Another vintage tweed jacket/waistcoat

**Tobus** · 25th September 18, 05:33 AM

Let me just say first that I love vintage tweed. No, seriously, I love vintage tweed!

Shaun Maxwell gets the blame for pointing this one out to me on eBay. I already have 4 other vintage tweed kilt jackets and didn't "need" another one, but it's hard to pass them up when I see one in my size - especially when it has a matching waistcoat. I've put on some pounds in the last few years, and the waistcoat on this one just barely fits (no deep breaths!). Hopefully I can shed some lard and get back down to my fighting weight, so to speak.

This one is labeled as made with Gala Forest tweed, and sold by the A. Caird & Sons department store (which as far as I can tell was shuttered in the late 1970s but would like more info if anyone has it). Best guess is that this is from the 1960s or possibly early 1970s. It has antler buttons, but is not adorned with flap pockets, giving it a more streamlined or modern look for the times. The lining has a lovely thistle motif.

I'm thinking it will go superbly with my Reproduction Colquhoun kilt. But for these hastily-taken photos last evening I put on the first kilt that came to hand in my closet: my MoD QOH kilt.

This is why I love tweed, but especially the vintage tweeds. From a distance it has a nice light brown overall colour with a pleasant texture and pattern, or could even look grey in certain light. But up close, it is a garbled weave of white, orange, light brown, light green, and dark green. The complexities of texture and colour make tweed fun!

**ShaunMaxwell** · 25th September 18, 05:44 AM

Wow... That's a handsome combination, and looks even better in your photos than it did in the listing.

It's been my experience with vintage tweeds that the jacket will fit perfectly, and the waistcoat will be very snug. I've found a local tailor who has essentially replaced the backs of the waistcoats on a couple of mine to make them more comfortable.

Congratulations on an outstanding purchase (and my apologies to your wife!).

SM

**Tobus** · 25th September 18, 06:06 AM

Originally Posted by ShaunMaxwell

It's been my experience with vintage tweeds that the jacket will fit perfectly, and the waistcoat will be very snug. I've found a local tailor who has essentially replaced the backs of the waistcoats on a couple of mine to make them more comfortable.

I have noticed the same thing. I have another vintage tweed jacket/waistcoat set where the waistcoat just barely fits and the jacket seems to be large and loose. When I look at the styling of waistcoats in the UK (not just for kilts, but for all men's clothing), they always seem to be very specifically tailored for a close, tight fit. The jackets leave more room for movement. Here in America, I think we are used to our clothing being a little more roomy.

If I can't trim down my midsection (I really need to lose about 15-20 pounds and seem to be having no luck), I may yet have to resort to your solution and find a local tailor to replace the backs on these waistcoats. I just hesitate to take such a permanent step, since it's essentially admitting defeat.

**CollinMacD** · 25th September 18, 06:40 AM

Nice fine, just looks great, sure this will look great with many of your kilts. CHEERS.

**MNlad** · 25th September 18, 06:43 AM

A classic look and you wear it well. The great thing about tweed is it pairs well with a wide variety of tartans and works equally well with a contrasting waistcoat—something to consider while you work to regain fighting trim. Great find.

**McMurdo** · 25th September 18, 07:39 AM

That is a great looking set, I'm sure it will work with a number of tartans. Congratulations on the purchase, oh and I feel the same about vintage tweed.

**Nomad** · 25th September 18, 11:17 AM

Very very nice, darn good purchase. I have started to look for similar also because of what I have seen modelled by some on this forum.

**Tobus** · 25th September 18, 11:47 AM

I suppose I really should have waited to post until I could get some decent outdoor photos in natural light (where the colours look true), and dress properly. As a general rule, I dislike indoor photography due to terrible lighting. It's nearly impossible to get a clear photo with digital cameras under regular indoor lights. I'll get some better photos soon. It's just a lot of work putting on the full kit, especially after a 13-hour workday.