Panache Answers the "Big Kilt Questions"

[Panache]

Question 13 Do Modern Kilts follow the same rules as Traditional Highland Attire?

No. Modern kilts (such as Utilikilts, R Kilts, etc.) are their own thing. One can certainly take inspiration from traditional highland attire (like a simple styled modern jacket cut along the lines of a traditional Argyll one) but following it too closely doesn’t really work and creates an incongruous look with a modern kilt. If you really want to wear Argyll jackets with silver/chrome diamond buttons, flashes, fancy sporrans, etc. then please stick to traditional looking kilts. Being such a new fashion there really aren't any set rules for modern kilts but one should try to come up with an entire outfit where all elements all work together.

[Panache]

Question 14 What is the relationship between ModernKilts and Traditional Scottish kilts?

While 21st Century Kilts started the modern kilt movement the Seatle based Utilikilts proved to be the most influential. In the late 1990’s Steven Villegas created a “MUG” (Male Unbifurcated Garment) for himself. Villegas was not of Scottish descent and he did not associate this garment he created with traditional Scottish Kilts. However the term kilt was marketable and the product was eventually offered as a “Utilikilt” and thus the first modern kilts were offered to the American public.

While the initial run of Utilikilts featured pleats all the way round and a zipper, the second run of Utilikilts obviously turned toward the traditional Scottish kilt for inspiration. The new model featured front aprons, that though narrower, still gave something of the impression of the traditional Scottish kilt. The traditional front apron with pleats behind arrangement struck a chord and the success of the Utilikilt company inspired a number of other entrepreneurs to try their own take at the modern kilt.

Quite a number of these companies offer wider front aprons, more and narrower pleats, and other features of traditional Scottish kilts. An unexpected benefit to traditionalists with the success of these modern kilts is that they have stirred an interest in traditional kilts. Those who may not have been willing to invest in the $1000+ for a traditional kilt and kit have been willing to try the less expensive modern kilts. Finding these modern kilts comfortable and handsome they began to consider the more expensive traditional ones.

While Steven Villegas wasn’t inspired by highland garb in his first creation it is obvious that virtually all modern kilts nowadays take at least some inspiration from the traditional Scottish kilt.So the answer is that modern kilts are not traditional Scottish kilts but it is obvious that they are a definitely influenced by them.

[Panache]

Back in 1901 the Hon. Stuart Ruaidri Erskine wrote in his book The Kilt and How to Wear It

“The Highland dress is essentially a ‘free’ dress – that is to say, a man’s taste and circumstances must alone be permitted to decide when and where and how he should wear it… I presume to dictate to no man what he shall eat or drink or wherewithal he shall be clothed.”

Ultimately how you wear your kilt is for you to decide, but I hope these straight answers of mine have been helpful.


Cheers

Jamie