Kilt Question for the 'Rabble'

[Tobus]

I like the ancient colours woven by Lochcarron too - not many chaps like the predominant colour of 'orange' that is typically seen in many of the red-based, 'ancient' coloured tartans, but I do.

I'm with you on that, Kyle. Sadly, none of my clan tartan variations have a red base to them. I'm thinking about a future kilt in a non-clan tartan that I can get done in that lovely ancient red colour, just because I like it.

As to the original question, I think any of the ancient/weathered tartans would look great with brown straps. Modern colours and dress tartans are probably best with black straps. You might also want to consider, though, if you'll ever wear any of these in a more formal setting where you'd be pairing them with black leather shoes, sporran, etc. It might be a bit of a fashion faux pas to have a brown strap visible (though most folks probably wouldn't notice or care).

As for the number of straps, I'm a solid three-strap fellow. I like to see the third strap on the right side, and I think it helps the kilt construction in conforming to one's body shape, even if it's buckled loosely. But that's just me.

[creagdhubh]

Thanks for your advice, John!

Haha, I haven't forgotten about posting a new thread in regards to the Macpherson Hunting tartan (and all its variants) - I know it has been a wee while since the initial request, but I promise to get it all uploaded as soon as possible, mate!

Best wishes,

[creagdhubh]

I'm with you on that, Kyle. Sadly, none of my clan tartan variations have a red base to them. I'm thinking about a future kilt in a non-clan tartan that I can get done in that lovely ancient red colour, just because I like it.

As to the original question, I think any of the ancient/weathered tartans would look great with brown straps. Modern colours and dress tartans are probably best with black straps. You might also want to consider, though, if you'll ever wear any of these in a more formal setting where you'd be pairing them with black leather shoes, sporran, etc. It might be a bit of a fashion faux pas to have a brown strap visible (though most folks probably wouldn't notice or care).

As for the number of straps, I'm a solid three-strap fellow. I like to see the third strap on the right side, and I think it helps the kilt construction in conforming to one's body shape, even if it's buckled loosely. But that's just me.

Thank you for your insight and advice, Tobus, I really appreciate it. I have often reflected about myself and how I approach my Highland dress wardrobe and have said in the past (mainly to my wife), "you know you are a 'nut' when you obsess about superfluous little details such as these (kilt straps and buckles in this case), and taking forever to arrive at a decision! Haha!

I think I would most definitely reserve the kilts with the black leather straps and silver buckles for evening occassions and formal social events, but I need to be careful here, and not overthink any of this and get too caught up in it all! However, the majority of the time, the straps and buckles aren't even showing due to the 'Inverness' flaps on my Regulation Doublet that completely cover them. And, once I own a kilt in the Macpherson Dress tartan, that would be my primary kilt for formal functions - for obvious reasons! I have thought of having a bespoke velveteen doublet (a bit like a coatee, which exposes much of the kilt) made for wear with the dress tartan, which would definitely make the third kilt strap and buckle visible, therefore, I am thinking that having only 2 straps and buckles on the dress tartan, would be most beneficial.

Cheers,

[Cygnus]

I'm with you on that, Kyle. Sadly, none of my clan tartan variations have a red base to them. I'm thinking about a future kilt in a non-clan tartan that I can get done in that lovely ancient red colour, just because I like it.

As to the original question, I think any of the ancient/weathered tartans would look great with brown straps. Modern colours and dress tartans are probably best with black straps. You might also want to consider, though, if you'll ever wear any of these in a more formal setting where you'd be pairing them with black leather shoes, sporran, etc. It might be a bit of a fashion faux pas to have a brown strap visible (though most folks probably wouldn't notice or care).

As for the number of straps, I'm a solid three-strap fellow. I like to see the third strap on the right side, and I think it helps the kilt construction in conforming to one's body shape, even if it's buckled loosely. But that's just me.

I neglected to say that I, too, am partial to kilts with three straps; though I do generally fasten the third strap a notch or two looser than the others to keep the apron from getting pulled out of shape. I'm not sure why that's my preference - I suppose it's just what I'm used to wearing and seeing.

As to having a predominantly red tartan - I find it is both a blessing and a curse. The red is very striking and flashy, but some people (like my wife) may accuse you of looking clownish or cartoony when a couple more colours are worn with it (especially when your red tartan has a yellow line in it)!

[creagdhubh]

Cheers, Cygnus!

[Mark Stephenson]

Kyle,
I took delivery on my Barb T kilt just last month (USAFR-PB). She gave me my choice of two or 3 straps - I prefer 3. I love the kilt (great understatement). Please let me know when yours arrives. We'll have to go to Nicholson's and give a toast to Barb.
Cheers!

p.s., my MacTavish Modern is predominately red, and it looks great. Never gotten anything but positive comments. I definitely do NOT think the red color is too much. Wear yours often, and proudly.

[AKScott]

I agree with paulhenry that you might as well explore other strap colors besides just brown and black. I can't see images here from behind my office firewall, but from what I remember of the DCDalgliesh muted and ancient colors something like the color "oxblood" often seen in gentleman's shoes ought to be worthy at least of consideration.

Good quality leather can be easily dyed any number of colors. You will be looking for pretty small pieces, but I would suspect do-able.

Are you thinking about a Harris Tweed? I have been fondling tweed jackets in the second hand store rather wistfully I must admit.

[xman]

In many instances, brown, tan or mahogany straps can look very nice, but I'd be wary that they may clash or not look right at a formal.

That said, to my first impression eye Modern colours, Dress and Muted seem to want black whereas Reproduction, Weathered and Ancient could go some shade of Brown.

I recommend two straps.

[denmcdough]

Kyle, they're all very handsome tartans. My suggestion: save ALL your pennies and get one of each

I have two kilts with Dalgliesh material, and I guarantee that you'll love their cloth. Best!

[CDNSushi]

Tobus expressed my thoughts well. I would simply just use slightly different terms. For all the more "earthy" toned tartans, I'd choose brown, and then black for the others.