Would you wear a casual kilt to Scottish Games?

**Magnus Sporrano** · 9th March 05, 05:30 AM

I would wear my USAK Philabeg without batting an eye. If anyone has anything to say about it, let them try. Anyone who would complain is the type that only wears the kilt to "safe" events where it is expected. Guys like you and me are out there every day wearing the kilt and are in a better place to tell them what to do.

**Matthews** · 9th March 05, 06:13 AM

Should you wear your casual?......YES!
Like what everyone else says, if you wear it with respect......I don't expect you to be bumming around with it and a plaid tablecloth as a fly plaid. Don't worry what everybody else will think, have fun!

Cheers,
T.R. Matthews

**phil h** · 9th March 05, 06:31 AM

here in Ontario I have worn a green cammo utilikilt then the next year I wore my 4yrd nova scotia bear kilt.no probs.

**Jerry** · 9th March 05, 06:38 AM

I regularily wear my casual, 4 yard kilt, in the McNeill of Barra tartan to highland games and celtic festivals around Virginia. I have had no negative comments about it at all. I have seen everything from full 8 yard tanks to the non-traditionals like Utilikilts. Most of the heavy scottish atheletes are attired in casual kilts, and no one says anything negative about their kilts.

**Graham** · 9th March 05, 07:33 AM

When the likes of Matt chip in, there is little more to say, he says it with such authority!! well said Matt.

I will only add that I hope to be at the Games on the Island of Mull this (northern) summer, I will likely be wearing a USAK 8 yard.

I'm sure you'll see many kilts worn casually, not all dress up like pipers or chieftains!

**Galant** · 9th March 05, 08:14 AM

I bought a casual/modern kilt at some Highland games!

My first kilt in fact - a UK survival.

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 9th March 05, 08:31 AM

I know that Matt summed it up (perfectly as normal) but there's another thing to think of.

USAKilts was formed to supply AFFORDABLE kilts to the public that didn't look like they were affordable. The only kilt options at the time the company was started were VERY un-natural looking kilts (you know the ones), too expensive for the normal guy, or were just starting-up and not widely known. USAKilts came-up with options in designs that would allow the wearer to look good and have money to spend at the Irish and Scottish shops at the festivals. Materials included the cotton-blends and wools that were readily available at a great production cost. Simple notion that helped to make it a FAST growing company.

The tartan kilts today have a few more vendors that are working with that philosophy. The Stillwater Kilts "Standard" kilts are a PERFECT example. The many styles of BearKilts are available and popular. These were designed to allow the wearer to go to the Festivals, Pubs, Games, Concerts, or whatever and not worry about the kilt. Those that TRULY know and appreciate kilts will know that authentic Traditionals are monetarily out-of-rach for most people.

"Walk with pride, Laddie."

**Hamish** · 9th March 05, 08:57 AM

It is so difficult to generalise. On the whole I agree with Matt.

Having said that, I have never attended a Highland Games or Gathering in the USA and, when I look at the many photos of such events that are scattered across the Internet, I am amazed that people can dress as they appear to - and get away with it! One sees truly horrifying sights, almost enough to make one's stomach churn

So, whilst a lot depends upon the nature of your 'casual' kilt, I do get the impression that just about anything goes over on your side of the pond and I guess you'll be fine.

I am not so sure that you'd escape so lightly over here, especially in Scotland, where casual kilts are hardly ever seen. In a few years time things could be very different, however, due to the increasing popularity of Utilikilts and their kind. The lightweight, synthetic fabric, casual tartan kilts so popular in the hotter parts of the USA, might take a while longer to be accepted - but I hope I will proved to be wrong.

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 9th March 05, 09:12 AM

Originally Posted by Hamish

- but I hope I will be proved to be wrong.

That would be "kilt blasphemy" I tell you!!!

The only comparison that we can make over here was when "Dallas" was on TV and it was fashionable to wear the Western garb. We got pictures from Europe and Asia of men in plaid shirts, cowboy boots and Calvin Klein jeans. There were MANY worse, but you get the idea.

**Hamish** · 9th March 05, 09:51 AM

Originally Posted by Jimmy Carbomb

Originally Posted by Hamish

- but I hope I will be proved to be wrong.

That would be "kilt blasphemy" I tell you!!!

The only comparison that we can make over here was when "Dallas" was on TV and it was fashionable to wear the Western garb. We got pictures from Europe and Asia of men in plaid shirts, cowboy boots and Calvin Klein jeans. There were MANY worse, but you get the idea.

I think what I actually meant, Jimmy, is that I hope the synthetic fabrics will be recognised for wear in parts of the world where the 'tanks', so suited to our British climate, would be inappropriate. I would not hope to see the situation reversed - for one thing, I do not believe it is ever hot or humid enough over here to wear traditional kilts in fabrics other than wool!

You'll have to forgive me this afternoon! I am beginning to write nonsense as I am SO frustrated with this computer. I have been responding to posts here, but in the past 45 minutes I have lost all connection with the Internet three times - each time just as I clicked on the 'submit' button. I have wasted so much time. In fact, I am not going to attempt to re-write any of them. This will be my last attempt at posting for today - unless this one goes through!

Fingers crossed........