Pros and Cons of Montrose ans Sheriffmuir coatees?

[unixken]

There have been a few threads on here lately about black and white tie dress, as well as other recent stimuli (Burns Night celebrations, etc.), that have got me considering either a Montrose or Sheriffmuir doublet. Everything I've read seems to put the two styles of jacket on equal levels of formality.

Can those of you who own either a Montrose or Sheriffmuir speak to the pros and cons of each style? I am not of slim build (see my avatar, or the photos in my profile)... would one style look better on my frame than the other?

What other considerations should I take into account when deciding between the two styles?

[Phil]

I like the Sheriffmuir for a number of reasons:-

1) It is an open jacket and can accommodate an expanding waistline
2) Because it is open it is a cooler jacket to wear
3) I find it can suit various occasions from
Very formal


to quite informal


The Montrose doublet is an altogether more unforgiving garment, it is not worn unbuttoned and can be very hot to wear. It does look good though -



Sadly I have now outgrown it and it languishes unworn in my wardrobe

[Chas]

Hi Ken,

I own a Sheriffmuir and a stomach.

I believe that the Sherriffmuir has some advantages over the Montrose -

- It is more forgiving for those of us of a fuller figure. It is designed to hang open at the front, so an extra inch (or two) is not noticeable.

- Heat dissipation. Because it is open fronted, it allows the wearer to stay cooler, without having to look sloppy. The Montrose stays buttoned up, or looks terrible.

- Matching waistcoat or Contrasting. Far more choice available to the wearer. Bright, sombre, matching, tartan cut on the bias - all could change the look.

- Take off your jacket. If the Sheriffmuir is removed, the wearer is still wearing a shirt (with tie or jabot) and a waistcoat. Many Montrose wearers, wear only a tee shirt under the jacket in an effort to keep cool.

- Civilian versus Military. I think that the Sheriffmuir looks like a civilian jacket, whereas the Montrose has a definite military look.

- Sash of an Order. If the Sash of an Order is worn at a white tie event it can still be worn under the jacket like its coat-tailed brothers. I do not think it would look right with a Montrose.

Regards

Chas

[Father Bill]

And what would be the comments of our Scottish traditionalists on either one... with a clerical collar? I'm wondering about something more formal than my black barathea Argyle (square silver buttons & braided epaulettes).

[Panache]

I have a Sheriffmuir and think it is a quite dashing garment for the few times a year I need to look formal. I absolutely love the looks of the Montrose doublet but would have to say that is the sort of garment that is going to look best on a trim figure. I suspect the Sheriffmuir would be a better choice for you.

Cheers

Jamie

[creagdhubh]

Hi Ken,

I own a Sheriffmuir and a stomach.

I believe that the Sherriffmuir has some advantages over the Montrose -

- It is more forgiving for those of us of a fuller figure. It is designed to hang open at the front, so an extra inch (or two) is not noticeable.

- Heat dissipation. Because it is open fronted, it allows the wearer to stay cooler, without having to look sloppy. The Montrose stays buttoned up, or looks terrible.

- Matching waistcoat or Contrasting. Far more choice available to the wearer. Bright, sombre, matching, tartan cut on the bias - all could change the look.

- Take off your jacket. If the Sheriffmuir is removed, the wearer is still wearing a shirt (with tie or jabot) and a waistcoat. Many Montrose wearers, wear only a tee shirt under the jacket in an effort to keep cool.

- Civilian versus Military. I think that the Sheriffmuir looks like a civilian jacket, whereas the Montrose has a definite military look.

- Sash of an Order. If the Sash of an Order is worn at a white tie event it can still be worn under the jacket like its coat-tailed brothers. I do not think it would look right with a Montrose.

Regards

Chas

***

[Fedgunner]

I believe you would find the sheriffmuir a more comfortable garment. The montrose seems to be better suited to a more athletic body.

[MacRobert's Reply]

Sound advice from Phil and Chas. I have both and have not worn the Montrose for about 20 years! It is generally much too warm in our modern centrally-heated buildings. It can only really be worn with a lace jabot or perhaps a lace-trimmed cravat so the level of formality is rather high. The Sheriffmuir I find is more flexible and can be worn with a lace jabot, lace-trimmed or plain 'white' cravat or black bow tie. As others have said, a variety of waistcoats or even a belt without a waistcoat can be worn with it. I have not worn it with a clerical collar Father Bill but a white cravat (the forerunner of the clerical collar) works well.

DSCF1134c.jpgMacRobert New Year 2011 009.jpgMacRobert New Year 2011 014c.jpgBalgonie etc 2011 031 cropped.jpg

[unixken]

These have all been excellent responses, gentlemen. Thank you! For it's versatility, it's flexibility, it's comfort and waistline forgiveness, it definitely sounds like the Sheriffmuir is the jacket to consider, if I do elect to get one. (I'm expecting a decent tax refund from which I plan to purchase at least one 8 yard tank, and am considering also getting a doublet if not a second tank, with the funds.)

[Chas]

I have just thought of another reason -

- Miniature medals. Can easily be pinned to where the lapel would be on a Sheriffmuir, whereas the buttons on a Montrose might get in the way.

Regards

Chas