Our J. Higgins black kilt waistcoat is made from 100% wool twill (9390) and features silver square rampant lion buttons. We recommend pushing these tricky buttons through the buttonholes via their side first rather than the pointed tip. Our argyle waistcoats use the same material in both the front and the back, making them wearable with or without our argyle jackets. It comes in even sizes 30 to 60 in short (5'9" and below), regular (5'10" to 6'0"), long (6'1" to 6'2") & ex long (6'3" & up). Made by our talented staff here in the U.S.A.
As a general note, we ask for cloth tape measurements only. Please do not give us jacket or vest sizes from any other piece of existing clothing you have. There is virtually no standardization in the clothing industry, and unless you have a recent article of clothing from J.Higgins, we insist on accurate and specific measurements outlined in our measurement guide. Do not attempt to measure yourself, you must always use the help of someone else. All measurements are in inches.
NOTE: These tend to run small. Exchangeable and returnable if the first size doesn't fit.
Watch our instructional video for how to measure for your J.Higgins waistcoat:
Further Sizing Info:
As a general guide, we suggest the following size per weight range. Size 32 (130-140lbs), Size 34 (141-150lbs), Size 36 (151-160lbs), Size 38(161-170lbs), Size 40 (171-180lbs), Size 42 (181-190lbs), Size 44 (191-200lbs), Size 46 (201-210lbs), Size 48 (211-220lbs), Size 50 (221-230lbs), Size 52 (231-240lbs), Size 54 (241-250lbs), Size 56 (251-260lbs), Size 58 (261-270lbs), Size 60 (271lbs & up)
Here are the chest and waist sizing for each size. Generally speaking the waist will be 4" smaller than the chest. If your waist measurement is bigger than the chest size, then go up to the size that will fit the waist: Chest size 32 has 29 waist, chest size 34 has 30 waist, chest size 36 has 32 waist, chest size 38 has 34 waist, chest size 40 has 36 waist, chest size 42 has 38 waist, chest size 44 has 40 waist, chest size 46 has 42 waist, chest size 48 has 44 waist, chest size 50 has 46 waist, chest size 52 has 48 waist, chest size 54 has 50 waist, chest size 56 has 52 waist, chest size 58 has 54 waist, chest size 60 has 56 waist.
50 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Vest for tall pipers
The vest was very well made. We have bought them before here. In order to get the length we needed we had to buy one a bit bigger. It would be nice to carry a long size. Otherwise we are happy.
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Great Vest; Great experience
Comfortable; fits well -- a bit small on the first try but the shop handled the return and re-sizing very well; sewn well. Great value. Fast shipping. Great customer service!
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Button holes a bit small
The vest looks very nice and I like but the square metal buttons are hard to get through the button holes. Maybe the holes need to be a little larger. (Owner's Tip: Yes, square buttons are harder to button. It's best to put a "side" in first, rather than the pointed tip. Then rotate to secure the button in the hole. If we made the button holes any bigger, the buttons will pull through. We learned that back in the early 1980's).
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Good quality vest
Needed a new vest after my old band vest was stolen from my car (long story). It arrived promptly and the fit was exceptional (sizing is a bit snug, was recommended to move up to next size). All around good quality vest, for the price.
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THE best waistcoat!
I've paid twice as much for half the quality. Full back waistcoats (as opposed to the cheap, synthetic back waistcoats) are the way to go. I've worn mine for 6 years being in a pipe band. No shrinkage and no fading even after a lot of time in the sun, lots of gigs and multiple dry cleanings!
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Great Waistcoat
This is the third Higgins waistcoat that I've purchased over the 20+ years of piping. Still have all three and they still look like new. Needed to upsize over the years to accommodate my increasing girth. Looks great, wears like iron, and lasts forever. Just donated my first one to the band.
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Quality all around
I got this vest because it is the one my band wears and I like the one I had for that. This one is even better because it is my actual size not a "make it work" from the band. Quality vest with a full wool back, functional generous pockets, and nice buttons. I noticed they subbed a long for regular based on the information I gave and it was the right move. Don't hesitate on this one.
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Great vest, quick and courteous service!
I needed a waistcoat in time to have it altered for a competition in 2 weeks. I sent in my measurements with a note about being female and that the vest would have to be altered accordingly. The JHiggins team responded within a couple of hours letting me know they had chosen a size they thought would fit and that it would be delivered within 2 days and I would need to sign for it (as I had ordered express delivery). Its a great quality waistcoat and I had it altered within 2 days and had a week to spare for my competition.
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Great Value
Did some research into vests with other suppliers... Not only is the Higgins vest competitively priced, it's cheaper in most cases and made of better materials in comparison. Additionally, it shipped quick with minimal cost. My decision to purchase from Higgins was predicated on quality not cost. Another band member had a vest from Higgins and, it was great... Significantly better quality than others I've seen. The cost / shipping were bonuses.
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Great Waistcoat
Fits perfect and is very nice! Greatness! I am proud to be wearing this as part of my outfit for my wedding! The quality is amazing! Really makes the whole ensemble that much more awesome!
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Nice Vest
I was pleased with the quality and appearance of this vest. J Higgins called me after the order and recommended a size larger than what I ordered. I ordered my actual, measured size. The vest that Higgins recommended fit perfectly, so I would heartily recommend ordering a vest one size larger than what you think. The vest has a short waist ideal for wearing with a kilt. The fabric is a nice wool. I'm very happy with this vest. Now I know what size to order when I purchase an Argyle jacket.
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Vested interest
This vest goes well with the argyle jacket I also ordered. Seems a bit more roomy than expected, but fine for its intended purpose, which could take up the slack perfectly.