Just HOW many ways can an Argyll be 'Dressed Up'?

**MacLowlife** · 18th September 10, 07:44 AM

Artificer, I admire your ingenuity. Any man who will take on a bias-cut tailoring project is brave, indeed. Sometimes, the less talented craftsmen of the world (which surely includes me) must resort to shims to make things work that might not otherwise- not that I would stoop to wood filler... much.

But I have this suggestion that might make your vest project a little easier- consider facing the lapels in black. That gives you a little less matching and geometry to deal with and it would be completely appropriate for a formal vest (IMHO).

Send us some pictures when you have finished.

**longhuntr74** · 18th September 10, 08:35 AM

Artificer...if you find a good source of a bias waistcoat, please share your maker! I know that Lady Chrystel will do them...anybody know of anyone else? I made a 5 button one of 11 oz tartan and it turned out great...or it was turning out great...until I got to the buttonholes and totally messed it up!!! The tartan stretched out of square, the first buttonhole ended up too long, etc...so I scrapped the project. I was very disappointed...the feeling I imagine you had with sporran number 12 when it ripped...all that work, time, and money down the tubes.

**artificer** · 18th September 10, 10:14 AM

Originally Posted by MacLowlife

Artificer, I admire your ingenuity. Any man who will take on a bias-cut tailoring project is brave, indeed.

MacLowlife, I may be crazy, but I'm NOT insane

For me fabric is FAR too mutable. It shifts, stretches, pulls... Leather I can handle, wood or stone are fine as well. When it comes to fabric, THAT'S when I find a good tailor.

I wish I was skilled enough with fabric to attempt something like this in the allowable timeframe, but I know my limits.

Originally Posted by longhuntr74

Artificer...if you find a good source of a bias waistcoat, please share your maker! I know that Lady Chrystel will do them...anybody know of anyone else? I made a 5 button one of 11 oz tartan and it turned out great...or it was turning out great...until I got to the buttonholes and totally messed it up!!! The tartan stretched out of square, the first buttonhole ended up too long, etc...so I scrapped the project. I was very disappointed...the feeling I imagine you had with sporran number 12 when it ripped...all that work, time, and money down the tubes.

DOH! I'm sorry to hear about that, and so close to the finish as well! That HAD to hurt.

I struck out with my first possible source, they'll do tartan, but not on the bias.

Should I find someone I'll PM you.

**thescot** · 20th September 10, 08:32 PM

In spite of all the above, I still prefer the plain shirt with waist belt I think. It keeps things very simple, and the three-button waistcoat with a plain jacket like an argyl is just not to my liking. It doesn't look bad, by any means, but I do prefer the jacket and white shirt look, much like a tuxedo. In fact, the waist belt and plate simply replace the cumberbund and add a bit of splash with the silver bucle. The buckle--usually a Masonic buckle for me--is the only splash I would be wearing.

When I wear a tuxedo, the only splash is a pocket square (probably white). Otherwise, all if very plain black and white.

**OC Richard** · 21st September 10, 05:23 AM

Originally Posted by artificer

1) With 3 button black waistcoat.

2) With non-matching waistcoat.

3) Black 5 button (Argyll) waistcoat.

4) No waistcoat - dress kilt belt

5) Cummerbund.

Pretty much all of the above can work fine. In the old days it was not uncommon to wear a red waistcoat with a black jacket, a striking look.

Years ago, when I used to pipe at a wedding nearly every weekend, and nearly all the men were in black tuxedo jackets with black cummberbund and black bow tie, with white "Churchill collar" shirts, I dressed the same but with a black barathea Argyll. Traditionally Highland? Probably not. But it looked fitting to me, for a wedding piper.

For many years I haven't worn a waistcoat, waistbelt, or cummerbund with my Argyll. I just button the button for a sleeker, cleaner look.

Here's as dressed-up as my Argyll gets, with tartan hose, buckled shoes, plaid, etc. It's an old fashioned look except that I should be wearing a white shirt and black tie...

**artificer** · 26th September 10, 07:32 AM

Well, I pulled the trigger on a black 3 button waistcoat. I really wanted a bias cut tartan job, but the only available source for one would have run right up to the deadline and cost me $150. I think I'll save that cash to put toward a velvet doublet. Either a Kenmore or Montrose in a deep claret or dark inky blue is my eventual goal.