Brooks Brothers Crail Jacket

**creagdhubh** · 2nd December 10, 01:35 PM

Hello all,

I currently own a lovely Brooks Brothers blazer that is single breasted, has a single vent in the rear, two button, fully lined, and is a light brown - or tan - in colour with a Glen Plaid design. I would like to convert the blazer into a kilt jacket, specifically in the Crail style. I know I can order staghorn buttons from Kinloch-Anderson, and plan to have the tailoring done professionally by my tailor, however, I was curious if any of you have had this done before with a typical suit jacket or a blazer.

I have never done this (all of my current kilt jackets and waistcoats are bespoke from Kinloch-Anderson), and even though I will have my tailor alter the jacket, using my existing kilt jackets as a resource, I am still curious what you all think and if you have any suggestions/advice. I understand the pockets will have to be moved up, or slightly adjusted - not sure if that can even be done and still look good. Thanks for your time and assistance, it is greatly appreciated.

Yours aye,

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 2nd December 10, 01:44 PM

Kyle, as you have noted, the biggest problem is with the placement of the pockets. If your jacket has patch pockets the fix is straight forward enough-- just raise the pockets. If you don't have patch pockets probably the easiest fix is to fit "faux flaps". These are exactly like real flaps, except they are left open where the top seam would be, and are stitched across the bottom of the flap to the outside opening of the pocket.

Something else to be aware of is the placement of the buttons and button holes. Quite often these are too close to the bottom of the jacket once it is converted. If it was me (or were it I) I'd carefully measure the button placement and compare it to a kilt jacket before handing off to my tailor.

**creagdhubh** · 2nd December 10, 01:50 PM

Thanks Scott, I appreciate your detailed reply and will take your advice to heart. Since it is a two button blazer, I realize then it will become a one button kilt jacket - at least that is my understanding, and that is okay with me I suppose. The pockets are "working pockets" (as most, if not all Brooks Brothers suit jackets and blazers are) with simple pocket flaps. Would there have to be any adjustment to the rear single vent? Thank you again Scott.

Kind regards,

**ForresterModern** · 2nd December 10, 02:00 PM

An easy cheat for the button concern that Scott mentioned above is to buy 3-button blazers to convert to kilt style instead of 2-button blazers, as the top two buttons on the 3-button styles are more appropriately positioned to work as a kilt jacket than are the buttons and holes on a 2-button blazer. The lapels seem to also be cut more like traditional kilt jackets on the 3-button versions as well. Compare the relative button positions, and the cuts of the lapels, on the two camelhair tan blazers in the second row right, which otherwise are essentially identical blazers:

http://www.josbank.com/menswear/shop...rds=camel+hair

jeff

**creagdhubh** · 2nd December 10, 02:10 PM

Good point Jeff, thank you! I am such a perfectionist, I may just abandon the whole idea all together! I am worried that if the blazer alterations do not come out the way that I would like, that I would always be comparing it to my other bespoke Highland day jackets and that would drive me crazy! It seems like more work than is really necessary - I just think the colour of the BB blazer would look outstanding with my Macpherson red tartans. Thanks again!

Slainte,

**davidlpope** · 2nd December 10, 02:49 PM

Kyle,

I've been looking at the bespoke tweed jackets available through Bookster:
http://www.tweed-jacket.com/
and wondering if they could easily do kilt jackets. Their prices seem to be comparable to other makers' bespoke kilt jackets and I suspect the attention to detail and level of personalization would be higher...

Let me know what you think. I've been considering calling them and asking for a quote.

David

**BoldHighlander** · 2nd December 10, 03:10 PM

Originally Posted by davidlpope

I've been looking at the bespoke tweed jackets available through Bookster:
http://www.tweed-jacket.com/
and wondering if they could easily do kilt jackets.

Those are very nice David. I'd also be very interested in the answer to your question.

**creagdhubh** · 2nd December 10, 03:20 PM

Originally Posted by davidlpope

Kyle,

I've been looking at the bespoke tweed jackets available through Bookster:
http://www.tweed-jacket.com/
and wondering if they could easily do kilt jackets. Their prices seem to be comparable to other makers' bespoke kilt jackets and I suspect the attention to detail and level of personalization would be higher...

Let me know what you think. I've been considering calling them and asking for a quote.

David

David,

WOW!!! What an awesome website! I absolutely love the different bespoke options Bookster offers - especially the tweed colours and styles. I really like the tweed with the bold red stripes (Gelly Tweed)! I would love to know if they would be willing to create a jacket to be made for Highland day wear - one could easily purchase the staghorn buttons and simply send them to Bookster, of course, if one wants the staghorn buttons, otherwise the buttons Bookster already offers are perfectly acceptable and look smart. Man, just another website to "jones" over!!! Thanks David-hahahaha!

Are you going to inquire? Perhaps the cost would come down a bit since less of the tweed fabric would be used for a kilt jacket. I would want mine with matching waistcoat. Just a superb website mate, thank you for sharing...times like these, I truly wish I had indispensable funds solely for Highland attire!

Slainte,