Inverness cape alternatives?

[chasem]

Pretty straightforward, I'm just curious as to potential alternatives to the inverness cape for an overcoat when wearing a kilt. Is that about the only option, or are there others?

[Carolina Kiltman]

Actually one can wear any overgarment with the Kilt. However, because of the construction of the Inverness Cape, it is by far the most practical. The reason is the under part of the cape has very deep arms-eyes, which allows the wearer access to the sporran, which is beneath the under cape. The outer cape protects the openings and also gives the wearer's hands arms protection from the elements, also.

A cape is preferable to a standard overcoat, as the kilt has lots more bulk than a pair of trousers.

[kiltimabar]

I agree with the opinion of Scotty Thompson, author of "So You're Going to Wear the Kilt" that the WWI military-inspired trench coat doesn't look badly with a kilt.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I usually try to stay out of the rain, but sometimes it can't be avoided. My first choice in these circumstances is my waxed drover's coat, which is cut full through the seat for riding. You can pick one up at most riding shops for a couple of hundred bucks.

Trench coats may not look bad with a kilt (I don't really like them) but being double breasted they make it extremely difficult to access your sporran and (worst of all) they aren't waterproof. Ten minutes in the rain and you're getting wet.

[McMurdo]

MacMillian, I'd have to agree with you I have a full length Oilskin coat that I used when riding a motorcycle in the rain. It has kept me bone dry through many storms. However when kilted, I prefer to wear my Inverness Cape as I think it cuts a dash that other outerwear is sorely lacking.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

MacMillian, I'd have to agree with you I have a full length Oilskin coat that I used when riding a motorcycle in the rain. It has kept me bone dry through many storms. However when kilted, I prefer to wear my Inverness Cape as I think it cuts a dash that other outerwear is sorely lacking.

Agree totally! That said, I hate the plastic rain gear sold to pipers because it doesn't breathe, and the Inverness cape that I have is wool, which seems to absorb 127 times its weight in water any time I'm caught out in the rain with it.

Still, there's a lot in favour of an ordinary black umbrella...

[Nighthawk]

I have two coats that I wear- I have a navy blue London Fog trench coat (canvas) and a black leather duster. I find that both work really well, and nothing cuts a dash like an ankle length black leather duster- nothing! Sorry, McMurdo.

[Panache]

... I find that both work really well, and nothing cuts a dash like an ankle length black leather duster- nothing! Sorry, McMurdo.

I think Glen, M.o.R., and I would beg to disagree!

Cheers

Jamie

[Nighthawk]

I think Glen, M.o.R., and I would beg to disagree!

Cheers

Jamie

Beg all you want. I will not relent. (What can I say- I'm old metalhead who grew up with a bunch of bikers. I love my black leather.)

Let's see, leather get heavier as it gets wetter, transfers the cold quicker as it is almost totally lacking in insulating ability, and when worn makes one look like an extra in a spaghetti western... Sorry, but I'm on board with Glen and Jamie on this one. The Inverness is THE dog's "whatsits" when in come to kilted cool.

Yeah, not great for cold weather- I agree. That's why I have London Fog. I've noticed, though, that my leather coat soaks up a lot less water than any other I've ever had. And there is the unbrella idea...

[McMurdo]

I have two coats that I wear- I have a navy blue London Fog trench coat (canvas) and a black leather duster. I find that both work really well, and nothing cuts a dash like an ankle length black leather duster- nothing! Sorry, McMurdo.

A full length Leather Duster while it would work for some things, like dressing as the headless horseman on Halloween, or perhaps as an extra in a Mad Max film, just is not in the the same league as an Inverness Cape when worn with Highland attire, Sorry Nighthawk.