Tips for Matching Waistcoats with Kilt Jackets

Kilt jackets and waistcoats are the primary embellishments to complete Scottish outfits for different events. Wearing them is an experience, but matching them appropriately is the most important aspect to maximize the experience. This guide is going to teach you about some tips for matching waistcoats with kilt jackets to acquire a true Highlander personality. Let’s begin our discussion with understanding their roles.

The Role of Kilt Jacket and Waistcoat

Kilt jackets and waistcoats are two different things with distinctive aesthetics and unique functions. Kilt jackets have several types today, such as Prince Charlie, Argyll, and tweed jackets. The same vests are usually worn with them. Therefore, the important consideration is the formality of the event.

A kilt jacket is the primary accessory that offers a tag to the dress, whether it is formal or non-formal. A waistcoat also adds to the formality of the jackets and the traditional and aesthetic elegance. When worn, they are the center of attention for the silhouette, and all other accessories, such as sporrans, kilts, footwear, and hoses, should complement them.

Matching Waistcoats with Kilt Jackets

When matching vests with Scottish jackets, it generally is not a challenging task, and you need to learn a few things. Being a wearer, you should be familiar with the quality of both accessories and the type of fabric used in their construction. Likewise, buttons and waistcoat cuts are important.

Start with Matching Colours and Fabrics

Coordinating with the Jacket: An important thing is coordinating a vest with a relevant jacket. If you are wearing a Prince Charlie jacket, ensure you are wearing a jacket with the same tag.
Coordinating with the Kilt: Another aspect is matching a waistcoat with the kilt. Jackets are paired with tartan kilts, and you should make sure that the colour of the vest/jacket and the tartan patterns complement each other.
Texture and Fabric Weight: The construction of Scottish jackets often takes place with barathea wool, which is soft and comfortable material. When choosing a vest, you must opt for the same quality and texture of the both garments.

Button Styles and Waistcoat Cuts

The next things that are important in coordination of jacket and vest are the buttons of both accessories and the cut and length of the vests. 

Button Configurations: Matching the button configuration or their design is important as well. Make sure both of them have the same styles of buttons. Argyll jackets have one closure button, while their vests have 5 buttons. However, Prince Charlie jackets have three non-fastening buttons, with the same number on vests. 

Cut and Length: When it comes to the coordination of cut and length of waistcoats, they are smaller than jackets, even if it is a Prince Charlie, tweed, or Argyll vest. Moreover, the length of any of them makes it suitable for different events.

Wearing a Waistcoat: The Right Time Matters

Formal Occasions: The formal or ceremonial events are ones where the dress code matters, and it is essential to wear everything appropriately. So, wearing both jackets and waistcoats at formal events such as weddings, Black-tie events, and Highland games is necessary.

Casual or Daywear: For casual events or as daywear, both of these apparel are not suitable, while tweed jackets are the choices. In fact, people wear only vests in such settings for modern and casual looks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Some intentional and unintentional mistakes are common to make while wearing vests. However, it is essential to know these flaws to create perfect looks.

• Many ignore the formality of the event while choosing a suitable vest; this approach impacts the overall look.
• The metal used in buttons should complement other metals such as the pin and chain of sporrans. People overlook it, and it negatively impacts the aesthetics of the silhouette.
• Sizing is also important. So, you must opt for a perfect fit, as ill-fitting looks awkward.
• A vest and jacket should have the same colour, while contrasting shades are not good options. This mistake (different colours) is common, and you must avoid it.

Best Paired Kilt Vest and Jackets