My First Tartan

[flairball]

Had a slight question off of this, I too have heard some debate as to if flat caps and kilts are compatible so to speak. Aside from Balmorals and Glengarries are their any other types of hats that are not seen as taboo or wont be misconstrued/improper to wear if not a member of a more exclusive group (such as a pipe band)?

There is quite a long thread floating around about this. It wasn't too long ago, so you should find it easily.

I'd say your choice of hat depends on what your goals are. If you are trying to accurately replicate highland fashion then a Balmoral, or Glengarry is the way to go. If you are wearing the kilt as an option to trousers and trying to work it in to a respectable modern men's outfit then you could wear a flat cap or a brimmed hat (or even a ball cap).

[roguefox89]

Thanks flair, I did manage to find several of the "great hat debate" threads and spent most of this morning reading through them and have settled on my own stances for how/when/where certain headwear is better off than others (though I will still likely pick up a Glengarry at some point, I do prefer that style over the Balmoral/Tam but that's just preference).

The main critique seems to be that the monochrome look is "boring" (though I recall it being quite fashionable back in the '90s).

I guess I should 'fess up on this point too, the "everything must match" mentality was something I grew up with (having lived the majority of my childhood in the 90's) not just because that was how I was taught, but I also have a significant red/green color deficiency which plays havoc with my interpretations of nearly all colors. As such, I know I tend to have an anal attitude on making sure my clothes match so I don't look like I stumbled into my closet in the dark and then walked out wearing whatever stuck to me (which, I'll admit, has appeared as though I have before >_< )

[KiltedSergeant]

You look great in that ensemble, and I think some in this thread have stated their personal preferences (which I believe is what should guide your choices) in a manner that might lead you to think you've made some mistakes in your wearing of tartan and the kilt. I believe that the trend I have witnessed in the twenty years I've been wearing the kilt, is more towards personal preference, rather than hard tradition, though I certainly wouldn't rule out tradition, as after all that's WHY we wear the kilt, and I also will not wear certain items/combinations which I find too nontraditional for me. I think we each have to find our own balance between the two.

In reference to some previous suggestions, I would offer the following opinions:

1. Many wear tartan ties with the kilt, and in most circles it is perfectly acceptable. I think yours looks great. As do solid ties! You decide what you like.

2. The large buckle looks very good and makes the ensemble slightly more formal. I would wear that to an informal party or dinner, perhaps. The simpler buckle, as suggested by Cygnus, would look good hanging out at the pub or outdoor Scottish Games/Festival. As to the large shiny buckles being more for formal wear, I would say that generally the Prince Charlie is better worn without a buckle, as the buckle tends to push up on the waistcoat setting it out of sorts. However, a large buckle looks great with an Argyll, in my opinion, for events that are not formal enough for a PC.

3. Belt loops are entirely up to the discretion of the person wearing the kilt. It is apparently an invention of the 20th century, but I would say that most kilts today have them (all of mine do), and I have never heard anyone disparage one for either having or not having them.

4. I have never heard that kilts should be worn or not worn with light or dark shades of shirts. I would wear whatever goes well with the tartan, and yours goes well, indeed.

5. I don't wear "flat caps" such as yours, but I've seen many photos of Scots out for a hike wearing a flat cap. It always looked good, and comfortable, to me. I say wear it for informal times, if you like. I even throw on a ball cap sometimes when headed for the pub (See photo). I'm sure THAT'S a no-no! Whew, I wonder how many rules I broke here?


6. As I've stated that it should be left to your own personal preference and taste, you should probably ignore everything I've written above. But, it might give you food for thought.

Enjoy all your kilted times, my friend! And, I'm sure you'll have many!

[Cygnus]

2. The large buckle looks very good and makes the ensemble slightly more formal. I would wear that to an informal party or dinner, perhaps. The simpler buckle, as suggested by Cygnus, would look good hanging out at the pub or outdoor Scottish Games/Festival. As to the large shiny buckles being more for formal wear, I would say that generally the Prince Charlie is better worn without a buckle, as the buckle tends to push up on the waistcoat setting it out of sorts. However, a large buckle looks great with an Argyll, in my opinion, for events that are not formal enough for a PC.

I should point out that I didn't intend to imply the belt and buckle be worn with formal jackets and waistcoats, but rather in lieu of a waistcoat. I, myself, am not a fan of kilt belts with waistcoats for the reasons given above. One should, generally, choose one or the other for best effect.

[KiltedSergeant]

I should point out that I didn't intend to imply the belt and buckle be worn with formal jackets and waistcoats, but rather in lieu of a waistcoat. I, myself, am not a fan of kilt belts with waistcoats for the reasons given above. One should, generally, choose one or the other for best effect.

I agree completely, Cygnus. The shiny belt and buckle look good when a waistcoat is not worn, particularly I believe, with an Argyll.

[Mike_Oettle]

Hi there, Roguefox, and congratulations on your Jones kilt . . . really something to jones about.
My best friend is a Jones of sorts (a Douglas-Jones, in fact), but sadly he has no interest in Jones tartans, either the Welsh or the Scot-English-Welsh variety.
The kilt is very smart indeed, and goes well with both your shirt and your hose.
There are those who prefer white shirts, but I don’t wear white all that often. By chance my outfit for tonight is a white shirt with black hose, to go with a Botswana tartan kilt and blue flashes.
Most of my shirts are solid colour, though.
Regards,
Mike