If you’re looking for a black tie, there are several options for Kilt jackets however Prince Charlie is the most well-known. It has wide, high-pitched lapels covered with pewter and silk buttons that look a bit like the white mess jacket. Prince Charlie should be paired with a three-button low-cut waistcoat that has self-faced lapels.
Another option is the Argyll and Crail jacket, which has self-faced lapels with notched edges and the waistcoat has five buttons. The distinction between these two is the cuffs:
The Crail features a cuff with a scalloped design that is in line with Prince Charlie containing three buttons hanging vertically from the cuff.
The Argyll is a gauntlet-style cuff, which folds part of the fabric back that has three buttons in one row.
Both have self-faced, lapels that are notched, epaulets, and two buttons. However, it is not recommended to put on a button when wearing with a Scottish kilt.
There’s also a variety of doublets designed to be inspired by the military and are robustly constructed having two row of button that span across the entire across the length of the jacket. They aren’t easy to locate, however the Sherrifmuir (the most contemporary version of the doublet) is available in a wide range and can be worn open with an appropriate waistcoat with a squared bottom.
Prince Charlie Kilt Jacket and vest
The top choice for highland wear with a black tie is Prince Charlie jacket . The Prince Charlie jacket was created in the 1920s to replace traditional heavy doublets, and since then, have completely eclipsed their popular. In addition to those seeking vintage-inspired style, the Prince Charlie is the go-to coat when it comes to black ties.
Its Prince Charlie jacket and vest appears and is worn similarly to an evening-length tailcoat. The main differences are the fact that Prince Charlie features pewter buttons as well as cuffs with scalloped edges (three buttons in one row, sewn on the patch) and Epaulets (if you decide for plaid, it should be put through the Epaulets) along with shorter tails in the back. The jacket must also be fitted with broad lapels with a wide peak, trimmed with satin.
A Prince Charlie will look like an evening tailcoat that is closer to the body to create an elegant, slim silhouette. It is recommended to show about 1/4 inch of the cuff however, the length of your sleeve is subject to individual preference and some men prefer to display more than others. The tails in the rear should be shorter than normal tails to not obscure the pleats of the kilt in the back. The jacket must also be cut shorter at the front, to show the full kilt. The jacket cannot be shut, but it will remain open to reveal the low-cut waistcoat below.
Waistcoat / Vest
Similar to the kilt, the jacket, as well as the waistcoat, should be made of wool. The typical barathea comes in dark navy or black. The Prince Charlie waistcoat should match the jacket’s material and color. It should also have three buttons made of pewter in the single-breasted style. The waistcoat should also have an auto-faced lapel that has an encased bottom.
Waistcoat Fit – Avoid Showing the shirt
The waistcoat should be snug to the body, but not too tight. The waistcoat must be cut to keep it from peeking out from under on the outside of your jacket. Despite the shorter cut, it is unlikely that you will see any shirt that is between the waistcoat and the kilt.
The most typical mistake that men make when they wear highland attire is their Kilts that are worn low as the look of Prince Charlie and reveal a vast swath of white shirt. This makes you appear unclean and ought to be avoided.
Argyll & Crails Waistcoats
They also have interchangeable waistcoats as they can both be combined with a five-button black waistcoat. Another option for a waistcoat you can choose to wear in conjunction with Argyle or Crail is a matching tartan waistcoat. The tartan should be matched to your kilt and be cut across the cross to provide some contrast to the kilt. With a tartan waistcoat, you can choose to wear tartan-covered buttons or pewter buttons.