deeper color and less "bright".

My 2 cents...

[Downunder Kilt]

Cheapest place to get a lot of things is your local Op shop (thrift store)
I have purchased several waistcoats from them, doeskin, tweed, linen.
Also ebay have them a lot, some go cheap, some expensive. You just have to be patient and know what you want.

[MacBean]

http://www.newjerseypiper.com/vests.html

[Kilted Hiker]

Thank you paulhenry for clarifying!

Thanks Spartan Tartan, I really like the look of a nice dark red or burgundy with Black Watch as well.

Downunder Kilt, this is really good advise. I've been monitoring the local thrift stores Sad, I found TWO silk or satin backed waistcoats at a thrift store but both were WAY to big for me.

Thanks a ton MacBean! I like the look of those colored vests. Have you delt with this company before? With prices that low ( NOT a complaint ) I wonder how the quality of the vests are?

[Kilted Hiker]

I've been checking ebay and found this one...

http://http://cgi.ebay.com/Mens-BURG...#ht_2015wt_755

How does it look to you guys?

[Calico]

Does this link work better? eBay

It is a pretty vest, but it looks like it may be too long for kilt wear. Cannot tell without better measurements.

[Kilted Hiker]

Thanks Calico, I edited my post several times and couldn't get it to work.

It unfortunately does look too long, I'll try to find the measurements. Its such a lovely color thought, and I think the pattern would work with a tartan. Speaking of "too long", what is the proper length for a waistcoat to wear with a kilt?

[Cowher]

Bump
I would like to know if there is a vest length that goes better with a kilt. also would a sweater vest go well with a kilt?