Help me dress my piper...

[rlskreftie]

My husband has been a piper since he was 12, gave it up in his mid 20s and now, in his late 40s (and since i bought him pipes last Christmas), has enthusiastically picked it up again. He has turned down a few invitations to do solo gigs at functions because he doesn't have anything to wear beyond his kilt, glenngary and a band shirt.

i was thinking to spruce him up for Christmas this year. i would love to get him a pipers plaid, but the jacket i see it worn with seems uncommon. It is buttoned all the way up and looks military. Is it a pipers doublet? Can anyone help me identify this and where i can find them?

And, am i on the right track for this project, or should i be thinking Montrose, PC, and stuff like that? It's all sort of confusing.

Thanks for any help!

[Sionnach]

First from Arizona. I a sure the pipers here will all be posting answers to your questions soon. All the best. Your husband should be very proud of you, what a wonderful thing to do.

[kypnkilt]

Go to this web page and take a look see. Might help you out a bit.



http://www.jhiggins.net/

[chasem]

Most of the pipers I've seen solo piping for an event for some sort have been in a balmoral or glengarry, white dress shirt, bow or regular solid-color tie, prince charlie vest and/or jacket, kilt, hose, flashes, and ghillie brogues.

I'm assuming the actual pipers here can give you a better idea, but that's about the best I can do for you

[turpin]

Another source of affordable pipers wear is Glengarry Hats

[Moosedog]

Yes, doublets and pipers plaids are quite expensive (around $450-900 for the doublet, plaid and accessories) and are usually part of a military-style band uniform--solo pipers often go with something simpler and more versatile: perhaps an argyle jacket or vest, dress shirt and tie. I know you'll get lots of good advice here, we have lots of pipers, or check out the Bob Dunsire forums (piping and drumming.)

And may I applaud your support of your husband's love of the pipes--how kind of you!

Moosedog

[thescot]

If you really want to dress him up in proper military style piper fashion, try this for a piper's doublet.

http://www.glengarryhats.com/piperdo...temcplb97999i0

I know it says "hats, but they have lots of other stuff, too. You can even look at this page on their site for a less military look:

http://www.glengarryhats.com/short_t...temcplb97999i0

You're good woman, and I wish you'd talk to some of our wives.

[thescot]

Hey check this one out, too. I'd forgotten them. I haven't used them, but you will find the prices are right. And, they'll make a tunic in cotton so it's not so stinkin' hot! (I don't know where you are, but around here, you'll burn up in a doublet most of the year!)

http://www.replicaters.com/pipeband.html

[Carolina Kiltman]

KYPNKILT beat me to it.

I cannot recommed J. Higgins too highly. Their coats and kilts are made in house, and they are very quick to replace a stock item that does not fit. Only word of caution is that the coats fit a bit more snugly than most off the peg stuff you buy these days, so if he is, say, a 44 chest, it is better to order a 46. At least that is my experience with them.

And I second the motion that he is a lucky man!

[rlskreftie]

Thank you all ever so much! i see there are quite a few choices when you know where to look.

My husband is lucky to have such a rich cultural heritage. Anyone that has it certainly ought to embrace it! (And i LOVE a man in a kilt!)