Is Vanity a Valid Reason for Kilting

**GMan** · 24th June 06, 11:37 AM

Heritage, comfort, being a bit out of the "norm" and of course I look good in it - males and females have told me.

**timber** · 24th June 06, 06:25 PM

Of course vanity is a reason -- we all look good in kilts and people notice that. But for most, there are other reasons as well.

**Riverkilt** · 25th June 06, 11:47 AM

Aye Chris,

Vanity for sure. But not because I look good in a kilt, rather because I'm wise enough to wear a kilt for my own FEEDOM and comfort.

When I'm wearing a tartan kilt I take PRIDE in my heritage since most all my tartans are linked to my clans and my heritage.

Good on you for the cowboy hats...

I have periods where wearing my Z Coil spring shoes is just too much, even for me with the kilt, and other times where I don't care what I look like, I just wanna be comfortable.

My unfinished project is to figure a way to wear my cowboy boots with a kilt. Just can't get past looking like Dale Evans when dressed that way. That's made worse since a coworker often comes to work in a skirt and her cowboy boots.

I have two pair of knee high western boots, thought that might work, sort of replace the kilt hose, but the high boot tops keep tangling in the kilt hem...and it does look kinda weird.

I do predict though that someday there will be a fashion breakthrough that will incorporate kilts into a western wear look. Jean jackets look great with kilts, and that is a solid foundation to build the look on. Leather kilts offer possibilities.

Gonna take some creativity and some guts to develop the look though. Maybe tartan shirts in cowboy cut with solid kilts - maybe a UK with a western cut to the pockets - plain boots to match the belt and a cowboy hat to match the boots and belt....

Talk about a fashion challenge!!

Ron

**craig** · 25th June 06, 12:05 PM

I'd like to say I wear my kilts first because they're comfortable, second because they're practical (mostly wear Survivals), and third because I don't own pants.

But to be honest, I primarily wear them because chicks dig 'em.

**Chris Webb** · 25th June 06, 03:40 PM

Last Christmas I attended a Denim and Diamonds Ball where I did incorporate Western Wear with my kilt ... the response was great!

I wore a Black Stuart Tartan Kilt, Black lace-up Justin Boots, Black socks folded down to the boot tops, a white Old West cotton shirt (no collar, buttons down to the middle of the chest) and a Black leather Western Yoked Vest. I tell ya, you can read about it at Kiltmens, I never, ever felt sharper than I did that night.

Oh, yea, also had a black leather Ranger belt with Mexican Silver Buckle.

I had to draw the line at Cowboy Boots, though. Like you, Ron, I just couldn't get past the whole Dale Evans thing.

Kilt On!

Chris Webb

**Riverkilt** · 25th June 06, 08:44 PM

Great Chris!

See, it CAN be done...though, as you say Roper style boots work better...

Hmmmm....still thinking maybe a leather kilt would work with cowboy boots...might play with the look tomorrow.

Ron

**highlandcelt** · 25th June 06, 10:01 PM

I say, "To each, his own." Wear yer kilt! However, if you have a bad, inappropriate reason for wearing a "kilt", or you just want to shock people and freak them out, example, the goths, punkers, etc love to do, then don't wear a kilt. Leave the "kilt" in the store! I feel it is a digrace, insult and an affront to the celtic peoples to do that. I think that it should not be a "vanity thing" or a way for you to make a career out of just to make money and get yourself on the covers of magazines, or in the papers or tv news. I feel, that if you want to wear a kilt, do it for the right reasons. Not glamor or attention, like Axl Rose, of the heavy metal band, "Guns and Roses" did, in their video. His actions seriously pi**ed me off when he wore that so called leather kilt. He was just trying to bring attention to his band somewhat, but, mostly to his miserable, weak, self-absorbed ego.
When you wear a kilt, wear it with pride and honor!
Please... do not dishonor or disgrace it for vanities sake or to "shock" people. If you are not of celtic origines, and you choose to wear a kilt... welcome! "Cued Mille Failte!" You are always welcome in my camp!

Just my 2 cents worth.

**Robin** · 26th June 06, 02:29 AM

Originally Posted by highlandcelt

I say, "To each, his own." Wear yer kilt! However, if you have a bad, inappropriate reason for wearing a "kilt", or you just want to shock people and freak them out, example, the goths, punkers, etc love to do, then don't wear a kilt. Leave the "kilt" in the store!...

I agree, when we talk about "heritage" tartan kilts...clan, family, district, national, militairy. A certain amount of knowledge and respect is a must when you wear the colors of your ancestors/roots.

Vanity is a nice bonus isn't it? It's just great to hear and see people like the kilt and there's nothing wrong to feel good because of it.
I go to great lenght to be well dressed when I wear a kilt...because I want to look good...and...out of respect for what I'm wearing.

Now about fashion kilts...including leather and gothic kilts...I'm not an expert and I only own 1 "plain" kilt (7 tartan kilts), but I don't see any problems with people wearing them...why not? it's a garment, it's a free world (overhere) and those who wear fashion kilts or skirts don't offend a clan or country.

I would never wear a leather or gothic kilt myself, but I must admit...I think they look pretty cool.

I do what I like...others do what they like...*group hug*

**MacSimoin** · 26th June 06, 04:40 AM

Chris,

"Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity". Kilt-wearing included.

Ron,

It's too early in the morning to even comprehend the logic behind these

:

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

1. Good on you for the cowboy hats...

2. My unfinished project is to figure a way to wear my cowboy boots with a kilt. Just can't get past looking like Dale Evans when dressed that way. That's made worse since a co-worker often comes to work in a skirt and her cowboy boots.

3. I do predict though that someday there will be a fashion breakthrough that will incorporate kilts into a western wear look. Jean jackets look great with kilts, and that is a solid foundation to build the look on. Leather kilts offer possibilities.

1. Sorry, personally I just can't get past anyone (and I mean anyone) making such a cross-cultural blunder. You may as well wear a Hawaiian shirt with lederhosen while you're at it.

2. Quit the project...or may Dale Evans rise from the grave to haunt you for all eternity.

3. I predict your prediction never comes to fruition.

I think I'm awake now...

**Chris Webb** · 26th June 06, 05:15 AM

It's the American Way to take the best of what each culture has to offer and blend it together. Texans, though we try to maintain some distinction, are Americans. Today it's a kilt covering my loins because it's the best damned garment to do it and it's a Cowboy Hat on my head because it's the best damned garment for it. I'll be the most comfortable and best dressed for the sun and heat on the job today.

Will I look funny? No, no .... I'll just look like an American. And, as amazing as this may be, I'll get compliments all day everywhere I go. There is no single tradition to be respected here, only countless traditions to be appreciated and enjoyed. Mixing these traditions in your own unique fashion is one of the halmarks of the Rugged Individual celebrated here.

Tiss not a project to be dropped, ney, tis the very strength of the United States of America (cue the band!)

Having said all that I still must admit that no kilt looks sharper than when worn with all the traditional items that go with it ... except maybe the Western Blend I described before.

Kilt On!

Chris Webb