Waistcoat only?

[Tenmiles]

I live in southern California, where it has already hit 32 degrees (90 in Farenheit) and is likely to remain in that range for the next six months (we have two seasons here; a few months of "Winter", which is basically what you'd expect Spring to be like, and "Bloody Hot", which is all the rest of the year).

Though I look forward to a nice tweed jacket for sharp-looking daywear, seasons permitting, in actuality it'll be unfeasible to wear one much of the time 'round here.

However, in the interest of still looking sharp and stylish, I'd like to compliment my kilt & shirt with a nice tweed waistcoat for more regular day wear.

With the disclaimer that I've already been told how "official" I should consider the "THCD Rulebook" to be, I just wanted to ask: Is waistcoat + kilt (sans coat) a conventional thing? Or is it something looked down on by purists?

(Further disclaimer: the answer to this question will not influence my decision to wear what I want; I'm more curious so that I can be fore-armed when dressing for going out to casual situations where I might encounter others who'd be in a position to have an informed opinion on my attire)

[unixken]

I should think you'd be just fine, with waistcoat, sans jacket.

Two oft-held principles you'll see on this site are:

A) Think of the kilt as simply a replacement for slacks - if you'd wear a waistcoat/vest only, when wearing slacks, then it would be equally ok to wear with a kilt.

B) Weather and climate will certainly influence an outfit. In warmer climates, one can not be expected to wear what one might wear in the often cooler, damper regions of the world. Better to be seen minus the jacket, than to be seen sweating like a dog.

[Tenmiles]

Weather and climate will certainly influence an outfit. In warmer climates, one can not be expected to wear what one might wear in the often cooler, damper regions of the world.

Aye, this is one of the frequent complaints about being a reenactor in this region.

[unixken]

Aye, this is one of the frequent complaints about being a reenactor in this region.

I would, however, submit that a reenactor's outfit is meant more as an appropriate "costume", as opposed to "civilian street clothes." The "role" you play as a reenactor participating in the reenactment, is not the same context as the spectator observing the reenactment. That probably changes ones expectations for comfort a bit.

[Tenmiles]

Oh to be sure, and we grin and bear it; but that's not to say the frequency of 'aside' comments we make to each other in our commiseration is any less. Oh how we delight in overcast or rainy days, that the weather has decided to reenact along with us.

[MacCathmhaoil]

One adapts to the weather conditions as one needs, even the lightest of tweed jackets may be impractical in high heat. A waistcoat, shirt and tie are fine and in fact for a more casual approach lose the tie and unbutton the waistcoat if you like. You will look much better if you are dressed so you are comfortable, rather than under layers of sweat soaked tweed.

[Liam]

I'd suggest just a dress shirt with or without a tie for those warm weather situations, much as you would do if non-kilted.
cheers

[tripod]

Well as the temp in Cornwall has been known to rocket into the 80's . It's been warm here for a couple of days, so I'm back in the short sleeves and a leather waistcoat. If the windchill brings the temp down to 3c (38f) or so I just put on a jumper. I have had good comments about the style, and with leather lined pockets my sporran is a lot lighter and I have a pocket for my watch.

Overall I tend not to wear my tweed Argyll unless it's a more formal setting, court for speeding was the last time I wore it.

But remember the different conventions here and there.

[MacRobert's Reply]

The other option is to wear a very light weight jacket made of linen rather than tweed. A few chaps on X Marks have them.

[tpa]

My light all leather waistcoat puts in a regular appearance during the warmer weather, it is never buttoned up.