Semi-Dress or Daywear?

[KennethSime]

Sorry to bring back an old thread, but I do like the look of that jacket and vest. I'm currently in the market for an Argyll and never thought about Etsy as a place to look. How has the outfit held up? Are there issues I should keep an eye out for when browsing on Etsy?

No trouble at all! I have learned a few things since posting, and did create another thread showing the same jacket & waistcoat a few months later. I believe the jacket & waistcoat were made in Scotland, like the seller claimed, but I believe the buttons are imitation stag, and I think it's a bit of a "budget" jacket - as much as a Scottish-made tweed kilt jacket can be "budget." I'll admit that I haven't worn the jacket or waistcoat very often since purchasing - I seldom have the ability to dress nicely for a full day - work demands clothes that I can get dirty.

Here's the Etsy shop I used. I was very happy with Heather's pricing, and her prompt shipping. She's based in Scotland (somewhere in the Central Belt I believe), and seems to have a knack for finding nice pieces at reasonable prices. I still check her shop on a regular basis for new items. There are a few other shops which sell kilt-related items, but few Heather seems rot have the only shop which truly specializes in it.

I'd say this about Etsy: beware of the dealers who drop-ship from Pakistan, just like eBay - I believe there's one on Etsy called Celtic Attire, that shows up for any kilt-related searches. Adding the word "vintage" to your search often helps.

Another place you might consider is Ministry of Tartan. I haven't ordered from them yet, but they come highly recommended. Their selection of high-quality vintage kilts, jackets, and sporrans is really hard to beat.

[Bakuda]

No trouble at all! I have learned a few things since posting, and did create another thread showing the same jacket & waistcoat a few months later. I believe the jacket & waistcoat were made in Scotland, like the seller claimed, but I believe the buttons are imitation stag, and I think it's a bit of a "budget" jacket - as much as a Scottish-made tweed kilt jacket can be "budget." I'll admit that I haven't worn the jacket or waistcoat very often since purchasing - I seldom have the ability to dress nicely for a full day - work demands clothes that I can get dirty.

Here's the Etsy shop I used. I was very happy with Heather's pricing, and her prompt shipping. She's based in Scotland (somewhere in the Central Belt I believe), and seems to have a knack for finding nice pieces at reasonable prices. I still check her shop on a regular basis for new items. There are a few other shops which sell kilt-related items, but few Heather seems rot have the only shop which truly specializes in it.

I'd say this about Etsy: beware of the dealers who drop-ship from Pakistan, just like eBay - I believe there's one on Etsy called Celtic Attire, that shows up for any kilt-related searches. Adding the word "vintage" to your search often helps.

Another place you might consider is Ministry of Tartan. I haven't ordered from them yet, but they come highly recommended. Their selection of high-quality vintage kilts, jackets, and sporrans is really hard to beat.

Yeah, it really doesn't take long to start to recognize the drop-shipped items. The builds of those sporrans in particular are all similar. I'm having a harder time judging the jackets, though.

[KennethSime]

Yeah, it really doesn't take long to start to recognize the drop-shipped items. The builds of those sporrans in particular are all similar. I'm having a harder time judging the jackets, though.

When in doubt, stick with a reputable seller. I like USA Kilts a lot for new items, and their jackets are very nice (but will cost you $3-400). Ministry of Tartan is certainly a high-quality vendor for vintage pieces, which will cost more like $200.

[Tomo]

Hey Bakuda

One option might be McCalls - based in Scotland they have been in the game for 135 years and they have a few jackets on sale right now with a black argyle & waistcoat at £150 and some tweed options also from £150 (I have the pale green one).

https://www.mccalls.co.uk/products/j...s/sale-jackets

They ship internationally and whilst you would have to pay shipping (and maybe import duties) you won't have to pay VAT so the listed prices should be 20% less for international sales.

[Casaluz]

This thread is very helpful for a rookie, thank you

[Boomer]

My best luck so far with online jackets and waistcoat was from a for-hire shop that was changing it's stock. the agryles they stocked were no longer being produced so they decided to sell off the old stuff. I got away with well under $200 for a black argyle and vest, shipping from the UK included. The other route is to find a suit jacket/blazer and have it converted. You'll need a good tailor for that one though, and I was lucky enough to find one. It was $87.50 to have a jacket converted and it turned out well both times

[KennethSime]

Hey Bakuda

One option might be McCalls - based in Scotland they have been in the game for 135 years and they have a few jackets on sale right now with a black argyle & waistcoat at £150 and some tweed options also from £150 (I have the pale green one).

https://www.mccalls.co.uk/products/j...s/sale-jackets

They ship internationally and whilst you would have to pay shipping (and maybe import duties) you won't have to pay VAT so the listed prices should be 20% less for international sales.

Tomo, I just wanted to say thank you for pointing this out to me. I received a Pale Green jacket + waistcoat set from McCall's today, and am quite pleased with it. I resisted for some time because it wasn't specifically listed as "Lovat Green," and I'm a bit sentimental for the Lovat name, being a Fraser. To my relatively untrained eye, it is indeed a nice shade of Lovat Green, with a pleasant overcheck. It goes well with all but perhaps one of my kilts, and I think it'll be worn at least twice as often as my charcoal jacket from now on. The price was about $220.00 US after shipping and all - about $30 more than I paid for my second-hand "vintage" charcoal set.

One minor issue, is that this is first time I've had a brand-new jacket! The waistcoat fits like a glove, but the jacket will need to be brought in a bit at the sides. All my others jackets have been pre-tailored, I believe, having purchased them second-hand. A good problem to have, I think.

[Tomo]

Tomo, I just wanted to say thank you for pointing this out to me. I received a Pale Green jacket + waistcoat set from McCall's today, and am quite pleased with it. I resisted for some time because it wasn't specifically listed as "Lovat Green," and I'm a bit sentimental for the Lovat name, being a Fraser. To my relatively untrained eye, it is indeed a nice shade of Lovat Green, with a pleasant overcheck. It goes well with all but perhaps one of my kilts, and I think it'll be worn at least twice as often as my charcoal jacket from now on. The price was about $220.00 US after shipping and all - about $30 more than I paid for my second-hand "vintage" charcoal set.

One minor issue, is that this is first time I've had a brand-new jacket! The waistcoat fits like a glove, but the jacket will need to be brought in a bit at the sides. All my others jackets have been pre-tailored, I believe, having purchased them second-hand. A good problem to have, I think.

I have the same jacket. Def. a favourite of mine. For me the fit was spot on.

[Grump]

You have received tons of sound advice. The only thing missing is your comfort.If it is not comfortable you might not enjoy wearing it. I can only harken to long piping sessions where it feels soo good to remove the jacket ,vest, tie and roll up the sleeves and continue to play in comfort. Enjoy what ever it is you decide to wear.