Panache Answers the "Big Kilt Questions"

**Panache** · 29th August 11, 02:17 PM

Question # 6 Which tartan should one wear?

One should wear the tartan that you like and/or the one that has meaning for you.

That's it!

The one caveat being that one should respect the restrictions on certain tartans (like the Balmoral tartan) and try to be conscientious of those tartans that are copyrighted and not seek to thwart fees/requirements that should be addressed. If you think about it a tartan pattern is just a few lines of color, tartan fabric a bit of cloth. We as human beings can assign meaning to them. Those colors can mean a family, a profesion, a place, an event, a Faith, a company, etc...so please remember to be respectful of the feelings others may have about their tartan. Liking a tartan for simply how it looks is absolutely just fine! It doesn’t hurt however to know what the name of a tartan you are wearing is and what it might represent (you will also sound a whole lot smarter when someone asks you "Hey what is that tartan?" and you have a good answer.

**Panache** · 29th August 11, 02:18 PM

Question # 7 Should one’s leather accessories all have to match colors?

No, just make sure they match in levels of formality.

**Panache** · 29th August 11, 02:19 PM

Question #8 Should one take offense at "are you a piper?” or "nice skirt" comments?

First off take in mind that kilts are not an altogether common fashion and people have a tendency to try to put what they see as a costume into some sort of a context. (i.e. “hmmm… the kilted guy must be a piper or something in a wedding”.) The word “kilt” can sometimes slip someone’s mind (or it may not be part of their vocabulary) and the reference to a “skirt” may not be malicious at all (and in truth let‘s face it, the kilt is a type of SKIRT!)

As for the lame insults thrown out by the uneducated and/or ignorant all I can say is that if you are going to be bothered by little stuff like that then don't bother wearing the kilt. A few good responses can be memorized to be used as needed. Sticks and stones folks, sticks and stones...

**Panache** · 29th August 11, 02:20 PM

Question #9 Are modern kilts like Utilikilts really kilts?

The word "kilt" is a Celtic word that has come to represent any masculine skirt. A Utilikilt is not a traditional Scottish Kilt. Nor is the garment the ancient Egyptians wore, nor is the Greek fusinella, nor the skirt the men of the Hopi tribe of native Americans wear for certain special dances. Yet they are kilts. Language is constantly being taken from one culture for use by others. There is something so powerful and masculine in the image of the kilted highlander that this garment's name has come to represent all masculine skirts.

If you are a staunch traditionalist (and Bully for you if you are!) then these things may not be a "kilt" to you, but please show respect to your fellow man and understand that these are worn as masculine attire. When people wear a modern kilt they almost always use the word “kilt” to describe their garment. There is enough unpleasantness in the world without you adding to it. Before you think about using the term “SKIRT” to deride modern kilts and those who wear them please take a moment and think about some of the nasty slang words that have been thrown at various peoples over the years. Does your own pride/identity/opinion require you to insult someone else or their masculinity? Just please take it that the widespread use of this word honors the iconic traditional Scottish Kilt. Plus it just makes for a nicer world!

**Panache** · 29th August 11, 02:22 PM

Question 10 Should I buy/wear one of those "Highlander/ Ghillie"shirts?

Well, the question here really is…

How much do you like Errol Flynn?

These shirts have far, far more to do with a romanticized Hollywood ideal of the dashing highlander than any authentic / realistic period attire. There are occasions when it is fun to don one of these shirts and let loose your inner swashbuckler such as Renaissance Faires, Piratefests, Celtic rock shows and whatnot. For my branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society they are standard attire for gentlemen at our monthly parties (but not our formal balls). They are comfortable and fun but do keep in mind that they really are more costume than clothing. Something to think about when/if you decide to wear them.

As for me, I enjoy Scottish Country Dance and like Errol Flynn a lot so...

" Then out swords and to work withall!"

**Panache** · 29th August 11, 02:22 PM

Question 11 Should I /can I wear a belt with a waistcoat?

It is a current fashion in highland attire to wear a belt with a fancy waist plate as well as a waistcoat with a Prince Charlie. Most likely this fashion originated from copying the look of a fancy kilt doublet where an additional weapon belt was worn by the gentleman to carry a dress dirk or a sword (though this belt would have been worn on the outside of the doublet).

Frankly it is not a look that I am personally in favor of, but as far as it being within the realm of acceptable dress it is not a fashion faux pas. However, that said, wearing a belt and waistcoat is tricky as you have to get a waistcoat small enough/cut high enough to show the belt while at the same time being big enough/cut low enough to meet the top of the kilt. An expanse of white shirt seen between the top of the kilt/belt and the bottom of the waistcoat is unappealing and makes one’s outfit seem ill fitting (because it is!)

Far better (and easier) to have a good fitting waistcoat and forgo the belt. Or to wear the dress belt sans the waistcoat.

**Panache** · 29th August 11, 02:23 PM

Question 12 Is the Kilt a “Pan-Celtic: garment?

The kilt is Scottish in its origins. The Scots created and wore the kilt. It is not a traditional Irish or any other Celtic cultures’ garment. However nowadays there are Welsh, Irish, Cornish, etc. tartans as well as variations on the traditional Scottish Kilt. So while it wasn’t a “Pan-Celtic” garment originally (the kilt is absolutely originally 100% Scottish.... Period....Has everyone got that? ) it is becoming one in our modern world

**Livingston** · 30th August 11, 10:44 AM

VERY good information, Jamie. I agree with everything you have stated in answer to all the questions. I would, however, might I suggest one more caveat to question 6?

Originally Posted by Panache

Question # 6 Which tartan should one wear?

One should wear the tartan that you like and/or the one that has meaning for you.

That's it!

The one caveat being that one should respect the restrictions on certain tartans (like the Balmoral tartan) and try to be conscientious of those tartans that are copyrighted and not seek to thwart fees/requirements that should be addressed. If you think about it a tartan pattern is just a few lines of color, tartan fabric a bit of cloth. We as human beings can assign meaning to them. Those colors can mean a family, a profesion, a place, an event, a Faith, a company, etc...so please remember to be respectful of the feelings others may have about their tartan. Liking a tartan for simply how it looks is absolutely just fine! It doesn’t hurt however to know what the name of a tartan you are wearing is and what it might represent (you will also sound a whole lot smarter when someone asks you "Hey what is that tartan?" and you have a good answer.

Second caveat, If you are representing a clan, pipe band etc. at a function, wear the tartan associated with that clan, pipe band etc. This also goes along with the respect of the tartan you are wearing in that you are respecting the wishes Chief of Clan MacLea or the wishes of the Pipe Major. It also helps prevent confusion of those that don't know tartans and might wish, after the function, to associate the tartan you are wearing with the wrong clan or pipe band.