Waistcoat only?

[unixken]

I should think you'd be just fine, with waistcoat, sans jacket.

Two oft-held principles you'll see on this site are:

A) Think of the kilt as simply a replacement for slacks - if you'd wear a waistcoat/vest only, when wearing slacks, then it would be equally ok to wear with a kilt.

B) Weather and climate will certainly influence an outfit. In warmer climates, one can not be expected to wear what one might wear in the often cooler, damper regions of the world. Better to be seen minus the jacket, than to be seen sweating like a dog.

[Tenmiles]

Weather and climate will certainly influence an outfit. In warmer climates, one can not be expected to wear what one might wear in the often cooler, damper regions of the world.

Aye, this is one of the frequent complaints about being a reenactor in this region.

[unixken]

Aye, this is one of the frequent complaints about being a reenactor in this region.

I would, however, submit that a reenactor's outfit is meant more as an appropriate "costume", as opposed to "civilian street clothes." The "role" you play as a reenactor participating in the reenactment, is not the same context as the spectator observing the reenactment. That probably changes ones expectations for comfort a bit.

[Tenmiles]

Oh to be sure, and we grin and bear it; but that's not to say the frequency of 'aside' comments we make to each other in our commiseration is any less. Oh how we delight in overcast or rainy days, that the weather has decided to reenact along with us.

[MacCathmhaoil]

One adapts to the weather conditions as one needs, even the lightest of tweed jackets may be impractical in high heat. A waistcoat, shirt and tie are fine and in fact for a more casual approach lose the tie and unbutton the waistcoat if you like. You will look much better if you are dressed so you are comfortable, rather than under layers of sweat soaked tweed.

[The Wizard of BC]

If I may suggest - If you wish to wear a vest alone, look for one that has a fabric back, not the satin back with the adjuster thingy.

Vests with satin backs and adjusters are meant to be worn under a jacket. They are not meant to be outer clothing. It is pretty plain that the back is not designed to be seen.

Yes, I know, you see it done all the time. But a vest with a finished back looks much nicer when worn alone. Just an old school guy dressing thing I learned many moons ago. Like not wearing a belt and a vest at the same time. That is what braces are for. Braces hold your pants up and are worn under the vest so they are not seen.

[Taskr]

I think the waistcoat only looks quite sharp. I take Steve's advice, but also know a satin back is far more common a vest to find. Might it also be a bit cooler for warmer weather or is satin going to be less or similarily breathable? I frequent thrift shops looking for a suitable one.