1850s/1860s Highland attire

**Slag101** · 19th June 10, 06:59 PM

Socioeconomic issues aside, I am looking for a pattern for a waistcoat and jacket that would be appropriate for the 1850s/1860s era, or a source of some really good photos of the same. I am trying to put together a kilt outfit from this time period, nut I can't seem to find any really good documentation of these garments anywhere. Any help steering me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

**JSFMACLJR** · 19th June 10, 08:11 PM

Originally Posted by Slag101

Socioeconomic issues aside, I am looking for a pattern for a waistcoat and jacket that would be appropriate for the 1850s/1860s era, or a source of some really good photos of the same. I am trying to put together a kilt outfit from this time period, nut I can't seem to find any really good documentation of these garments anywhere. Any help steering me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

There isn't a whole lot of difference in what a gentleman would wear from 1850-60 from evening dress today. Look at pictures of regulation style doublets mostly. Waistcoats weren't very high.

Here is a picture of the late King Edward VII, when he was Duke of Rothesay. It shows the Prince maybe in the 1870-80 period, but there would not be much of a difference in 10 to 20 years.

Here is another picture from the mid 19th century. This time the doublet is closed and buttoned to the neck.

**Slag101** · 20th June 10, 07:54 AM

I am sorry, I should have clarified? I am interested in daywear. Also, I am interested in the possible transitioning of styles from jackets meant to be worn with trousers to similar styles worn with kilts, i.e. civilian sack coats, frock coats, etc.

**Slag101** · 20th June 10, 09:59 AM

In addition, I am looking for period sporrans, especially of the leather variety. Any books or web sites that can be suggested would be greatly appreciated.

**JSFMACLJR** · 20th June 10, 11:28 AM

Well, Aaron, leather sporrans weren't commonly worn in that time period.

As for daywear, I would take a look at some of the drawings by Kenneth MacLeay, found in this Forum. There are a number of good paintings of men in day dress. There are photographs to be found in the Forum, as well, in the vintage section. What was worn in the latter part of Queen Victoria's Reign would have been worn in mid-century, too.

The cut of the jackets wasn't much different than what you would find worn today. They might have been a little longer, but not by much.

**JSFMACLJR** · 20th June 10, 11:37 AM

Here are some examples from MacLeay. One must use caution, though, when considering these images as being factual. A lot of whimsy and fantasy play into them! Our esteemed Jock Scot said it best:

Gentlemen, gentlemen, gentlemen, please get your heads out of the clouds! These pictures, interesting though they may be, bare no relation whatsoever to what was worn on a day to day basis. These pictures are fantasy, a dream and dare I say it, lies. Somewhere, lost I expect, there is a picture of me in my youth, sat on a horse in a damned uncomfortable uniform with sword drawn. Now if, in a hundred years time that picture resurfaces and some one looks at it and says gosh "this is the British Army going into action in 1960, this is proof of how they did it and what they wore". Wrong conclusions could be drawn, just as I fear some are doing with those kilted pictures.

Most certainly enjoy the pictures, most certainly glean what information from the pictures that you can about aspects of clothing etc.,but please don't fall into the trap of thinking that any Scot wore that as normal dress.

Those outfits were the very best that very few could muster, plus a large dose of artistic licence, for a very specific event. A pose. Just like the fellow on a horse in his best uniform with his sword.