Wearing a PC in the Daytime??

[Freelancer]

Although the PC kit is the Highland equivalent of formal dress (black tie or white tie tuxedo) which is normally reserved for evening functions of a formal nature, I'm curious to know a traditionalist's thoughts on wearing it during the day...for a parade. At the New York City Tartan Day parade last year, I noticed a not insignificant number of participants decked out in their PCs. This also included all the dignitaries of the event such as the Grand Marshall and even the Prime Minister of Scotland himself. Do you think this type of event gets a pass on the usual protocol?

Another question. When attending an event such as an evening performance of the Military Tattoo in Edinburgh, what would be the most appropriate attire with a kilt? Tweed Argyle? Any other thoughts? Thanks in advance.

[McMurdo]

As you are asking for the Traditionalist view I'd have to say no to wearing the PC in the daytime, even at such a function a Tweed Argyll would be more appropriate.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I think there are a lot of people who simply are not used to thinking of their clothing in terms of "black tie" or "white tie" or "day dress," etc.

Think about how many people own a Prince Charlie jacket only because they own a kilt and wanted a nice formal jacket to wear with a kilt, who otherwise would never own their own tuxedo jacket.

I think one of the reasons we frequently see a Prince Charlie jacket worn at what would be considered inappropriate times and occasions for black tie is just because most people look on their Prince Charlies as simply their "nicest kilt jacket" and they want to wear it to any nice occasion.

I see Prince Charlie jackets worn at morning church services, for example, even outdoor ones at Highland Games. How many of us would wear a tuxedo for our regular Sunday morning services? But people wear what is essentially a tux jacket with their kilt and don't bat an eye.

This is one reason why I typically encourage people to purchase a nice Argyle kilt jacket before they get a Prince Charlie. If they are having trouble deciding which style to get, I just remind them that Prince Charlies are black tie attire, and ask them how many black tie functions they normally attend during the year. Usually that decides it for them.

[McClef]

Although a PC is primarily evening attire there are special formal occasions such as weddings where it would be perfectly kosher during the day.

I have worn it on a parade too though.

[Phil]

I see people all the time wearing PC's during the day although it is usually to weddings. I think people do get confused and don't realise it is properly a formal evening jacket but so what? It probably has a lot to do with the fact they have hired the outfit and that's what they were given.
When attending the Edinburgh Military Tattoo my advice would be to wrap up warm with a good chunky sweater topped off by an ankle-length waterproof and windproof overcoat and a warm waterproof hat and scarf. A hip flask filled with a good malt wouldn't go amiss either. Believe it or not it can get pretty wet and windy on the Castle Esplanade - even in August. And once the sun goes down here the temperature drops - like a stone!

[Jock Scot]

Sorry Trefor ,but I have to disagree with you.In my humble opinion a PC should never ever be worn during the day. I am afraid that hire companies are mainly responsible for leading the innocent and unknowing astray here.

Phil is dead right. Just because it is Tattoo time in August do not make the mistake of thinking summer weather is to be relied upon. It might happen, just don't bet on it!

[M_Beorn]

I will be wearing my Evening wear (Brian Boru) tomorrow and will be out in the "Day Light" hours, but it will but on the way to the Kennedy Center which I intend to to show up in Black tie.

That said, I don't see myself wearing it much except to formal or special evening events.

[bchunter]

I agree with Matt that many wear their PC just because it's either their best kilt jacket or their only kilt jacket. I see them at church, at games, etc, but personally I perfer to wear my Braemar or something less formal in daytime settings.

[Bugbear]

If I had one, I would not wear a PC during the day: basically six PM and after. However, after reading hundreds, perhaps thousands, of MacMillan of Rathdown posts on the subject, I would really rather have a black Argyle with both a high cut and low cut waistcoat, and probably removable buttons, than a Prince Charlie coatee.

I can't help it, it just makes sense to me.

Disclaimer: the number of MacMillan of Rathdown posts on the subject may be exaggerated.

[Alan H]

I wore a tuxedo to my wedding, and it was an afternoon wedding, outdoors. My Best man and the ushers also wore tuxes. Not morning coats...tuxes. How gauche...

If you own a PC and you just really want to wear it during the day, well, it's YOUR jacket. So wear it. Understand that maybe it's not "the optimal situation", but you're not hurting anybody by wearing the thing, so slip it on and enjoy yourself.

BTW, if you go look at the "Your Best Kilted Picture Thread" here on X Marks you will see uncountable gentlemen wearing white socks with their kilt and also a really nice group shot of one of our Scottish members on his wedding day. It's a wonderful picture with the groom and a rabble of kilted lads....I presume all Scots. The picture is taken in Scotland during daylight hours.

All...EVERY single one of the men is wearing white hose. Every single one of them.

Of the approximately nine men in the picture, all of them except for one are wearing PC's. The remaining gent is wearing a black argyle or braemar. They all look great. There are literally over a dozen pictures of guys in that thread, wearing PC's (usually with white kilt hose) during the day. So maybe it's not textbook correct, but honestly, I wouldn't stress over it too much.

And there you go.