Finally...a more formal outfit with tweed.

**Carlo** · 21st April 13, 07:54 AM

If you do it DIY don't start with this jacket because it looks great.
Get something of lesser looks to train on.

**David Thorpe** · 21st April 13, 07:56 AM

A potentially great day-wear dress outfit. The jacket does need altering. I did my first one with virtually no sewing experience and it came out well. I have done another conversion and built a jacket from scratch since then. It requires some attention to detail, a modicum of eye-hand coordination, patience and a few hours. Alternatively, $40 will break the bank? For a first-class kilt jacket? Difficult to comprehend, even for a confirmed penny-pinching miser. The jacket conversion would make a world of difference in the outfit.

**Jock Scot** · 21st April 13, 08:03 AM

This is a very interesting conversation going on here and I am not saying anyone is right or wrong, but it does I think, demonstrate the different kilt wearing cultures really well.

On one hand the length of the jacket appears to be all imprtant and kilt height is not an issue and on the other hand, kilt height is the issue and jacket length is not. Those of us that have been wearing the kilt fairly regularly, the length of time actually matters not here, realise that it does take time and perhaps a bit of loot to get things----everything -----just right. However, let us just say, to "old school" kilt wearers the height of the kilt is the foundation mark for the rest of the kilt attire to fit around and that gathering ones attire that fits properly can and does take time to fine tune.

**O'Searcaigh** · 21st April 13, 08:15 AM

First, that is a great over-all look. If you are concerned about expenses: 1) just hike up the kilt a bit, the waistcoat will cover the top even if you feel like it is too high (it takes a while to get used to wearing a kilt at your true waist +2 inches if you are only used to wearing pants). 2) The coat you have on looks great re: color and texture and it would not be an easy conversion because it appears that it is a two button slash pocket design. The easiest to convert are three button (higher first button) with patch pockets. Get an inexpensive three button patch pocket jacket at a thrift store and practice on it. If you're lucky, you might even find one in a similar color as the one you are wearing in the picture. Again, the pictures are great, including the background. Quite nice (nothing really wrong) the way it is, just a few suggestions given the comments so far.

**CMcG** · 21st April 13, 12:12 PM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

This is a very interesting conversation going on here and I am not saying anyone is right or wrong, but it does I think, demonstrate the different kilt wearing cultures really well.

On one hand the length of the jacket appears to be all imprtant and kilt height is not an issue and on the other hand, kilt height is the issue and jacket length is not. Those of us that have been wearing the kilt fairly regularly, the length of time actually matters not here, realise that it does take time and perhaps a bit of loot to get things----everything -----just right. However, let us just say, to "old school" kilt wearers the height of the kilt is the foundation mark for the rest of the kilt attire to fit around and that gathering ones attire that fits properly can and does take time to fine tune.

Well, Jock, luckily for the OP, that diversity of opinion has him covered on all fronts

**TheOfficialBren** · 21st April 13, 02:20 PM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

This is a very interesting conversation going on here and I am not saying anyone is right or wrong, but it does I think, demonstrate the different kilt wearing cultures really well.

On one hand the length of the jacket appears to be all imprtant and kilt height is not an issue and on the other hand, kilt height is the issue and jacket length is not. Those of us that have been wearing the kilt fairly regularly, the length of time actually matters not here, realise that it does take time and perhaps a bit of loot to get things----everything -----just right. However, let us just say, to "old school" kilt wearers the height of the kilt is the foundation mark for the rest of the kilt attire to fit around and that gathering ones attire that fits properly can and does take time to fine tune.

There are some differences, I agree, but mostly the opinions are the same.

Show some knee. Cut-outs on your jacket to accommodate your sporran. Wear it with pride.

**David Thorpe** · 21st April 13, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by TheOfficialBren

Cut-outs on your jacket to accommodate your sporran.

It isn't quite that simple. A kilt jacket is shorter than a Saxon jacket. The back should not cover the pleats below the fell. The shorter length usually means repositioning the side pockets higher as a part of the "conversion". With slash pockets this is virtually impossible, so as an alternative, they are often sewn shut and covered with flap patches. The other sometimes difficult bit is to get a smooth curve to the sporran cutaway due to a lower buttonhole directly in the path of the best curve.

**MNlad** · 21st April 13, 02:57 PM

First or all, congratulations on the color coordination. It's spot on. As for all the comments on the jacket length, I'm afraid I'm with the majority, it hides too much of that wonderful tartan in your kilt. At some point you should look at shortening it.

If you do it DIY don't start with this jacket because it looks great.
Get something of lesser looks to train on.

Great advice. For $5-$10, a sacrificial jacket from a thrift store is a wise investment. Who knows, you just might surprise yourself and actually wear the thing when your done. If not, you learn from your mistakes and your out the cost of a shot of single malt. Check out the tutorial section of XMTS. You'll find a wealth of information from those who have gone before you, with step-by-step instructions and photos. In addition, there are posters here who will be happy to answer any questions you may have and to lend advice.

By the way, until you feel the confidence to tackle such a project, or feel flush enough to have it done by a tailor/seamstress, wear the jacket, for gosh sakes. You'll hardly be the first person to wear a suit-length jacket with a kilt. It looks good on ye.

**TheOfficialBren** · 21st April 13, 03:13 PM

Originally Posted by David Thorpe

It isn't quite that simple. A kilt jacket is shorter than a Saxon jacket. The back should not cover the pleats below the fell. The shorter length usually means repositioning the side pockets higher as a part of the "conversion". With slash pockets this is virtually impossible, so as an alternative, they are often sewn shut and covered with flap patches. The other sometimes difficult bit is to get a smooth curve to the sporran cutaway due to a lower buttonhole directly in the path of the best curve.

Very true. I was making a generalisation but you are correct.

**scotswelshrunner** · 22nd April 13, 08:35 PM

Thanks For the advice everyone. I'll see what I can do about a practice jacket as this one goes well with my trousers and other tweeds. As for the $40 being a lot of money, well I could save it up. But we are rather poor in that regard and it took a lot to get my kilts. A lot!!
So that is why I go to thrifty stores all the time. Just the way it is right now. And i don't mind a bit. Appreciate all the advice and help. I shall keep trying and posting photos.