Critique my summer kilt wear

[James Hood]

In this opinion, right now is an exciting time to be, "on the forefront" of a new attire trend.

Again, in this opinion, perhaps in as little as several years, the ultra-traditional kilt "look" will be acknowledged as the "tuxedo," and a whole plethora of other kilt-looks will become at least demi-mainstream.

How to stimulate a major fashion house or two making casual kilts part of their usual season's lineup? In the USA, Levis, GAP, LL Bean, The Territory Ahead...?

Should we start a "petition"?

[Dale Seago]

But, regardless of any meaning that may be attached to a military shirt, I maintain that a well pressed military shirt and tie can go very well with a kilt. I'm curious about what other veterans think.

As a veteran with service in two different branches, USMC and Army, I agree. I suppose there could be some potential for some people making the mistaken assumption that the wearer is a current member of some kilted regiment, but I expect such would be very rare.

As far as "the look" goes I think it's absolutely fine -- certainly no worse than, for instance, epaulettes on a clearly civilian tweed Argyle jacket.

[Nick the DSM]

How to stimulate a major fashion house or two making casual kilts part of their usual season's lineup? In the USA, Levis, GAP, LL Bean, The Territory Ahead...?

Should we start a "petition"?

Let's not.

I'd rather have my kilts handmade by the vendors we have now, they don't need to be the replace for designer or fashion jeans.

Honestly, non-traditional ways of wearing a kilt aren't the end of the world. In the summer and even winter, I'll wear a t shirt with my kilt (ofcourse, I have a jacket in the winter) and no hose in the summer. I guess I can pull it off though, I'm young enough.

[Dulcius ex Asperis]

Thank you Ern for posting both pictures for opinions (discussion fodder) and to all who responded. It's very helpful for me to see and read responses. I'm still a bit wobbly in figuring things out for non-formal attire in hot weather that still appeals to my taste and inclination for a more traditional mode of Highland dress. With this kind of help I have hope of getting my sea legs.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

*****

[Downunder Kilt]

Looking good Ern. I agree with others that the first pic is on the edge of traditional and adapted for the climate. The second pic has gone over the edge of tradtional, in my eyes, but I see nothing wrong in wearing a kilt in that manner, Recently in Bali I wore my kilt with a polo top and sandles, without socks/hose. I think as long as one is not claiming to be traditionally dressed at the time of wearing such, then why not wear that way if the climate calls for it.

[Dale Seago]

Looking good Ern. I agree with others that the first pic is on the edge of traditional and adapted for the climate. The second pic has gone over the edge of tradtional, in my eyes, but I see nothing wrong in wearing a kilt in that manner, Recently in Bali I wore my kilt with a polo top and sandles, without socks/hose. I think as long as one is not claiming to be traditionally dressed at the time of wearing such, then why not wear that way if the climate calls for it.

That pretty well summarizes the way I see it.

I love dressing traditionally, and in San Francisco's climate I can comfortably get away with it more often than not.

I'm also quite comfortable wearing kilts in less traditional fashion, and even wearing non-traditional kilts (as in acrylic, canvas, polyviscose) though I don't do that last very often.

[Mael Coluim]

Today was a much cooler day; low 90s, than when I posted the first pic. I decided to use some of the advice given. Here's the dressier MC. I had finished my work day and stoped at the Park Lane for dinner before the Scottish Sociey meeting.



The kilt is a Newsome boxpleat in the Xmarks tartan. The shirt is a seersucker in a window pane pattern obtain on sale from LL Bean. Sporran and belts are Artificer's craftsmanship. Cotton hose from Sock dreams and garters from STM. Upgraded the Desert boots to tassel loafers. Upgraded the straw hat. Wadda you think?

[CMcG]

<snip> Wadda you think?

I think this looks a bit more traditional than the OP... how can you go wrong with Artificer leathers? Still casual and summer heat appropriate but a step smarter