Windowpane tweed Braemar jacket

[creagdhubh]

I know precisely what your mean. I have an Argyll made in a different color version of the same fabric (olive with navy windowpane check) and it is a fairly stiff and slightly rough to the touch fabric, definitely not as soft and pliable as my several Harris tweed of similar weight. But it still makes a great jacket, and keeps out the wrinkle monster at the same time. It may soften up with some wear over time. Also the nice thing about most tweed is that, because nearly every tweed has a multitude of tiny thread colors in each one it really does make it easier to look "right" with a lot of different tartans and a lot of different colorways (weathered, ancient, muted, hunting, etc....).

Jeff,

Have you purchased any of your tweed jackets and waistcoats from Rocky? If so, I would be curious in seeing which fabrics you chose, as it can prove difficult to actually gauge how the tweed will look once it is on the body, versus through the computer 'swatches.'

Thanks mate,

[McMurdo]

One other thing I didn't mention. This jacket has a secondary button hanging inside the main button on the front. You can see it in the photo above. It's on an elastic cord that can be used to stretch across and go through the buttonhole on the other side of the jacket. I've only ever seen this sort of thing on more formal jackets (like my mess jackets). Is this normal on a Scottish-made tweed jacket? I'm thinking of cutting it off, since I'd likely not use it, and I don't like that antler button hanging there. What do you guys think?

As to the extra button, I have the same thing on my Burns Check Argyll jacket, as well as the Braemar cuff detail, I wonder if they were made by the same firm. The buttons on this one however are wood.



You can just make it out in this photo. I have left it as I thought it one of those unique little details that sets it apart.

[Tim Little]

I believe I recall Rocky stating on the forum that he could possibly supply the jackets and waistcoats in other tweeds not shown on his website? I seem to remember that for some reason, but I'm not entirely sure.

Best to check directly with Rocky himself, but this is my understanding as well from recent conversations I've had with him.

I also was rather fond of the inspired 'estate' tweeds by House of Edgar that used to be offered in the form of Highland daywear jackets and waistcoats by the Scottish Tartans Museum - the option for ordering them as since disappeared, hmm.

Those discontinued HoE tweeds seem to turn up occasionally via sporranmaker (and others?) on eBay -- as Cowher and I have each recently discovered -- so do keep your eyes peeled. It's a bit strange that HoE now only offers charcoal Argyle jackets considering how popular the other hues seem to be -- at least in these parts!

... it can prove difficult to actually gauge how the tweed will look once it is on the body, versus through the computer 'swatches.'

Speaking from my own recent experience, there's no substitute for seeing the actual cloth in person. If you ask nicely, however, Rocky seems willing to go the extra mile to help out!

[MacLowlife]

I'm not sure how I'd shorten the panel without throwing off the symmetry of the shape, though. I suppose I could just reduce its entire size by 1/4" all the way around, and re-set it right in the same place it was centered before, so the overchecks still line up. That would buy me a little room to shorten the sleeve. Hmm.


I think you could chop off the ends and leave the edges alone, but you are there and I am not. I agree that you'd want to do to both ends what you did to one and I expect a half inch or so wouldn't matter to the shape - even with that central peak a little longer.

I do agree that it looks tolerable as is, but the little things like proper sleeve length are what make our favorites that way. You don't have to do anything at first, but there are always options.

I would chop off that little extra button and save it in case one goes missing. A kilted man has enough things dangling : sporran tassels, flashes, etc.

[creagdhubh]

Best to check directly with Rocky himself, but this is my understanding as well from recent conversations I've had with him.



Those discontinued HoE tweeds seem to turn up occasionally via sporranmaker (and others?) on eBay -- as Cowher and I have each recently discovered -- so do keep your eyes peeled. It's a bit strange that HoE now only offers charcoal Argyle jackets considering how popular the other hues seem to be -- at least in these parts!



Speaking from my own recent experience, there's no substitute for seeing the actual cloth in person. If you ask nicely, however, Rocky seems willing to go the extra mile to help out!

Thanks Tim!

Cheers,

[McMurdo]

Congratulations on the "new" jacket, you wear it well, I am sure it will look great with the weathered tartan but it looks just as good with the kilt you have on. I wear my brown jacket with my Graham of Manteith regularly and think they work well together.

[Mickey]

Nice jacket. Outstanding deal! Looks great on you too. Congrats

[MacLowlife]

I agree with Mickey- nice looking, great deal.

If the sleeves drive you crazy, you might ponder a way to shorten that panel a little bit. Try turning it under a half inch or so and see what it looks and feels like. You can always abandon the panels entirely if the sleeves are uncomfortably long.

[Spartan Tartan]

Great jacket. I might have to start shopping for a window pane check tweed. Very nice.

[Jack Daw]

Tobus, I like that jacket!