Unsure which jacket is the one for you?
There are three options when it comes to Kilt Jackets: Prince Charlie Jacket & Waistcoat, the Argyll Kilt Jacket, with or without a waistcoat, and probably the most popular option, our Tweed Jacket and Waistcoat
The 'rules' surrounding Kilts and the accompanying accessories are not as strictly adhered to as they have been, but in general the Prince Charlie Jacket & Waistcoat is worn for formal and evening events, and the Argyll Jacket is the attire for slightly more casual, or daytime events. The Tweed Jacket & Waistcoat was originally designed as a slightly less formal 'day wear' jacket but is increasingly used for all events.
Read on for more information on each Kilt Jacket and the different variations we offer online or instore at ScotlandShop.
The most formal of our kilt jackets, more commonly worn as evening wear to formal dinners and weddings, and appropriate for black tie events. This Jacket is paired with a Wing Collar Shirt and either a black Satin or Tartan Bow Tie (in a tartan matching your kilt). The jacket is longer at the back than at the front, has 3 non-fastening silver buttons down each side of the opening and is paired with a 3 fastening button waistcoat. The Prince Charlie Jacket & Waistcoat is only available in black, as this is the most traditional colour and can be worn with any tartan.
Prince Charlie jackets also work beautifully with a pair of tartan trousers.
Why Prince Charlie? The reference is to Bonnie Prince Charlie, more formally known as Charles Edward Stuart and the defeated leader of the Jacobite army in the last major battle on British soil at Culloden in April, 1746.
It's possible that portraits of Prince Charlie may have provided some design ideas, but the jacket did not appear until the early years of the 20th century, so the name may have had more to do with some creative thinking from designers and tailors than it actually does to the legendary Prince.
Slightly more casual than the Prince Charlie, and originally designed as a daywear jacket. It is traditionally paired with a standard collar shirt and a plain coloured or tartan tie to match your kilt or tartan trousers. A semi-dress sporran can be worn with a five button waistcoat to make the outfit more formal but this is not essential.
Make a statement with our custom made Argyll Jacket in a tartan of your choice. This jacket looks great with a plain or tartan kilt. If you are matching with an existing kilt, order a swatch to check colours as there can be variation from one mill to another, or let us know where you bought your kilt so we can make sure we use the same fabric weight.
The most popular in the range and worn for formal and more informal events. Choose a more restrained charcoal or black to emphasise the tartan in your kilt or match one of the colours in your tartan to one of the stronger colours.
Not sure which colour you need? Visit us instore or book an appointment with the tartan team.
