Vest length question

**Kitfoxdave** · 8th January 24, 07:55 AM

Is an Argyle vest (waistcoat) lower below the waist than a Prince Charlie vest (waistcoat)?
How much difference in a size 48 R?

Thanks!

**Jock Scot** · 8th January 24, 09:43 AM

Don't forget if you have your kilt traditionally cut, the waistcoat length will be shorter than a waistcoat needed for the modern low cut "hipster" type kilt. At all costs the dreaded gap betwixt the waistcoat bottom and the waistband of the kilt needs to be avoided. Why? It looks dreadful!

**Kitfoxdave** · 8th January 24, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Don't forget if you have your kilt traditionally cut, the waistcoat length will be shorter than a waistcoat needed for the modern low cut "hipster" type kilt. At all costs the dreaded gap betwixt the waistcoat bottom and the waistband of the kilt needs to be avoided. Why? It looks dreadful!

Jock,
Be not afeared.... I wear most of my kilts (13/14) at the traditional waist... to avoid the dreaded gap! My sweet daughter (tailor to the stars) is going to work on making me some waistcoats... the only one I had on hand was my son's PC when she was taking measurements... there lies the reason for the quest for dimensional difference in the bottom of the Argyle compaired to the PC....

I do thank all that can provide this info!

**PassingW** · 8th January 24, 11:53 AM

While I am not a tailor, it occurs to me that as your waistcoats will be bespoke, you can consider your options carefully. Your avatar suggests you may wear sporran hangars as opposed to a sporran belt. How will you wear your sporran when wearing a waistcoat? Typically, one does not wear a kilt belt with a waistcoat, so this may be a consideration. Sporran height (and suspension) may be a consideration when figuring waistcoat "hemline"? Perhaps your daughter might be able to connect with bespoke tailors/purveyors of highland wear for some advice? Best of luck.

**Kitfoxdave** · 8th January 24, 01:03 PM

Originally Posted by PassingW

While I am not a tailor, it occurs to me that as your waistcoats will be bespoke, you can consider your options carefully. Your avatar suggests you may wear sporran hangars as opposed to a sporran belt. How will you wear your sporran when wearing a waistcoat? Typically, one does not wear a kilt belt with a waistcoat, so this may be a consideration. Sporran height (and suspension) may be a consideration when figuring waistcoat "hemline"? Perhaps your daughter might be able to connect with bespoke tailors/purveyors of highland wear for some advice? Best of luck.

As my waistline is reducing, (approximately 4 inches in the last 1-1/2 years, since I retired a few months ago, I am more active now that I am no longer in a cube farm and the reduction rate is picking up.) I plan on using a more traditional sporran belt / chain to resolve that issue...
The kilt belt itself is straight forward to modify. (already reduced it by 4 inches, and almost 1.5 inches more or two notches since then).

**Troglodyte** · 9th January 24, 01:48 AM

The modern fashion for wearing the kilt slung low on the hips is causing a great deal of confusion and frustration - for both the maker and the wearer of traditonal Highland dress.

The waistcoat should be exactly that - a waist-length garment that meets the lower garment at the waist, leaving no gap. It is not a hip-coat..!

As trousers have, in the past 40 years or so, been worn (and so cut by fashion designers) steadily lower down to the hips, the waistcoat has been obliged to get longer to compensate. This has been carried over into Highland dress.

We are now at the gastly stage where the waistcoat is now as long as the jacket when offered as a combo' by Highland dress outfitters.

It sounds as if you have had the good sense to produce and nurture your own home-grown tailor, so, If I were in your position, this is what I would do.

Having put on my kilt as I normally wear it, with sporran in place, I would put on a waistcoat and position it (pull it up on the shoulders) so that the points are well clear of the sporran and strap, and get my tame tailor to take the relevant measurements.

The alternative, of course, is a wiastcoat cut flat across the bottom edge - this leaves plenty of room for the sporran (and is no doubt more convenient if you use sporran-hangers) - and is a style favoured by both the late Duke of Edinburgh and the new King.