Kilt jackets?

[frank_a]

I found 4 beautiful jackets at the big Goodwill store in Albany NY yesterday, 3 of them looking clearly like Harris tweed (whether or not they are), and one beautiful light colored Cashmere jacket. The Cashmere and 2 of the others fit me perfectly, while one is a bit small and will make an excellent kilt jacket for one of my boys.

I'm looking at retiring soon, and only bought this Cashmere jacket because I got such a deal on it, i.e., I really don't need another sport jacket. Would it be reasonable to turn this Cashmere sport coat into a kilt jacket, or would that be a bit much? I'd be interested in what the rabble think. Thanks!



Frank

[Richrail]

I think it looks great. I have a Black Cashmere that I got at a second hand store and had converted to an Argyll. I think it would definitely worth having converted.

[frank_a]

Thanks Rich, I appreciate the good advice. Have a great day!

Frank

[MacLowlife]

Hi Frank,

As the song says, there are two paths you can go by, but there's still time to change the road you're on...

If you are adventurous or skillful ( or best, both) you can shorten a jacket yourself. If you have money to spend, you can have someone else do it. If you start and feel overwhelmed, you can take it to somebody- or send it.

I believe the best conversions start with 3 button jackets, not so much because you can chop off one button's worth of length, but because the "gorge" (i.e, the part that is open above the buttons) is higher on most 3 button jackets. On some lightly constructed jackets ( those with less firm shaping and innerfacing) it may be possible to add a button above the others and re-shapoe the lapels. That sounds like something you'd need to ask your tailor about.

Search on the forum for "conversion" threads, many of which will show you step by step processes. Here is just one:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...buttons-68720/

In the end, what you get will depend on what you want- and what you want will depend on what you know. Read a lot, look at a lot of pictures, and be sure to consider what you want to do with the pockets, the vent(s) and the cuffs. I believe many men start out wearing dark solid jackets and over many years, come to enjoy wearing patterned jackets with tartan kilts.

One advantage to having more than one jacket to work with: after you have done one and learned how, you have another one to do, avoiding the first round of mistakes. Of course, if you are like me, you will find a second round of mistakes to make.

[DyerStraits]

I think it looks great. I have a Black Cashmere that I got at a second hand store and had converted to an Argyll. I think it would definitely worth having converted.

And yours looks fantastic as well, Rich. What an absolutely euphoric idea--a kilt jacket made from stuff the gods wear when it gets cold!

[MacEanruig]

That is a nice conversion. Great job!