Modern (Tactical) Kilts, the wear and accessorizing thereof. . .?

[The Professor]

Sure to be the first of many confusing, confounding and outright odd questions:

As I have posted in the Newbie section of the board, I have a preference for wearing the 5.11 Tactical Duty Kilt (TDK)

Now, I will be honest. I did a bit of research into "traditional" kilts. Since I am new here and somewhat unfamiliar with the lexicon, I define "traditional" as a kilt based upon historical style, pattern or wear. Generally, I mean something with a tartan.

In my research, I found what many consider to be a standard format of dress when wearing a traditional kilt. This typically includes brogues, hose, sporran, the belt (sans jacket), Kilt Pin and sgian dubh.

I generally try to mimic this with a modern twist. For example: with the TDK, I will wear Corcoran Jump Boots, folded knee-high socks, a Wilderness Tactical web belt, one of a number of small, nylon pouches serving as a sporran, a modern tactical small knife as a sgian dubh, and one of several bits of jewelry pressed into service as a kilt pin. Colors are as appropriate, usually brown boots with brown belt and the same as with black).

My questions are as follows:

Considering that I'm wearing a non-traditional kilt, is it really over-the-top to accessorize this way? I realize that 5.11 meant these, originally, as a joke, but there are other modern kilt-makers (such as Utilikilt, Amerikilt, UT Kilts, etc.) who make similar styles. I have seen these around, somewhat, and no one else seems to add much in the way of. . .well. . .anything to their kilts. For example, I have never seen anyone else with a kilt-pin on a non-traditional kilt.

Is this too much? Am I unwittingly making a mockery of the "traditional" style? Should I even mention the fact that I'm asking the wife to make flashes to match the 5.11 material?

And what of my custom "Team Kilt" I intend to wear this year for Roller Derby in my league's colors? Should I consider following the same accessorizing "rules?"

I'll stop there, for now.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

The Professor

[The Wizard of BC]

Sir,

Most of the makers of modern kilts follow the example of the Utilikilt. They are made and worn like blue jeans. There is no traditional construction and not traditional styling.

Steven Villegas the developer of the Utilikilt actually coined the acronym MUG to describe his product as he did not believe he made kilts.

A quick look at the UK website will show that the vast majority of modern kilt or MUG wearers intentionally do not accessorize their kilt in the traditional fashion. Boots with scrunched down hiking socks and t-shirts are the norm.

There are no kilt cops so there are no rules and no expectations that you emulate traditional fashion in any way. Your clothes should be comfortable. Wear what is comfortable to you. Develop your own style if you wish.

As most MUGs follow the UK style with a narrow apron most wearers do not use a kilt pin. I sewn on patch, team or band logo are more common.

Most modern kilt have pockets so a sporran is not necessary. Most modern kilt makers use fasteners other than the traditional leather straps an buckles. The distinctive "V" of snaps on the UK serve much the same function of the sporran as a detail in the front.

So don't get wrapped up too much with the myth of "traditional" when wearing a MUG.

Have fun, experiment, go wild as your personal taste dictate.

[Richrail]

from Reno, NV

[TyGuy]

BTW the waist measurement on the 5.11 kilts is your pants size NOT your waist in inches.

[Downunder Kilt]

Although mostly a traditional kilt wearer (95% of the time), I do own two modern kilts, a Utilikilt mocker (it has pockets) and a standard Alt Kilt with 2 removable side pockets.
I never wear a sporran or a kilt pin with them and carry a swiss army knife as a sustitute for a sgian dubh. I wear brown or black leather belts with brass "Sam Browne" type buckles. I always wear boots whislt in Oz, either brown hiking lace ups or 8 up Docs in black or blue. For socks I usualy wear my kilt hose but have them scrunched down.
When overseas in Asia I usually wear sandals in lieu of the boots.
Steve said it all in post No 2, so have some fun experimenting

[Spartan Tartan]

There really are no rules and bo expectation that you should mimic traditional dress in anyvway. Relax, enjoy and have fun!

[sailortats]

I, for one, would never try to accessorize a MUG in the same manner as a kilt. As a MUG is not THCD there is no reason to try and make it look like one.