Is it ok...

**Jock Scot** · 24th February 17, 03:26 AM

You have had some wonderful basic advice in the posts above and anything that I might have said on that subject has frankly already been said.

As you are starting with the basics then it is as well for you to start the basic understanding of kilt attire and its roots. Many on this website still struggle with this, so its just not you I am talking to.

" Saxon attire"------jeans, trousers, sports jackets, blazers, dinner jackets(tux) and so on-------is based on very different traditions to Highland Scots kilt traditions and in consequence there are not exact dress equivalents. Close maybe, exact sometimes and sometimes non existent as in the case of tweed day jackets. Added to the complications are new factors brought about mainly by the internet and trans Atlantic/trans world interpretations, cultures, misinformation based on wishful thinking and basic climate considerations to consider too.

Let us take the classic stumbling block of tweed day jackets. For those brought up, as most in the western world are, with "saxon" attire conventions the tweed jacket means a sports jacket and the thought that, as such, it can be worn to basically smart but informal events.

Not so with Highland kilt attire! In fact, there is no sports jacket equivalent with Highland Scots kilt attire, although in these days of more casual clothing thinking a pullover/jumper/sweater fits the bill well. Therefore a tweed jacket in kilt terms is equivalent to a suit and is happily and correctly worn to weddings, funerals, smart dinners with the wife, smart drinks do's and anywhere where a lounge/business suit would be worn-----in Highland Scotland in particular and on occasion in Scotland in general. I think you can see from this, the more relaxed international dress codes that are based on a false premise as far as kilt attire is concerned, are bound to have difficulty with this and is not helping with making correct kilt attire dressing considerations for those of you outwith Scotland.

**Crawdaddyjc** · 24th February 17, 05:12 AM

Thank you all for your wonderful feedback!
Yesterday i tried different combinations: different color hose, different color shirts, tie and no tie, waistcoat and no waistcoat.
Father Bill and McMurdo- the bottle green are by far my favorite with the black watch!
Taskr- i am with you- the vest looks best and is more comfortable with a tie. I didnt care for an open collar with the vest.
Steve- your style is awesome. I like the long sleeved shirt with no tie and is a very comfortable way to dress day to day for me.

My wife thinks a black waistcoat would be better than the charcoal grey but i think that would be too dark. But i can see certain situations where that would be acceptable.

I will be getting a jacket to have for the more formal settings i find myself- but for 99% of the places i go- the suggestions all of you provided will fit perfectly!
Jock Scot- thank you for that last paragrah in your response. Made perfect sense and is great for learning when and where wearing a tweed jacket would be a great choice!

**LKM** · 24th February 17, 07:22 AM

Welcome from Colorado. There are a lot of solo pipers that wear a vest without a jacket unless it is a more formal event.

**Hirsty** · 24th February 17, 08:05 AM

I would add that, at least in my neck of the woods, black hose are really only for funerals. Although I have been to a few events where younger lads were wearing them, particularly if they are wearing a more modern style of kilt attire - grey tartan, or a black shirt, modern cut dark jacket, casual attire, etc

**javankrona** · 24th February 17, 12:20 PM

I have often worn just a vest with my kilt, just last evening in fact. This was my black Argyll. I have also worn just a simple sweater vest while kilted and got nothing but compliments.

CheersIMG_8285.jpg

**Crawdaddyjc** · 24th February 17, 01:51 PM

LKM- good to know that it is acceptable. I doubt anyone would mistake me for a piper. I dont know the first thing about them!
Hirsty- the black hose goes well with the BW but seems too darken the total outfit too much and would be very appropriate at a somber occasion.
But if going for a modern appearance i can see how the dark palette would be fitting. The bottle green looks the best in my eye.
Javankrona- perfect! Thank you! Just what i was looking for!

**The Wizard of BC** · 24th February 17, 02:16 PM

I find it really interesting the differences in perceptions.

When I was growing up the fabric known as Tweed as always worn as informal day or country wear. It was not suitable for business or after 6pm.
It was the unofficial uniform of college professors, (think Professor Indiana Jones) and the gentry elite while shooting on their lands to show that they were "at their leisure" and not in "the city".

This way of thinking is the same as presented in "A History of Tweed".

"Tweeds are an icon of traditional Irish and British country clothing, being desirable for informal outerwear, due to the material being moisture-resistant and durable. Tweeds are made to withstand harsh climate and are commonly worn for outdoor activities such as shooting and hunting, in both Ireland and the United Kingdom."

"Tweed carries with it a certain kind of low-key sophistication. In pop culture, for example, we have all seen how tweed subtly but unmistakably underscores the cultured elegance of The Lord, The Gentleman, The College Professor and The New York Intellectual. It introduces his character before he says a word."

I have always used jackets made from Tweed in the exact same way that I would wear a Sport Coat.
In fact I made this jacket from the pattern of a Sport Coat and modified it for a kilt.