Should have been a kilt jacket...

[CMcG]

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.

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...

I have one of these "trachten" jackets in charcoal grey with plain horn button closure, no decorative buttons, and dark green highlights on the button holes, collar, and slash pockets. It's a little longer in the body, so not really suitable for kilting, but looks great with jeans and stand up collar shirt. Picked up at a thrift store for $20.

I don't understand the fascination with all these very...umm..."distinctive-looking" jackets. There's already so much variation/ freedom of expression inherent in THCD, why not take any one of the seven or so evening THCD jacket styles and personalize it in your own choice of color, fabric, trim, etc?

That seems like it would be so much better than finding some "ebay special" that one "might be able to wear" with a kilt...

David

davidlpope, you are a good traditionalist and of course you shouldn't see the point from that perspective

If I may attempt an explanation, it would be rooted in the post-modern condition. Globalized modernity finds itself at the simultaneous intersection of different cultures, traditions, and even co-existing time periods. Even in THCD we can see elements of dress coming together that span Jacobite, Victorian, Edwardian, etc periods. Preservation, bricolage, syncretism, evolution, and innovation are all available and coextensive methods.

It also has to do with price. I'm not in a financial position to have a bespoke doublet made or even to have extensive alterations done to an existing jacket. Highland attire carries a premium price, even for off-the rack options. As this thread has shown, there are other types of jackets that have a cut suitable to kilting. The style of said jackets, however, is certainly a matter of preference.

Hahaha, quite right David, and well said indeed! To me, those ebay jackets look odd and nothing like the more traditional evening coatees and doublets one is accustomed to seeing - which is more than likely the point I gather. To each is own I guess.

Yes creagdhubh, I think part of the point is to try something different. THCD is wonderful and I'm not considering any of these options as a replacement for traditional jackets. More like an alternative, hence why I posted this in the modern forum!