Jacket Styles

In this video, USA Kilts explains the differences between several of the most common kilt jackets, including events for which each jacket is appropriate. Transcript: The first thing you will notice about kilt jackets is that they are 6-8 inches shorter than standard suit jackets. The reason that is because kilts are worn above the belly button and a pair of pants is worn down more on the hips. There are other types of jackets that I will not cover in this video. We will cover the most basic standard jackets that you see most often. This is the Prince Charlie jacket and vest, it worn for most formal events and paired with a black bow tie. Think of this as the highland-wear equivalent of a tuxedo. This jacket has satin lapels with a peaked collar. It does not have buttons in front to close the jacket. It is usually paired with a three button vest. What you will notice about the Prince Charlie is that it is cut much shorter in the front and it has tails on the back. This jacket features square chrome buttons This is the Brian Boru jacket and vest. This is the Irish equivalent of the Prince Charlie jacket and vest. They are similar in style and used for formal events, paired with a bow tie. This jacket has a chain closure in the front so you can actually close the front of this jacket. It is usually worn with a three button vest. This jacket also has a shawl collar, which is a satin collar. The front of this jacket is cut shorter, just like the Prince Charlie. The back of the jacket also has tails. The buttons are antiqued round harp buttons. The Argyll jacket and vest is the most versatile of the jackets we offer. It is the same formality level as a nice suit. The Argyll jacket has gauntlet cuffs and scalloped pockets. It has a single button front and is usually paired with a 5 button vest. You can wear the jacket without the vest if you prefer. This jacket does not have tails in the back, it has square chrome buttons This is the Kilkenny jacket and vest. It is the Irish equivalent to the Argyll jacket and vest, a kin to a nice suit. This jacket has Argyll cuffs and scalloped pockets. It is a two button front, not the argyll’s one button front. This jacket is typically paired with a five button vest although the jacket can be worn by itself. This jacket features antique round harp buttons. This our tweed jacket and vest. I find myself wearing this one the most because I prefer the natural fabric. This is a very versatile jacket because you can wear it out to the park or to a wedding. Since this jacket can be custom made in dozens of different tweeds, we are able to offer you different configurations of the jacket including buttons, pockets and others. Watch our additional video on tweed jackets for more information. Here are three of the jackets and vests that we offer. On the left, the Prince Charlie jacket and vest ready for a formal night out. In the center we have the Argyll jacket and vest ready for a dinner and a show. On the right, we have the tweed jacket and vest ready for a walk in the country.