Men's Jackets to go with Kilts

Jackets are often a little bit difficult for me when it comes to wearing kilts.  Often the length is too long or too short, the weight isn't right, or the cut just seems out of place.  Most of the time it's the length though.  I find that jackets work best when they're either waist length or come about half way down the thigh. Most sports coats are exactly the wrong length for a kilt, which is often very frustrating.  I have  had a few of them cut so they fit like a traditional Argyle jacket, but I have bunch more that just don't work.

One of the things I like about this jacket is the hardware.  Because kilts have a bit of weight to them I think some heavy hardware often fits well.  The closures on this jacket are a good example of how strong metal fixtures can work well. The jacket is from Ralph Lauren's Rugby collection. Click either photo for details.

 

Here's a close-up of the fixtures:

Comments

[Joel]

Let me see if I get this right. The best type of coat is waist length, but you recommend this coat that is NOT waist length. I do agree with the heavy closures and some of the basic style elements. I hold that it is a little long - length making kilts look more like skirts or like you're not wearing pants.

[Ben Goodwin]

Actually, I said that most coats are either too long or too short. So, either waist length or 3/4 length tend to work best. Sorry if that was confusing.

It is a tough call though, especially for a jacket that is longer. Sports coats usually fall at exactly the wrong length for me, but I think this coat would be just long enough to hit the middle of the kilt.

All that said, it's always a matter of personal style and preference.

[Mike S]

I have the same problem when looking for a coat to wear with my kilts. I have light jackets that are waist length but when it turns a little colder, but not below freezing, all I had were longer coats or very heavy coats. I found at Burlington Coat Factory a waist length down filled jacket that I think will work down to about 30F. This is waist length and I think will be OK with my contemporary kilts. For better dressed occasions I am still out of luck so someday I will end up getting a real kilt waistcoat. Once the temps get into the 20's or lower (F) all bets are off. I wear whatever keeps me warm. That includes kilt hose worn at normal length with taller 10" high boots.

[James]

I often wear what's commonly referred to as a "barn jacket" with my kilts. Works well, great length and comes in all sorts of weights.

[Joel]

No no Ben... I gotchya. I just think this coat is a LITTLE too long. Your right, the best length is about waist length and I think a little shorter or longer than that is great. I was just saying this appears to be a little long in my opinion - it's hard to tell with the way he's standing, etc. I think the good range is about an inch above the waist to just around on line with the crotch - More room on the longer side, but I think that's just my thought on coats in general (I'd rather go long than short). You're right, it's a matter of opinion, and Mike has a good point: there's a different standard of what to wear with a classic kilt versus a contemporary kilt.