Fat guy in a little jacket!

**NewPiperinNY** · 28th July 09, 12:50 PM

OK.. I am hoping to not have that happen... BUT ...

Being a larger individual (with asperations of not being so... ), what jacket would the general consensus say to look at? I like the look of the Prince Charlie and the Brian Boru but.. all the pictures I see are of individuals that are much less barrel shaped than I.

BTW - this would be for a piper's outfit. I am playing for a friend's wedding, plus hoping to do more going forward.

Thanks, Tom

**Farlander** · 28th July 09, 01:26 PM

A Prince Charlie is a fine choice. It is quite formal, but for a piper, that should be fine.

Other excellent choices would include an Argyll or a Braemar.

As for your shape and/or size, as long as the jacket fits, any of the above would work and look great! An advantage to the PC is that it fits OK without as much tailoring as the others. This is one reason why a PC is the typical rental choice. If you are getting your jacket mail order or online, and you often have a problem with getting jackets to fit well, a PC would be a simpler choice.

**NewPiperinNY** · 28th July 09, 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by Farlander

A Prince Charlie is a fine choice. It is quite formal, but for a piper, that should be fine.

Other excellent choices would include an Argyll or a Braemar.

As for your shape and/or size, as long as the jacket fits, any of the above would work and look great! An advantage to the PC is that it fits OK without as much tailoring as the others. This is one reason why a PC is the typical rental choice. If you are getting your jacket mail order or online, and you often have a problem with getting jackets to fit well, a PC would be a simpler choice.

That was the kind of response I was looking for. I wouldn't have thought the PC was a simpler jacket. Do you know what makes it so?

**Farlander** · 28th July 09, 03:15 PM

Ah', I did not mean that a PC is a simpler jacket, but a simpler choice because it does not require as much additional adjustment to fit OK. The reason is that it is much like a tuxedo jacket in that the front is not designed to completely come together and button. As such, a wide variety of waist and belly sizes are adequately accommodated. So, all it really needs to do is fit across the shoulders and have the right sleeve length. Adjusting the sleeve length can typically be done for ~$20.00 or so by a local tailor or dry cleaner if needed.

**Stratherrick** · 29th July 09, 01:31 AM

When I was at The Gathering last Saturday, I saw the largest walking man I've ever seen on two legs. He must have been 30 stone (400 lbs +)if he was an ounce!

Having said that, he was BEAUTIFULLY kitted out in kilt and a PC, obviously made to measure, and a real credit to his clan, Scott btw.

Quality will out!

Slainte

Bruce

**Phil** · 29th July 09, 02:15 AM

Originally Posted by Stratherrick

When I was at The Gathering last Saturday, I saw the largest walking man I've ever seen on two legs. He must have been 30 stone (400 lbs +)if he was an ounce!

That must have been the same one I saw. I am sure that his kilt looked longer front to back than it did waist to hem. Not a pretty sight.

**caig** · 29th July 09, 02:22 AM

Just one small point if I may. A Prince Charlie jacket is generally regarded as an evening jacket, and in my personal view should not be worn during the daytime. This would be akin to wearing a tuxedo during the day which would look odd. An Argyll, Braemar or Crail jacket ( or one of the modern equivalents) would be more suitable for general use.

**NewPiperinNY** · 29th July 09, 06:10 AM

Originally Posted by acaig

Just one small point if I may. A Prince Charlie jacket is generally regarded as an evening jacket, and in my personal view should not be worn during the daytime. This would be akin to wearing a tuxedo during the day which would look odd. An Argyll, Braemar or Crail jacket ( or one of the modern equivalents) would be more suitable for general use.

Does this go for pipers as well? I know this has been discussed ad nauseum on the boards.. But for a piper playing wedding/funeral, wouldn't a PC be the jacket of choice? What about a civic event (such as at the town hall)?

**Chas** · 29th July 09, 06:34 AM

Originally Posted by NewPiperinNY

Does this go for pipers as well? I know this has been discussed ad nauseum on the boards.. But for a piper playing wedding/funeral, wouldn't a PC be the jacket of choice? What about a civic event (such as at the town hall)?

Personal opinion only:

When a piper is 'working' solo (not in a band uniform), I like to see them looking their best. To my mind they are representing each and every piper in space and time. The piper on the castle ramparts at dusk; the piper on the D-Day beaches; the piper at the memorial service; the piper, piping in the haggis at a local Burns night, they are all encapsulated in the one man playing here today in front of us. As the ambassador of all pipers, everywhere, they should look the best dressed kiltie present. A heavy burden I know, but that is the way I see it. I often close my eyes when I hear piping so as not to be distracted.

End of personal statement.

Regards

Chas

billmcc · 29th July 09, 08:31 PM

Originally Posted by NewPiperinNY

Does this go for pipers as well? I know this has been discussed ad nauseum on the boards.. But for a piper playing wedding/funeral, wouldn't a PC be the jacket of choice? What about a civic event (such as at the town hall)?

I have personally never seen a piper wearing a PC. An Argyll, Braemar or Crail jacket is typical.