There are many different types of kilt jackets for sale. Sometimes, it can be hard to choose the best kilt jacket for your kilt. We are here to help, as we take a look at the most common kilt jackets.
Kilt Jackets
Prince Charlie Jackets
Prince Charlie jackets tend to be used in formal occasions, and are most frequently used in weddings. The Prince Charlie jacket is normally worn in conjunction with a wing collar shirt, often accompanied with a neat little bow tie. If the wing collar shirt is not your cup of tea, then a Victoria Collar shirt may also be an option for you. A Victoria Collar shirt is normally worn with a tie, rather than a bow tie for a more modern look.
The material of the traditional Prince Charlie Jacket can vary. Mostly, a material known as “barathea” is used, which is a wool like fabric. 13oz and 15oz version of the fabric tend to be the norm, although it is possible to have lighter and heavier weights of barathea if required. We would recommend a light fabric for summer usage, and a heavier fabric for winter.
The Prince Charlie jacket can be ornately decorated. Shiny silver buttons are often seen on the front of the jacket, aswell as the sleeves and the tail. Therefore, this jacket is not ideal for casual wear.
Prince Charlie jackets tend to be worn with a vest (3 buttons). It is common for the Prince Charlie jacket to come with this vest included. The vest also comes with shiny silver buttons, to match the buttons on the main jacket.
It is recommended that a Prince Charlie jacket is worn with a sporran, in order for the outfit to remain authentic. The Prince Charlie jacket is usually worn with a Scottish kilt.
Argyll Jackets
Argyll Jackets are a more modern take on the traditional Prince Charlie jacket. They are ideal for both formal, aswell as casual occasions. The Argyll Jacket is perfect for a dinner for example. There is also a tweed version of the Argyll Jacket available, and this is perfect for relaxed functions during the day.
Like the Prince Charlie jacket described above, The Argyll Jacket is made from barathea too.
Despite the perceived informality of the Argyll Jacket, it is normally still fitted with little ornate silver buttons around the wrists and pockets, but not to the same extent as the Prince Charlie jacket. This means that the jacket’s lapels & epaulettes are not adorned with ornate buttons, and are usually made of the same fabric as the jacket.
It is usual for the Argyll jacket to be worn with a 5 button vest, rather than a 3 button vest. It really is up to the wearer what type of shirt the Argyll jacket is made with. If you decide to wear a 5 button shirt, it will give the Argyll jacket a more formal look, especially when worn with a Victoria collar shirt. For a more relaxed look, it is recommended to wear an Argyll jacket with a regular collared shirt and tie.
Argyll jackets are adaptable since they can be worn with a dress sporran for more formal occasions, and the jacket wouldn’t look out of place with a regular leather sporran for informal occasions. It is important to note however that it is rather for the Argyll jacket to be worn with a full dress sporran.
Tweed Jackets
Tweed Jackets are becoming more popular as the jacket of choice for the kilt. They are commonly seen during outdoor daytime events – like at the world renowned Highland Games.
Tweed jackets are usually well made, and are usually fitted with horn buttons, and have a similar style to the Argyll jacket. The only really noticeable difference between the two is with regards to the type of material that the kilt jacket is made of.
The Tweed jacket is usually worn with the 5 button vest, or a regular collared shirt. This depends on the occasion and the look the wearer is trying to achieve.
Despite being suited for more informal occasions, the Tweed Argyll jacket is still nicely (and tastefully) decorated. It is usual for the Tweed jacket to have horn buttons, which are usually fitted to the wrists of the jacket, aswell as the pockets. Like the Argyll jacket, it is normal for the lapels & epaulettes to be free of buttons.
If you are wondering what sporran to wear with the Tweed Argyll jacket, we would recommend a leather sporran.
Doublet Jackets
Doublet Jackets are less common than Prince Charlie and Argyll kilt jackets, but are a nice option for many due to their own unique style. The Doublet Jacket resembles the mess jackets used by many in the 1930’s, where many used these jackets instead of a dinner jacket. The jackets are usually worn in conjunction with the lace jabot, but a neck tie is also common. We would also recommend wearing a waistcoat, which is high-buttoned.
A Doublet jacket is not usually made of barathea. Velvet is actually the most common material, but many Doublet jackets are now usually made of wool. The jacket will also most likely have some heraldic like buttons on the side of the jacket.
In terms of what sporran to wear the Doublet jacket with, we would recommend a full dress sporran.
Make sure you check out our kilts for sale to ensure you select the right kilt to be worn with your kilt jacket.
