Quote Originally Posted by Tobus View Post
I land pretty firmly in the traditionalist camp when it comes to tartan kilts. But I also own and wear a Utilikilt, so I'm appreciative of non-traditional styles as well. I would not attempt to dissuade people from wearing non-traditional styles, but I do think there's value in discussing where the lines are drawn. It benefits those who are trying to figure all of this out.
See, this is where I stand. With most kilt-wear, I stand firmly on traditional Highland Dress. I wear a traditional tartan kilt, a full-dress sporran, a traditional kilt pin with a kilt belt and thistle belt buckle. I wear Ghillie Brogues with hose, flashes and a sgian dubh. Traditional bonnets, Glengarries and Balmorals. However, I do it with my own personal modern innovation, the Ghillie Shirt. I feel I have the balance, because I allow room for modern innovation/development. For example, tartan Balmorals and Glengarries, which are also controversial. I do however, like most people I imagine, think that tam o shanter hats are costumey and look cartoonish.

Anyway, back to the subject of the thread. The Ghillie Shirt. I think most people don't realize is that I'm not trying to look like a costume, I've trying to give off a casual romantic look while partially adhering to traditional kilt wear. I wear it as a normal shirt, not as a costume. Like other parts of Highland Dress, I wear it as normal clothing. I put it on, I wear it and then take it off, simple. I'm not advocating it as a costume piece, I'm advocating it as a shirt. I don't run up to people and say "A-hoi matey! Where's me ship and crew!?". I wear it as a shirt, I avoid making it look like a costume shop piece. I don't consider it to look like a pirate shirt.