A jabot that is not a shade of white (and questions related to that concept)

[PodKiDo]

Sorry for the bluntness, but I get tired of folks, not only in the kilted world, but in certain geographical cultural areas of the world, trying always to do things differently rather than trying to do things well.

Uncharacteristically unkind of you sir.:buttkick:

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Uncharacteristically unkind of you sir.:buttkick:

Sometimes "tough love" is called for.

[CeilidhDoc]

Sometimes you can achieve both at the same time. But given the choice I will take well.

I'm not trying to do anything differently. I just find some aspects of highland attire counterintuitive.

The finer points of the jabot are a part of this.

Slainte

[Nathan]

I'll let others debate whether it's traditional but you can buy a jabot and cuff set at a local Highland outfitter in Toronto in two colours; white or black. According to the proprietor, the black ones sell well here and at their outlets in Scotland. I've never seen a black one in the wild, and while I'm sure it would be a controversial choice, I'm also sure you wouldn't be the first to make it. I bet it would go over big with those who enjoy goth/vampire inspired fashion.

[ASinclair]

I think for Highland dress, the Jabot is white. If you're going for goth/vampire/pirate costume, black or scarlet or green would do the trick. I'm just sayin'....

[MacLowlife]

MacLowlife, I used to be an English teacher. You get an "A+" for well humoured sarcasm.

Bill+

Thank you sir,

I didn't mean for it to sound quite so snide- if it does. Upon further thought I am reminded of that great philosopher Chris Rock, who said about single motherhood or teenaged pregnancy but he might as well have been talking about colored jabots- "just because you CAN do it, that doesn't make it a good idea."

[CeilidhDoc]

Agreed.

And i'm not much for vampire fashion. So it would seem that a colored jabot is not in my future.

Now Chris Rock might also have a comment or two about the white choice being the right choice but let's not go there, particularly because I don't think I have ever seen him in the kilt.

I very much appreciate all of your tutelage.

Slainte

[Dale Seago]

I have two handmade jabots, one in ivory lace and one in black. I've worn the black one only a few times and found it well received; however, I should also mention that I've worn it only with this ensemble. It does seem to work well with the dove-grey waistcoat, navy jacket, and the blues & greens of this feileadh mor:



However, this being daytime, you'll note that in this photo I'm going with a white neck stock.

[Highlander31]

The jabot is a remnant of the original tying together of a white linen shirt. Linen was used as I understand it, because it could be bleached. Being white was a sign of cleanliness, something the upper classes affected because they could afford to do so. The aspiring middle class copied that aspiration in both cleanliness and whiteness, thus bleach.

As a matter of history, the white that you see on my clerical collar was merely a bleached, starched, white linen band that was worn by those who could read and write - clerks, clarks, or clerics.

Whiteness therefore was the sign of a gentleman, while other colours were the signs of the illiterate, the poor, or the ill-bred.

Thus, if you could afford lace, you could obviously afford bleach and starch.

To be historically correct, I could wear my jabot with my cassock as a priest, but then again, why would I unless I were playing a part in a play. That's the whole point: are you playing at something, or are you something.

Sorry for the bluntness, but I get tired of folks, not only in the kilted world, but in certain geographical cultural areas of the world, trying always to do things differently rather than trying to do things well.

One of the reasons people visit this forum is to learn about the kilt, and how to wear it properly. The OP started the thread, because he had a question regarding the color of the jabot. It was a legitimate question with the expectation of receiving an informative answer. Instead he received a curt "it's white" period. You seem to have known why the jabot is white (as evidenced by your post above), but chose not to give it to him.

Apologizing for being rude because you are "...tired of folks, not only in the kilted world, but in certain geographical cultural areas of the world, trying always to do things differently rather than trying to do things well.", in my mind, is nothing more than a rationalization for being rude. Being an American, who has been involved in operations in multiple countries, I've lost count of the number of times I've heard similar statements about my country and our culture, so it wouldn't surprise me if you are referencing the U.S. in your statement.

I realize Moderators are members as well, and as members they have a right to express their opinions. I presumed it would be expressed with the same courtesy, the forum asks its members to use when posting.

My two cents worth.

[BCAC]

In my not so humble opinion, a white (or off white) jabot is part of Traditional Highland Civilian Dress. Any other colour is too theatrical, too costumey.