Doublet militaire

A short military style jacket worn by drummers in pipe bands, cut higher and more open at the front than a standard jacket so the arms can move freely for drumming. It carries braid, epaulettes and decorative cuff detail, and it is designed to read at distance as part of a uniformed line.

Cut and detail. A drummer's doublet allows more shoulder and arm movement and is often more heavily decorated, since drummers stand at the front. Piper's doublets are cut for holding a bag under the arm. Bands usually order both to a matching specification so the line looks consistent.

Yes, and it should. Send the roster with each player's chest, waist, sleeve and back length, along with the braid colour and any badge or facing requirements. Ordering the section together means one cutting run and one dye batch, which is the only reliable way to get a uniform line.

Close through the body but with real room across the back and shoulders, because a doublet that fits standing still will bind the moment the arms come up. Have the chest measured with the arms forward as if holding sticks. Sleeve length should clear the wrist so the cuff does not catch.

Braid colour, facing colour, epaulette style and cuff detail are usually specifiable, and many bands add their own badges. Requirements vary by band and by competition rules, so send us your specification with the order rather than assuming a default. Confirm it against your band's standing dress regulations first. Pipers in the same band wear horse hair sporrans, which should be ordered together for a matching line.

Hang each one immediately after wear on a broad hanger, air for several hours, then store in a garment bag away from damp. Brush braid gently along its direction rather than across. Professional cleaning only when needed, since repeated cleaning dulls braid and metalwork faster than wearing does. Bands ordering a full uniform should specify Glengarry bonnets at the same time.