Civilian Mess Jackets

[Cygnus]

I think Red Sea Rig mostly works for those who don't need it- and, of course, if you are on the Red Sea.

I understand the origins of Red Sea Rig and I think it makes sense in certain environs, much as I understand when a host removes his jacket at a hot party, but I am afraid Red Sea Rig in the kilt mostly comes down to a black tie. And that is a lot of distinction to hang on a narrow strip of fabric.

I agree. I don't have any problem with Red Sea rig, but, because it seems so much less formal, you wouldn't catch me wearing it so long as other guests were wearing their jackets.

I like to wear a linen jacket with my kilt in hot weather, to cut down a little on the suffering. I am talking about SC weather, where it has already gone to the 90s this year and will stay that way, with accompanying humidity until sometime in September. Part of life here is taking more showers and sweating through a lot of shirt linen. Sometimes you have to suffer a little for style.

But would you wear that for a black-tie kind of event? I'd love a linen kilt jacket, but I just don't feel it would really work for formal wear.

If your full dress clothes came from a business that has "wearhouse" in its name, or your shirt is easy care, just be prepared to help clear the tables.

I don't think I'm that brave to tell a Royal Marine officer he looks like a waiter in "Red Sea Rig", but it's your funeral.

And methinks you misunderstood my reference to RSR -- I simply stated that it was a variant of formal attire in the tropics/"East of Suez". I have, however, seen a Highland variant of RSR in an article on the Clan Campbell Society's web site:

I think MacLowlife's point was that it is a difficult look to pull off without looking "waiterly". It sounds to me like quality is the key.

When I get my pair of trews in the Campbell of Cawdor/Argyll District tartan one of these days, I might just have to try this look at a formal do in the Summer. Horses for courses...

Can we expect pictures?