Prince Charlie

[The Guy in the Kilt at UC]

What's the opinion on matching a Prince Charlie jacket with a vest other than black?

I see many different colored vests matched with tuxedo jackets, but always the black with the PC.

[James MacMillan]

What's the opinion on matching a Prince Charlie jacket with a vest other than black?

I see many different colored vests matched with tuxedo jackets, but always the black with the PC.

It's done all the time:

[Colonel MacNeal]

Me No Likey!
The kilt (and the shoulder plaid if worn) should provide all the color you need. A different texture/weave of black fabric might look pretty good though. Too many colors kills the look.

[The Guy in the Kilt at UC]

What about wearing a 5 button high vest instead of the 3 button low vest?

[JSFMACLJR]

Coloured waistcoats are fine alternatives to one matching the jacket. Of course tartan (on the bias) is quite popular, as are red and white waistcoats. I've seen beautifully embroidered ones too, as well as needlepoint.

Don't let Col MacNeal's opinion ( which is all it is, as is mine! ) scare you off from dressing in a more authentic, Highland manner!

[JSFMACLJR]

What about wearing a 5 button high vest instead of the 3 button low vest?

With a PC coatee, I would stick with the lower 3 or 4 button waistcoat.

[Colonel MacNeal]

What about wearing a 5 button high vest instead of the 3 button low vest?

A high button vest can look good, depending on the individual.

My previous opinions not withstanding, a will concede that a hunting green or hunting red might look good with the right kilt.

[JSFMACLJR]

Me No Likey!
Too many colors kills the look.

And what look might that be, Colonel?

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Here's where the Colonel and the Major fall out over "uniform regulations". A tartan waistcoat, cut on the bias (as sported by my kinsman, above) or a waistcoat in a deep red (not bright red) look just fine, and are properly worn with traditional formal Highland attire.

Solid colours, other than a deep red, don't seem to work as well with the Prince Charlie coatee, and prints and patterns really don't work at all as they tend to be far too busy.

So, want something other than basic black? Tartan, deep red, and black silk all make excellent alternatives to the "ordinary" black barathea waistcoat.

[McMurdo]

As James shows in his photos the tartan waistcoat cut on the bias is a very good alternative to plain black. As for the 5 button waistcoat with the PC, I've never really liked that particular take on things as it is nether fish nor fowl.