Deconstructing the Prince Charlie Jacket
The Prince Charlie jacket is part of the Scottish outfit worn at formal occasions such as dances and weddings. It has a smooth appearance and several features that give it distinction from others. This article will examine what makes the jacket special, including fabric, buttons, and construction. Additionally, we will discuss its current usage and comparison to other coats. Regardless of your level of familiarity, this guide will help you gain a deeper understanding.
Design Elements
Different types of kilt jackets are used as primary parts of Scottish outfits. Popular types include Prince Charlie Jackets, Argyll Jackets, and tweed jackets. They have different properties and elements. Besides offering unique appearances, these elements help identify jacket types. Though our primary topic is Prince Charlie Jacket, below are its basic design elements.
Tailcoat Cut
A formal cut with short front panels and long tails at the back, giving it a distinctive evening wear silhouette.
Silver Buttons
Buttons enhance the jacket’s appearance while serving both decorative and functional purposes. They are usually silver in color and have threes on each cuff, epaulet, and tail. Buttons on these parts represent traditional Scottish designs.
Epaulettes
Epaulettes are sewn onto the shoulder flaps. A button on both shoulders secures it and adds a military-inspired, ceremonial touch to the jackets.
Satin Lapels
Satin lapels are folded fabric panels on the jacket front that add a polished, elegant appearance. They have a shiny look that adds an elegant contrast and aesthetics.
No Front Closure
Unlike other jackets, Prince Charlie jackets do not have a front closure. They are designed to remain open. In other words, they help wearers showcase the waistcoat or vest beneath, in line with Highland dress tradition.
Presence or Absence of Pockets
Most Prince Charlie Jackets have internal pockets and lack external pockets for cultural visuals. Thus, internal pockets are standard, while external pockets are optional based on personal preference.
Jacket and Its Other Attachments
The elements discussed above are the key components that define the construction of Prince Charlie jackets. However, there are other essential elements to complete the Prince Charlie Kilt Outfit.
Kilt: Tartan kilts are the only kilts to be worn with Prince Charlie jackets. People prefer their family tartan patterns.
Shirt & Bow-tie: The most suitable shirt variation is the Ghillie Shirt which has laces instead of buttons. However, white is the traditional and favorite color of wearers. A bow tie is also attached to shirts.
Sporran: Sporran or a Scottish bag falls on the list of essential parts of an outfit’s completion. There are many types of sporrans, but the dress sporran is the most appropriate for the Prince Charlie outfit.
Belt & Buckle: Like other parts of the outfit, the belt and buckle also have deep significance. A leather belt is a common choice while a buckle varies depending on the preferences.
Ghillie Brogues: Shoes traditionally worn with kilt outfits are called Ghillie Brogues. They are traditionally worn with tartan kilt’s men and Prince Charlie Jackets. These shoes are made of pure leather, do not have a tongue, and come with small holes for breathability.
Hoses and Flashes: Footwear accessories also include kilt hoses (socks) and garter flashes, which play both functional and decorative roles. Kilt socks are longer than standard socks and cover the legs just below the knees. Socks are folded at the top, while the garter flashes, made with kilt tartan patterns, are placed in folds to prevent socks from slipping.
Fly Plaid & Brooch: A fly plaid is a piece of tartan fabric that Scots traditionally attach to the left shoulder. The fly plaid aims for a striking appearance. A brooch, on the other hand, is a badge that holds tartan fabric and does not let it fall down.
Gender and Modern Adaptations
Many mistakenly believe that the Prince Charlie jacket is a recent Scottish innovation. The reality is something else, as the jackets were introduced in the 1920s. Similarly, some people mistake this outerwear variation worn by Prince Charlie himself, which is also not true. Prince Charles then wore the same double-breasted coatee and jacket. People in the early 20th century got inspiration from him and named it after the planner of the Jacobite Rebellion.
The next concern bothering people regarding the Prince Charlie jacket is its gender discrimination. This has led many to question whether the jacket is exclusive to men. Initially worn by men only, this jacket has become suitable for women too, thanks to innovation in the fashion industry.
Symbolism and Significance
Prince Charlie Jackets have great significance in Scottish history. People wearing it at extremely formal events reveal how important this jacket is. It reminds people of Bonnie Charlie who led the Jacobite Rebellion in the 18th century but could not win, unfortunately. Therefore, people started wearing this jacket in the early 20th century as a sign of devotion, courage, and resistance. Above all, it represents Scotland’s heritage, embodying the nation’s history, identity, and resilience.
Comparisons to Other Highland Jackets
In our discussion, we mentioned different, popular kilt jackets for several events. They differ significantly from each other in various aspects from construction to material. Review the comparison below to help determine which jacket best suits your needs. Remember, the role of the event’s theme is quite essential here.
| Features | Prince Charlie Jacket | Argyll Jacket | Tweed Jacket |
| Formality | Very formal | Semi-formal to formal | Casual to semi-formal |
| Typical Material | Black barathea wool | Barathea wool or tweed | Tweed (wool-based) |
| Design Style | Short cut, with tails and decorative buttons | Short jacket with gauntlet cuffs | Similar cut to Argyll, less ornate |
| Buttons | Silver (often thistle or Celtic pattern) | Horn or silver buttons | Leather, horn, or tweed-covered buttons |
| Lapels | Satin-faced lapels | Plain or satin lapels | Plain lapels |
| Best Worn With | Dress sporran, bow tie, kilt hose flashes | Semi-dress sporran, necktie or cravat | Day sporran, tie or open-neck shirt |
| Occasions | Weddings, black-tie events, formal dinners | Weddings, ceilidhs, dinners, day events | Highland games, casual events, daytime |
| Waistcoat | Mostly worn with a 3-button waistcoat | Generally with a 5-button waistcoat | Optional or matching waistcoat |
| Seasonality | Year-round | Year-round | More common in cooler months |
| Kilt Compatibility | Always worn with a kilt | Designed for kilts | Worn with kilts or tartan trews |
Maintenance of Prince Charlie Jacket
No matter which variation of kilt outfit you wear, proper maintenance is key to ensuring its longevity. Prince Charlie jacket follows the same criteria: it demands more care than other parts of the outfit. Some handy tips are below to keep your jacket fresh for a longer duration.
- Air out the jacket after every time you wear it.
- If you find any crease or wrinkle on the jacket, use a steamer to correct it rather than iron.
- Avoid frequent dry cleaning because chemicals can damage wool.
- Remove dust and dirt using a soft clothing brush.
- Ensure spot cleaning to remove any strain.
- Store the jacket properly in a ventilated and dry place.
- If storing for a long time in the off-season, ensure using a garment bag to avoid moisture.
Buy an Authentic Prince Charlie Jacket from The Utility Kilt
Remember, the quality of the jackets directly impacts the level of care. So, do not buy a poor-quality jacket. You can raise a question now about where to buy such a jacket, the answer in The Utility Kilt. We are a USA-based, online brand serving Scots in different countries. Other than premium quality, we have many features that help us stand aside in this competitive era. Some of our traits include affordability, personalization, variety of products, hassle-free return and exchange policies, and more. Some Prince Charlie Jackets available at our store that you should consider are:
FAQs About Prince Charlie Jackets
Do you wear a belt with a Prince Charlie jacket?
Wearing a belt is suitable with jackets that often do not have a waistcoat. Following this criteria, Prince Charlie’s Jackets have a vest with them, so people put on this jacket without a belt.
Why is the Prince Charlie jacket usually black or midnight blue?
Prince Charlie jackets are suitable for black-tie events. Thus, black and midnight blue are appropriate for such events. This is the reason for jackets to have these colors.
How do the decorative buttons on the Prince Charlie jacket symbolize Scottish tradition?
First of all, the buttons on this particular jacket have traditional designs. Second, they have different designs that remind people of Scottish traditions.
Has the design of the Prince Charlie jacket changed over time?
Yes, some changes in the jackets came with time. The core features remain the same while some stylistic changes and a few additions have been noticed.
