CommanDO or DONT

[Jimmy]

So here is a pronouncement yesterday, from no less than the Scottish Tartan Authority that we kilties who prefer to wear not a lot under our kilt, are unhygienic and not too clean individuals!
This has made headlines in several of the Scottish newspapers today although the Scottish Kiltmakers Authority have argued against this pronouncement

Also on the side of the bare bums is former Formula 1 ace, Scotland's own, David Coulthard who says he is always commando and it is totally hygienic and allows the freedom of movement that the kilt gives

I suppose you may have to side with the STA who say that for kilt hiring shops, the state that they get the kilts back in would turn your stomach and cannot possibly be cleaned.
From my own point of view I tend to agree that perhaps some sort of barrier between body and garment is necessary when some of these kilties hiring ouitfits for one - off weddings etc really get well over the eight and have no experience about personal hygeine when wearing the kilt, perhaps a leaflet in toilet training should be given out with every hired kilt?

[Tobus]

Heh, I just posted a similar thread in another forum. I imagine this will be a hot-button topic over the next few days.

Hire-shop issues aside, for men that own their own kilts, I don't see why the STA thinks it's any of their business to tell people what's "decent" or not.

[NorCalPiper]

After wearing a kilt for most my 40 years of life, I PERSONALLY wear something underneath. That being said, I wear boxers and feel perfectly free and unrestricted. Going commando, then walking around getting all sweaty and such, then sitting down or having that transfer to the kilt is gross to me. I don't think the kilt was invented around not wearing underwear, but that Scots being so poor probably just didn't have material or such to make them for themselves. Traditions start in the funniest ways, but this one ain't for me. I'm in parity with the STA. On a funnier note, I remember one year at the Stone Mtn. HG, we were in masses bands and there was a guy who was taking some serious pictures for something. He had actually come out onto the field and kept squatting down to take pictures....Unfortunately everyone had to march by him - Including the St.Thomas Prep School Pipe Band - as he squatted there taking pics fully exposed as he squatted.....yuck.

[xman]

Seems to me STA is simply dispelling the NTS fallacy, saying people should be free to wear undies and promoting the hygenic reasons to do so. You're still free to do as you please, but shouldn't feel pressured to live up to 'tradition'. I'm SURE the dancers in the photo ARE indeed wearing something under there.

[Tobus]

Seems to me STA is simply dispelling the NTS fallacy, saying people should be free to wear undies and promoting the hygenic reasons to do so.

But they're doing so in a manner that's worded intentionally to be insulting to those who do choose to follow tradition.

[Nighthawk]

Way I see it, if I'm wearing some one else's kilt, meaning rented/hired, then it's a matter of simple courtesy to put a barrier between myself and the clothing. Otherwise, it's really all a matter of personal choice I think. It seems to me that after a while, you will develop your own style and method of decision making regarding what you wear. Personally, if it's going to be a hot day or I'm going to be in a hot and stuffy place where I may sweat, yes, I'll wear something! Otherwise, it's more comfortable for me not to. I've always been that way- be it pants or kilts. It makes no difference to anyone else what manner of loin cloth we wear, so why would an organization like the Scottish Tartans Authority give it so much thought as to publicize an article about it?!?! I mean, don't they have work to do or something?

[Lallans]

When the time comes to put my kilts in the will, I will be certain everyone already knows that undergarments were always used. I don't see anyone wanting Grandpa's commando kilt.

[wildrover]

Highland dancers are required to wear underwear, it's in the rule book in fact. Black underwear, specifically.

They were insulting, but it was probably just thoughtless lack of tact as opposed to intentional insult.

I don't...I'm physically and mentally comfortable with it. YMMV.

Regarding others' kilts...I have been in possession of two loaner kilts. The first kilt, I was told by the owner that it was loaned with the assumption, rather, the direction, that I'd be in full command of the kilt. The second, the owner didn't care either way, didn't want to know, and just assumed my piece would be rubbing inside their armor because it was the normal way to proceed. In both cases, the owners planned to clean the kilt afterward. None of us really cared, and it was clear all around that regardless the kilt would be cleaned upon return.

NBD.

[Legba]

I agree with Nighthawk - someone elses kilt AOK.
My kilt/jeans/etc - my business.
I commando, except when I'm babysitting my Granddaughter. Tend to play on the floor and roll around to much.

[Lallans]

A (small) bit of latebreaking news: the CBC Radio One show known as "As It Happens" will be covering the Scottish Tartran Authority's no-commando advice this evening. They can be counted on to have an interview with an actual live person from there- it's their trademark. Show airs at 18:30 hrs EST and can be found on Sirius, plus no doubt live streamed on the internet. Maybe even a podcast. I don't know, I'm always off the PC starting... now!