Outerwear over the kilt

[ForresterModern]

I have several coats which I could wear depending on the weather and the event. One is a custom made Inverness Cape in heavy tweed I bought online at Twin Roses Design that covers down to my ankles, so it completely covers my kilts. I have a couple dress greatcoats which would cover down to about knee length---grey and black---which might let a little bit of the bottom of the kilt show as I walk. And then I just recently bought what we used to call a "car coat", basically like a navy pea coat but this one in grey and with a single row of buttons instead of the double breasted---it covers down just below the bottom of my buttocks, so would allow a good foot or so of my kilts show from beneathe the hem. All look good. although I have no pictures to show or post right now. For real casual I even sometimes wear a softshell jacket that is just a bit longer than an Ike style jacket, zip up the front and gathered in a bit at the waist with a stretch band, that would generally cover my belt but not my sporran or much else of my kilt.

[wildrover]

I really like the long cape/cloak stuff...they don't necessarily look like a costume. The 3/4 length coats, personally, I don't think they work. Too close to the "long coat/short skirt & stockings" look.

So far, I've found my kilt (tank) and hose (heavy Aran style wool) are pretty comfortable in the cold. I suspect it'll have to be downright brutal before I go for p@nts, but if it's raining sideways, a long cape like that would be indispensable.

It's hardly "traditional", but my outerwear is usually a hardshell over something else...it'll fit over a suit jacket or a hoodie, and both of those things go fine with a kilt. Considering how weather-resistant a kilt and quality hose will be, a simple, roomy shell (waterproof, wind blocking, breathable) might fit the bill unless your outerwear is part of a uniform. I'd post a photo, but it's pretty much just another roughly butt-length dark gray snowboarding jacket, clean lines, no embellishing or print...very simply, very bombproof.

-Sean

[Kiltman]

Basically I wear whatever is handy. My philosophy is that a kilt is an alternative to pants and so whatever I would wear with pants I'll wear with a kilt. That being said I do have a couple of capes, but they are very heavy. Generally I wear a long wool coat I purchased in Oregon.

[Riverkilt]

When its cold and wet my priority is to stay warm and dry - I'm just not interested in what someone else may think of me as a fashion statement.


British greatcoat from Sportsman's Guide.


Replica Union Cavalry greatcoat from Grand Illusions (no longer in business).


Sweedish greatcoat from Sportsmans Guide.


Navy Bridgecoat - forget from where, any naval uniform supplier should have them.


Mr. Antony's Ultimate rain cape - the double bonded cotton one.

And sorry folks, I'm still jonesing for a real wool Inverness Cape - say what you will about fashion - style - or looks. They sure look warm and dry to me...maybe some day I'll have the money or the plastic and drop into a manic mood and order one up.

Lots of ways to stay toasty warm and dry while kilted. Least expensive are the surplus greatcoats you find from dealers like Sportsman's Guide.

I used a lot of Febreze and airing out to get the "old" smell out of the British and the Sweedish greatcoats. But the smell is gone now. Worth the extra effort for the great price.

[kevinkinney]

Icape please!

Melton Wool, Forest Green....with a good swarthy dark tan Balmoral.

Oilskin if need be.

Cheers,

Kevin

[O'Callaghan]

Swiss Army greatcoat in my case (field green). OTOH, I think it's largely a question of what comes to hand.

[Jack Daw]

For Houston, my Mr. Anthony's pipe band rain cape and a tweed jacket is all that is needed.

[Jaggy thistle]

I used to wear a long overcoat when I was young used to get some queer looks when waiting for a bus ect I think folk thought I had forgotten to put on my trousers ! I now wear a Barbour jacket which works well

[McMurdo]

I did wear a normal overcoat for quite some time however when funds allowed I also got myself an Inverness Cape from our very own VMac it is perfect to wear over the kilt, I get many compliments whenever I wear it, and would recommend both the workmanship and the price.

[Deirachel]

I use a Swedish Navy Greatcoat myself, picked up at a local Military Surplus for $35. Gray-Blue color with gold buttons make for a spiffy look, and it's TOASTY.