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.
56 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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J. Higgins Top Notch
I’ve been using J. Higgins products for many years. The black vest looks and feels great. I’m an average piper in an average band but want to look my best while playing. J. Higgins makes that happen at a good price.
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Higgins is excellent
I am a Professional Competition Drum Major both regionally within the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association and Internationally with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association. Over the years, I have tried a plethora of oversees companies, claiming to be the perfect solution to my strict uniform requirements, only to be disappointed, dissatisfied with quality, fit, materials used and lead times. If a garment was furnished incorrectly, you can bet your hat that those same suppliers wouldn't give me the time of day in in helping resolve my issue, leaving me with a wasted spend of well earned money. At J Higgins, I've never been disappointed. All garments have been a perfect fit, the construction spot on and the staff accessible and knowledgeable of my Drum Major Discipline. It's funny, I own items from all over the world and moving forward, I'll be doing business with Higgins, quality I can count on and a reasonable price point. Gone are the days of looking outside of the USA for what is well made in the heartland. I give Higgins 5 stars and reccomend it to all pipers, drummers and drum majors. Best, CHARLIE BROWN Drum Major - Empire Pipe Band
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Thanks!
Thank you for your quick response to my order. The items arrived in a very timely manner and fit perfectly! Pipe Major changed our uniform for the weekend performance and these items were need poste haste. Thank you!
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Outstanding quality waistcoat
I just received my waistcoat and I'm extremely impressed with it's fit and quality, especially for the price. The customer service I received was also fantastic. Finding my correct size using the instructional video was easy, the ordering process was a breeze and the shipping time was fast.
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Fits Women, too.
Just received my new waistcoat. Prompt delivery, efficient packaging & excellent quality. Wasn't sure about size to order, since waist size and waist size in a kilt are two different things. Happily, it fits like a glove and looks great. My only regret is that your advertising and sizing are all about men. I am a female piper. There are plenty of female pipers and drummers. As you are aware, women aren't built like men in many ways. Please include us in your fitting information.
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Fits PERFECT
I bought both the Black and Navy waistcoat. Both are made to fit exact to you -- so do NOT gain weight, hahaha. Very comfortable and well made. Will definitely buy more if need be.
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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.