'Ultra' Casual Kilt Wear

**rlh2** · 20th May 13, 01:32 PM

Definately not traditional, but I think it works. You look at ease in your clothes and it shows. I say rock on!

**MNlad** · 20th May 13, 02:51 PM

It works for you—wouldn't work for me. Then again, I've had AARP after me to join for the last 15 years. We each develop our own style, based on personal taste and where we intend to be kilted. Sure, there are occasions that dictate a certain level of dress, but they are few and far between for most of us. Just know, most of us on this forum are more than happy with the simple fact you have chosen to wear the kilt.

**Stan** · 20th May 13, 03:40 PM

Originally Posted by MNlad

It works for you—wouldn't work for me. Then again, I've had AARP after me to join for the last 15 years. We each develop our own style, based on personal taste and where we intend to be kilted. Sure, there are occasions that dictate a certain level of dress, but they are few and far between for most of us. Just know, most of us on this forum are more than happy with the simple fact you have chosen to wear the kilt.

I agree.......and I wish my "kilt wearing" would have occurred about 20 years ago, instead of (what some people think) ending up on my "bucket list".

**adempsey10** · 20th May 13, 06:33 PM

I think the differences in taste are generational, as some have mentioned. We could have this discussion about any fashion style, kilted or not and find the same differences. I've never been a big fan of tucking shirts into pants unless its for formal or business attire. As I've said though, this my ultra casual attire; my 'cool' clothes, if you will. When it comes to going to school, I have a rule about wearing a tucked in dress shirt with a tie and nice pants. I do that out of respect for the academic institution, something other students lack these days (I'm a bit of fuddy-duddy about that stuff).

I agree that the kilt is tradition that is sacred to a country of people and to others in general as a cultural heritage. I dont want to bring disrespect to it but I like the idea of a kilt becoming everyday attire for men. Its more comfortable to wear, it looks good, its fun. I do very much want a nice kilt suit, but as I've said, I'm not a big fan of the Prince Charlie look but I do love the 21st Century tweed kilt suit look (such as these http://21stcenturykilts.com/article/...05e6f21ffa8262).

Here's an example of my 'dressy' kilt outfit (less the shoes, they were all I had on hand at the time).

Thanks for the candour of your replies, all opinions are appreciated.

IMG_1832.jpg

**kiltedrennie** · 20th May 13, 07:31 PM

As you can infer from my handle I fall into the very casual zone of kilt wearing. I also just turned 50, which probably makes me somewhat of an exception.

So far, the most I've "dressed up" is a tucked in Oxford shirt and black shoes for casual work days or an evening out to the local pub. I own several suits, a sport jacket, dress slacks, etc. but avoid wearing them if I can - just not my thing. However, I would dress up if I were going to an event that required it. Not because I would care so much as I wouldn't want to embarrass anyone or cause offense. It's just part of the social contract.

Many of the gentlemen here dress very sharp. I respect their commitment to tradition and have been learning much from them. Who knows, as I grow older (and perhaps wiser), I may change my mind. Along this line of thinking, I'm sewing a casual same-backed vest to wear with my kilt to give me more flexibility. Oh, and a pocket watch - must have a pocket watch to go with the vest ;-)

So, I say wear what you want how you want. If you and the people around you are comfortable, then you're dressed appropriately. I don't think at the end of my days I'm going to look back and think "I should have dressed up more". Any more than I will think, "I should have worked harder". I'd much rather work to live, than live to work. Being comfortable is more important to me.

Just my $0.02

**Nathan** · 20th May 13, 09:31 PM

I have no problem with the kilt as jeans look. You can see some examples of how I did it when I fronted a Celtic Rock band in Ottawa in this thread:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...olution-79284/

A few tips here...

1) Try doc martin style boots, or hikers or something a little rugged and wool pit socks on the bottom.

2) If you're going to go with the converse, I'm not a huge fan of the white socks. Try ankle socks that disappear into the kicks and show off some leg. black athletic socks might also work better.

3) Watch your kilt isn't too droopy. The absolute lowest it should really go is mid knee. Many prefer top of the knee.

4) While I like the colour scheme, your "dressy" kilt outfit doesn't really succeed because to my eye, it looks like you're just missing some kit - A sporran and hose to be precise. At least with the "cool" look, it's obvious that you're going for a indie rock/hipster vibe. In that pic it looks like you're still saving up to complete a look. Some hose and flashes in a complimentary colour and your black sporran form the other photos would take that outfit up a few notches quickly. Actually, given the wristbands and belt a brown day sporran would be even more killer.. Nice kilt there by the way.

For the rock look, I also like a short leather jacket with the banded collar that has been trendy for the past few years. One of those would look pretty cool with your black leather sporran, some pit socks and black leather boots.

I respect where you're going and think there's a place for it, but I also think you'll find rather quickly that there are lots of occasions where a tweed kilt cut day jacket (braemar, crail or argyll) will suit you perfectly well.

The Prince Charlie is only for black tie affairs. A nice tweed, however, can be dressed up or down when a jacket is required to finish off the look. In the absence of a kilt cut jacket, I'd say don't wear one at all. You're better off with a pullover or a simple shirt and tie than a jacket cut for trousers, IMHO...

Anyway, your aesthetic is your own my friend. Enjoy. But I think you'll find it's great to be able to kilt out in any social circumstance. That means being able to dress it up or down as the occasion demands

For other examples of people wearing the kilt in a similar vein, check out the band Seven Nations and early Ashley MacIsaac footage... for some ideas...

Good luck!

**Dale Seago** · 21st May 13, 01:12 AM

"Kilt as jeans"? I have no problem with the concept. But sartorial ideas of what to wear with jeans, at home or privately, vs. out in public, may differ. Would I, or do I ever, wear an untucked t-shirt with jeans? Sure. At home. Never, ever out in public.

The absolutely most casual I'd ever get with a kilt in public -- on a very hot day -- would be something like this:

**Jock Scot** · 21st May 13, 01:49 AM

Well said Dale and a fine example your picture above sets.

**Nathan** · 21st May 13, 06:55 AM

Originally Posted by Dale Seago

"Kilt as jeans"? I have no problem with the concept. But sartorial ideas of what to wear with jeans, at home or privately, vs. out in public, may differ. Would I, or do I ever, wear an untucked t-shirt with jeans? Sure. At home. Never, ever out in public.

The absolutely most casual I'd ever get with a kilt in public -- on a very hot day -- would be something like this:

Dale, your look is classic and smart and you are indeed a fine dresser. As a man who has passed my 35th birthday I am attracted to classic style more and more.

The classic look is not, however, hip or trendy. I think the OP is trying to bring the kilt into his regular style and that of his peers. In my generation, for example, casual shirts were never tucked in. Dress shirts were, to be sure, but casual shirt tails were left out with jeans.

There is a look of deliberately messy style that the keen eye can parse from someone who is just a slob. For example, a few years ago, it was popular among youth to use pommade products in their hair to achieve a "bed head" look like they just rolled out of bed after partying. If you inspect it closer though, you can see there's obviously product in the hair and the "mess" is arranged to flatter the face. The guy who actually did roll out of bed with his hair sticking up on one side, doesn't look as
cool as the guy who just evokes the look.

It's the same thing with wearing shirts untucked or jeans that come from the store with rips in them but making sure the outfit is pulled together with an obvious nod to cultural trends.

It is generational, but it's also about identity. If, like Kyle, you are aiming for Alex P. Keaton and have a conservative approach to your clothing, you would reject these trends as fads unworthy of consideration.

If, on the other hand, you're on your way to see an Arcade Fire concert and want to hand out flyers for your own band's upcoming show next weekend, you shouldn't look too "clean cut".

Some prefer their look to have an "edge". An iconoclastic middle finger (or two fingers for our British friends) to the conventions that came before. That's rock and roll and that is to a large extent Youth culture.

**Riverkilt** · 21st May 13, 07:04 AM

Don't get much more casual than a tank top and sandals with a denim Utilikilt....was past 60 when this was taken. Great casual kilted outfit for hot weather hiking. This pic along the Paria River in far Northern Arizona.

Okay, maybe a wee bit more casual with just a Utilikilt Survival II and boots after hiking down Cathedral Wash in Marble Canyon and relaxing by the Colorado River.

And I know there are pics of barefoot in a kilt sans shirt out there...taken on the beach. Guess a casual kilt by itself is the ultimate in ultra casual.