Wearing a kilt to church July 1, maybe. Would like some advice.

[Rob, ClanMacMillan, NM]

Greetings one and all.

As many of you know, July 1 is the anniversary of the Repeal of the Act of Proscription of the Highland Garb -- translation: I'm wearing a kilt because King George said I could !

I always wear a kilt on July 1 -- which happens to be on a Sunday this year (2012).

This means I will be wearing a kilt to church - unless I chicken out.

The church is very laid-back. It's fairly common to see shorts, t-shirts, and sandals - but most men are wearing either nice jeans or business p@nts. Shirts are, for the most part, button front but usually without ties. However, there are also about a dozen men who almost always wear a tie - some of whom wear suit coats/jackets as well.

Church service is offically from 10:30 AM to 12:00 Noon with about one half hour before and after for chatting and general fellowship.

I'm uncertain how dressy to go with my kilt. I suppose I should mention that, as far as I know, no one there has ever seen me in a kilt and I'm fairly certain no one else actually owns one. I have discussed "things Scottish" with a few of the members but only one lady made it to the local Highland Games in mid-May.

Assuming I go through with it, I'll be wearing my MacMillan Ancient (16oz tank by Kathy Lare).

I have a black PC with a vest/waistcoat. I also have a plain black leather vest (not specifically Scottish/kilt-ish).

My belts are three inch wide black - one plain, one embossed. Buckles are big and shiny (three choices: plain, thistle, MacMillan Crest).

Shirts: White tuxedo style with slightly fancy front. Standard business shirts, mostly long-sleeved white, a couple in black, one in a very dark green. A long-sleeved claret shirt. Some short-sleeved shirts - again mostly white. Some pull-over Polo-type shirts (yellow, white, pale green). Finally, I have two Jacobite-style shirts - one white and one off-white/ecru.

Hose: Claret, Black, Ecru (I also have Navy & Brown but don't really prefer them with the MacMillan colors).

I have a MacMillan tartan tie and a plain black bow tie. Plus an additional solid black standard tie. (I have a bazillion ties, but they're nearly all patterned or printed).

I also have matching MacMillan flashes.

Shoes: Ghillie Brogues or Black Oxfords.

Sporrans: Black Nightstalker Cargo Canvas or a Black Leather Semi-Dress (light fur-front - cowhide?).

So...what thinkest the rabble? How should I present the kilt and myself on July 1?

Thanks much!

Rob.

[cessna152towser]

No need to be too formal, particularly when you say your church dress code is relaxed.
I wear a kilt every time I attend church which is most Sundays and I usually wear it with a polo neck shirt.

[Tobus]

A PC would be way overboard and out of its natural habitat for a morning church service.

Given your options, I would go with:

MacMillan tank (obviously)
No jacket or vest
Plain black belt with thistle buckle
Dark green long-sleeved collared business shirt (Claret, maybe, as 2nd choice)
Brown hose. Give them a chance!
Solid black tie (though it would be better if you could find a coloured one; got any striped ones that will work?)
No other options on flashes besides tartan ones?
Black Oxford shoes
Black leather "semi-dress" sporran

From the description of your church, it sounds like smart casual is called for. Not too dressy. I'd stay away from too casual as well, even if it's OK for others. Don't wanna go too casual for a first impression with the kilt.

[Rob, ClanMacMillan, NM]

Solid black tie (though it would be better if you could find a coloured one; got any striped ones that will work?)

Hmmm... I have three wooden hangers crammed with ties - so...maybe... I'll look.

No other options on flashes besides tartan ones?

The only other flashes I have, right now, are Leatherneck tartan and a set I made out of red felt (followed the pattern of the MacMillan tartan flashes). My son-in-law's mother is knitting me a set of yellow garter ties but I do not know when she'll get them finished.

Rob

[brewerpaul]

Personally, especially if you say your congregation is laid back, Id keep it toned down. You seem to have many choices and combinations so you are flexible. Unless you are just tied to a PC or coat you might keep it to a nice button down shirt, tie with colors that compliment the kilt hose or a stripe in your tartan, waistcoat. Personally Im a brown leather guy and dont really care for the big shiny buckles but I do like the Thistle. Wingtips would do better than the brogues in my opinion, the brogues are fine for full blown dress up or games. I think the leather/fur sporran would suffice nicely also. Nixes for me would be white shirts, ecru hose, brogues. So that leaves you with claret and black. Depending on shirt choice, you say you have claret, you can use the black hose and the flashes. I think claret shirt and hose may be much, let others advise you on that, but if you go with claret hose, id chose a different shirt. This advice many be clear as mud, Im no expert but I do remember what I wore the first wedding I attended kilted and now just laugh at it. I like, as many do here, to mix the colors but in a way that shirt, kilt, tie, hose compliment each other... And if it is a relaxed atmosphere where you worship, id dress relaxed too.... Just my two cents that can be taken as that and torn apart by others as they see fit.....

[SlackerDrummer]

I guess my first question is, are you one of the dozen or so men who usually wear a tie?

[Rob, ClanMacMillan, NM]

I guess my first question is, are you one of the dozen or so men who usually wear a tie?

I'm one of the business casual guys. Rarely wear a tie, but never wear jeans, shorts, sandals, t-shirts.

Rob.

[Chas]

Wear your kilt this coming Sunday - casually. Then on the 1st of July it won't be an issue and you can always dress up a notch, if you want to.

Regards

Chas

[KenB]

I'm not a church-goer, so I can't really comment on what you should wear or how to wear it.
IMHO just follow your heart, wear what you feel is appropriate and what you are comfortable with.

[dh20318]

I'm no authority but I decided to wear the first and only kilt that I had...the one I sewed recently in a olive greet. I did wear the only pr. of kilt hose Ihad which were ecru in color, a pr of black lace up oxfords that I replaced the laces with a pr of green woven 52" round lace that I tied as recommended, my used, damaged (but repaired) rabbit fur sporran, a white long sleeve shirt, a tweed style sport coat, and a tie that complimented the jacket, kilt and hose, and a set of flashes that I made from the same fabric I sewed the kilt from. I received several compliments and to my surprise was the only person with a tie on in the congregation. At lunch after service, I was asked why I was so dressed up! ...I didn't know that I was. I almost always wear a tie but as others have said, most of the folks dress in relaxed mode including the pastor who wore business casual slacks and button down collar long sleeve shirt! Just my two cents worth.