Should have been a kilt jacket...

**Whidbey78** · 9th March 11, 07:08 AM

Sportsman' Guide often has military dress jackets that could make good kilt jackets.

I'm seriously thinking about ordering this. Since there are two jackets I could try again if I don't like the results. Plus there would be a lot of extra material for cuffs and such. The only thing that might be a problem is pocket location, but there are ways around that too. The seams running down each side of the front are a bit odd though...
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/c....aspx?a=743118

These might be workable as well.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/c....aspx?a=738084

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/c....aspx?a=645003

**MacLowlife** · 9th March 11, 08:54 AM

Those Sportsman's Guide offerings look good. I kept looking in my last shipping box for the girl in the picture, but she wasn't there.

I like to check the length of the jacket against the length of the sleeve as a good indicator of how long the jacket is. I think a standard Argyll has sleeves about as long as the jacket skirt. The Czech one looks promising, but the picture shows it buttoning RIGHT OVER LEFT, which might explain the presence of what I believe are known as "princess seams". Uncle Gary may be mistakenly trying to sell us womens jackets- or the image may be reversed.

The Belgian one doesn't look too bad, either, with a patch pocket that ought to be simple to move or shorten.

**CMcG** · 9th March 11, 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by ForresterModern

Just checked this link and the jacket is way to fitted for my build. On top of that the largest available size is XXXL, which when converted their cm measurements to inches still only comes out at a 43" chest. Yikes that is some small sizing--about 8 inches too small for me.

Yes, they're in Asian sizes. In North America, I'm a medium and I'd take an XL in one of these jackets

Originally Posted by MacLowlife

Thanks for the eBay link. I do not see this one on eBay US. <snip>

They ship worldwide, so that's funny that they're not listed on the US eBay... the trick to shopping on eBay sites outside your locale is to find something you like and then add it to your "wishlist." That way it will show up on your eBay homepage. When in doubt, just contact the seller in regards to shipping.

Originally Posted by MacLowlife

<snip>
HOWEVER, as an old man, I find more and more truth to what they say about polishing a t*rd and converting sows ears into silk purses. I am constantly tempted, but I try hard to keep my money in my pocket and my eyes on the road. And, of course, I am limited by the number of times I have already jumped.

<snip>

Some wise person has already pointed out that you need to balance all of this exuberant tailoring with your own needs. If you are fortunate enough to attend Highland balls on a regular basis, I would endorse going as big as you can. If you wear a kilt fewer than a dozen times annually and most of them in the same rooms with men in sweaters, I would suggest that versatility has its virtues. Get the lifestyle first, then the wardrobe. I know, because I have clothes for occasions I have yet to experience. The money would be useful now and then. Can you say Argyll*, friends?

For my money, the best repurposed jackets are ones that don't require any exuberant tailoring and cost very little. The jackets in this thread fit that bill, though they aren't necessarily THCD. I agree that trying to alter them to fit the traditional mould might indeed be more trouble than it's worth...

Besides, I already have a black barathea Braemar and tweed Crail, so I'm essentially covered. In considering the types of jackets in this thread (rather than traditional jackets or doublets) I'm exploring possibilities for something different. Not really a need as much of a want... my birthday is coming and being a kiltie gives friends and family an endless source for gifts

The cotton or leather ones with zippers are definitely more casual. The Asian one could go either way depending on the hand of the material. The velvet one might have some potential as a more formal jacket... with a simple swap to Highland buttons and removing the patch pockets.

MacLl advice is wise though. If one were looking at a first kilt jacket, then Argyll all the way!

**auld argonian** · 9th March 11, 09:00 AM

Makes you wonder what they sell in European military surplus stores....we seem to get all of their stuff over here. I've had a Dutch field jacket for a while and it always gets compliments...

Best

AA

**Teufel Hunden** · 9th March 11, 09:21 AM

I remember seeing that jacket before... My Chemical Romance did indeed wear it at least once, but they're not really Emo, it's just emo kids will buy anything that's black with that word thrown in the description, so there you have it.

I kinda like that jacket. I didn't even think about it for kilt wear when I first saw it, but now that you've pointed it out, it's definitely doable, depending on where you were going to wear it.

**Whidbey78** · 9th March 11, 02:37 PM

Originally Posted by MacLowlife

I like to check the length of the jacket against the length of the sleeve as a good indicator of how long the jacket is. I think a standard Argyll has sleeves about as long as the jacket skirt. The Czech one looks promising, but the picture shows it buttoning RIGHT OVER LEFT, which might explain the presence of what I believe are known as "princess seams". Uncle Gary may be mistakenly trying to sell us womens jackets- or the image may be reversed.

I check the length by comparing it to the sleeve as well. It's about the only thing you can use in a photo for reference.

Now that you point it out, the Czech jacket is right over left, at least in the pic. Hmmm. Glad you caught that...I was just about to place an order. Might have to investigate this first. Thanks for the heads-up.

**beloitpiper** · 9th March 11, 04:42 PM

I think I might be able to pull that off if it weren't for the obvious zipper...

**CMcG** · 9th March 11, 10:47 PM

This one is the right length, though it probably needs a sporran cutaway and maybe to get rid of a few extra buttons. Not sure of the provenance but the collar/lapel combo is rather distinctive looking...

**Whidbey78** · 10th March 11, 12:20 AM

Originally Posted by CMcG

This one is the right length, though it probably needs a sporran cutaway and maybe to get rid of a few extra buttons. Not sure of the provenance but the collar/lapel combo is rather distinctive looking...

I like the cut and the buttons but the design on lapels and the area around the pocket are a bit too "Liberace" for me. Make those areas plain black and I'd snatch it up. I agree though that it is distinctive, and someone who could pull off that look would get my thumbs up, but I know I'm not that guy.

**MacLowlife** · 10th March 11, 05:27 AM

I believe that is a TRACHTEN jacket, from Germany. Most of the ones I have seen ( online) have higher contrast between the body and the applique. I do like the monochrome effect. I think there are plenty of reasons to wear it in a non traditional kilt outfit, just as you might wear it without lederhosen, with jeans for instance. But I'd be ready to discuss it...

And Whidbey, I am not that guy, either, much as I'd like to be...