Picture this...

[keith_b]

Hey guys,

Looking for a bit of advice. My brother's wedding is coming up in January and of course I'd like to get decked out in my kilt. I'm going to have to rent a jacket, as I don't have one/can't afford to buy one (life of a student!) However, the only jackets available for hire here in Toronto are Prince Charlie jackets, which I'm not too fond of.

I'm looking for a more contemporary look. I always liked the argyle jacket/waistcoat look with rouche tie. I'm thinking of getting the P.C., as it's my only option, but doing away with the vest and just wearing a black dress shirt and black tie with it. What do you think? Could it work? I'll be wearing it with a Black Stewart kilt, black hose and red flashes.

[McMurdo]

Keith
Check out Cairngorm I think they have Argyles for rent and they are located on Avenue road and Lawrence area.
You could also check out the Scottish Company they may be able to sort you out for an Argyle as well they are Located on Leslie between the 401 and York Mills.
I have dealt with both these companies and they are great people to deal with at both stores, we rented the Prince Charlies for my brothers wedding from Cairngorm and I bought my Isle of Skye from the Scottish Company, I would go back to either for anything.

I hope this helps.

I also know that Cairngorm is selling off their ex-rentals and have Argyles for sale.

[thescot]

One bit of advice. If you're the least bit interested in "correct" style, the charlie would only be appropriate for after five wear. It's an evening jacket, not suited for the afternoon. But then, if you live the life of an iconoclast and revel in shocking the public who do care about such things, go for it. You'll cut a dashing figure and most people don't know the difference anymore anyway. Ha.

On the other hand, since you have time, you could probably score a fairly nice jacket from the local Goodwill store and pay a seamstress/tailor a few bucks to cut it down to an argyl style. It's really not a tough adjustment, and you'd have a nice jacket to wear for years to come.

[pipesndrumsnun]

I would also suggest the Goodwill/Salvation Army route...that is what I did and it looks exactly like the "real" thing! You could buy the jacket and pay the tailor for probably even less than the rental option!
Good luck!

[James MacMillan]

I would also suggest the Goodwill/Salvation Army route...that is what I did and it looks exactly like the "real" thing! You could buy the jacket and pay the tailor for probably even less than the rental option!
Good luck!

The beauty of this option, is that you have a jacket after the event! Do the math! Compare!

[O'Neille]

It never hurts to post your measurements here. Chances are, somebody has a jacket that they would be willing to recycle. I know I've acquired a few that aren't my size. I just had to buy one at the swap meet last week. I spooted it from the highway, with silver buttons shining in the sun. It will never fit but the buttons are worth more than I paid. O'Neille

[Colin]

I like the sound of a PC with black shirt and tie.

[DTrain]

I think the PC with black shirt and tie would look great. Overall, though, I agree with the others about altering a black jacket to a DIY Argyll. I'm working on one now that I got at the thrift store for $10 new with tags still on it.