Appropriate Kirkin' Attire

[Vegan Scot]

Without getting into the details of all the (imho) under- and overdressing I saw at yesterday morning's Kirkin' service I attended, I'd like to see what the consensus is here on the least and most one can get away with wearing to such an occasion. Looking for opinions concerning the appropriateness of individual articles of clothing as well as overall do's and don't's. Explanations on specifics are appreciated.

[Pyper]

I'd say it depends on the church.

At some churches, wearing a sweater is dressed up, while at others a suit is the norm.

I doubt there are any churches that go more formal that a suit for typical services.

So just figure the kilt is like a pair of appropriate slacks and select the upper portion accordingly.

[macwilkin]

I'd say it depends on the church.

At some churches, wearing a sweater is dressed up, while at others a suit is the norm.

I doubt there are any churches that go more formal that a suit for typical services.

So just figure the kilt is like a pair of appropriate slacks and select the upper portion accordingly.

Even more so than the individual parish, it really should depend on what the sponsoring society/organization calls for in the event information. For example, our local Scottish society co-sponsors Kirkin' services with individual Presbyterian and Episcopalian parishes in our community, and we generally have dress recommendations with our press releases, although we certainly wouldn't turn anyone away.

Generally, our Kirkins are "day-wear" attire, i.e. tweed and solid-coloured Argyll jackets and whatnot.

T.

[MacLowlife]

Of all of the occasions where overdressing occurs, I think one might be easily forgiven for wearing one's only kilt jacket- a PC- instead of going coatless to a kirkin or a funeral. I am not suggesting that it is proper, but the festival atmosphere of a kirkin ought to justify a little added formality. Having said that, I agree much depends on the kirk. I have been to kirkins where the entire choir wore tartan stoles- though the acolytes wore shorts under their robes. And I have certainly been to church services where adult men were clearly accustomed to wearing a sport shirt and no tie. So, ideally we are talking about the range from daywear including socks and shoes up through the Argyll-with-waistcoat-and-tie look. Beyond that, on either end, you are really pushing it. But I would ask for tolerance again for the gent who would never enter a church without a tie and whose only jacket is properly a black tie one. He's overdressed, but he IS trying.

One last thought- I'd rather see a PC at a kirkin than a standard-cut Saxon blazer with a kilt. That is strictly my HUMBLE opinion. Anybody care to defend/advocate the other way?

[macwilkin]

One last thought- I'd rather see a PC at a kirkin than a standard-cut Saxon blazer with a kilt. That is strictly my HUMBLE opinion. Anybody care to defend/advocate the other way?

I'd much rather see a gent in a Saxon blazer with grey flannels at a Kirkin' than a PC. My father has worn this attire to our Kirkin's for a number of years, complete with our society's blazer badge, but this year, he will be wearing his kilt for the first time!

T.

[davidlpope]

I'd much rather see a gent in a Saxon blazer with grey flannels at a Kirkin' than a PC.

T.

***.

Black tie attire (or white tie) just isn't appropriate for a sabbath worship service or a funeral. A PC is black tie attire. If all you have is a PC, then wear a navy or black sweater over a dress shirt and tie, kilt, sporran, etc. Perfectly acceptable. Either that or go non-kilted. Then you have an acceptable occasion to wear your tartan necktie!

[Whidbey78]

Out here in cowboy country the dress code is almost always loosely enforced at best. Actually, a friend who runs the only tuxedo rental for about 100 miles in any direction swears he only rents pants with every fourth or fifth tux, as jeans without holes, stains or excessive fading is considered "dressed up," and other than weddings and high school proms ties are as rare as hen's teeth. Hek, even the judge at the courthouse doesn't wear a tie unless the press is in the courtroom...which has happened maybe once in 25 years.

That being said, I think that, depending on the people at any given event, the level of dress should be comparable to what the rest of the attendees are wearing, with a kilt replacing slacks, dress pants, jeans, etc. I have noticed that many people seem to have two levels of dress with a kilt--casual black-tie. I find that at least 90% of events fall in between the two. If dockers and polos or button-downs(no ties) are what the bulk of people are wearing there is no need in wearing the PC with all the trimmings.

Being over-dressed may be a bigger deal than slightly under-dressed, in my opinion. Have you ever been to a summertime outdoor event where most people are dressed in shorts and t-shirts, or the occasional polo and slacks, but there is one guy in a pinstripe suit looking like he's right out of Boston Legal reruns? He might as well be wearing clown makeup and walking on stilts while juggling. He would fit in a little better.

I think when it comes to over or under dressing a kilt, there is a lot more overdressing going on. I think a lot of it comes from not being comfortable letting the kilt stand on its own, and feeling it's out of place without a jacket, kilt hose, a nice tie, fancy brogues, etc.

[Vegan Scot]

Of all of the occasions where overdressing occurs, I think one might be easily forgiven for wearing one's only kilt jacket- a PC- instead of going coatless to a kirkin or a funeral. I am not suggesting that it is proper, but the festival atmosphere of a kirkin ought to justify a little added formality. Having said that, I agree much depends on the kirk. I have been to kirkins where the entire choir wore tartan stoles- though the acolytes wore shorts under their robes. And I have certainly been to church services where adult men were clearly accustomed to wearing a sport shirt and no tie. So, ideally we are talking about the range from daywear including socks and shoes up through the Argyll-with-waistcoat-and-tie look. Beyond that, on either end, you are really pushing it. But I would ask for tolerance again for the gent who would never enter a church without a tie and whose only jacket is properly a black tie one. He's overdressed, but he IS trying.

What I was seeing ran the gamut from unevenly cuffed white hose and Saxon sports jackets; the "proper" attire described by Jock and David; PC's with neck ties (is that done?); to one gentleman who opted for a doublet, tartan waistcoat, argyle hose with tie-on garters, jabot and fly plaid. (On top of being borderline white tie it seemed to me a loud and very busy outfit.) I feel as though if you have enough time, energy and money to acquire that much of a kit you should probably know when and where to sport it. So yes, I'd agree that he WAS trying, just much too hard...

[davidlpope]

Black full brogues
Hose (*ACBW) and flashes (**ACBT)
Kilt
Daywear Sporran and strap
Long-sleeved broadcloth shirt
Tie (**ACBT)
Waistcoat or Belt
Tweed Kilt Jacket


*Any Color But White
**Any Color But Tartan

[Jock Scot]

As I am fairly sure we don't have this service in Scotland and I am not an expert on church matters, I would assume just normal kilt day attire of kilt, tweed argyll, waist coat(vest) if you wish, tattersall shirt although I think a white shirt might be more appropriate, four in hand tie probably regimental style, day sporran, any colour you like other than white hose-- pulled up-- and black(not ghillie) brogues.