I love wearing my kilt (s) but...

[daithi1815]

Much as I really enjoy being kilted and love to take a kilt away with me to wear when I'm on holiday, I do find it's a bit of a pain with all the added bits that are needed that go with the kilt, even when wearing it casually. It's not just the kilt, but the belt, sporran, chain, pin, etc. I realise this is all part of being kilted and wouldn't want it any other way, but it can be a bit trying at times to remember all the 'extras' that are part and parcel of kilt wearing

[McMurdo]

I understand what you mean, for me as I have continued on this journey I find I can forgo some of the things others think you need all the time. For example, I do not wear kilt belts at all anymore and rarely wear flashes or garter ties. It has also become easier for me as time goes by.

[brewerpaul]

This is always an issue when trying to pare down for a casual look. Some people will bypass it all by wearing the Utilikilts and such but if you wear the more traditional tartan kilt you feel you need to include some items. I always think that if I were wearing jeans how would I dress. T-shirt if just plain casual or polo style if going to a pub. Having lived in t-shirts and jeans for decades I've found I just can't do the same with the kilt. I will pare down by not wearing flashes or ties, no sgian dubh, a simple sporran with a belt instead of chain, a plain 2 inch wide leather belt for the kilt (can be used with jeans or dockers too), either my leather clogs or simple oxfords. That is about it. The ongoing battle I have with Jennifer, though she always wants me wearing my kilts, is that she has to dress up to be with me. I assure her the only thing that would be different in my casual dress would be regular socks and jeans. Doesn't always work. Bottom line you can still look nice and casual without too much kit.

[Thekiltedmohawk]

I don't bother with the pin. I forge chain straps for the nice leather strap. I don't use flash. So, it's just the kilt, hose, belt, and sporran.

To be realistic I just swapped a jeans for a kilt, and added a sporran to my dressing habits to keep it simple.

[tpa]

I agree with JDuPree, it is just polo shirt, kilt, a belt for the phone pouch and small bag and shoes and socks if the weather requires them. The only difference from jeans is the addition of a sporran, on a plain strap, instead of the bag if I am going out.

[Gibtron]

My job has me traveling more than I am at home (250+ nights a year). For ease of packing and laundry I travel with utility kilts. I find the ones without the cargo pockets can be dressed up pretty well, even to the point of wearing them with a dress shirt and tie like you would Dockers. I am going to get me a USAK semi traditional to wear to special events so I can still look sharp.

[Liam]

When I travel I pack 2 kilts (wearing one), wear a kilt belt with sporran hangers and a plain black sporran. Two extra pairs of kilt hose and 2 extra pairs of garters/flashes, 7 shirts, underwear, a sweater and a tie, and wear a comfortable pair of shoes, and along with a jacket appropriate for the temperature and you're good for 2 weeks. I also wear compression stockings as "under hose" and carry an extra pair, washing them in the sink every evening. I take along a couple of good kilt hangers and a portable steamer to keep the kilts in good form. Along with toiletries this easily fits in a normal suitcase.

[duke_19_62]

... shoes and socks if the weather requires them.

I love that attitude! Wish I could do that 7 days a week.

[kiltedtom]

Right now I only have one kilt, and I love it. But I do not have too many of the accessories to go with it. I do have a belt, which I have to wear, since I lost about 40 pounds and without a belt, I would not be kilted for long. I do use the sporran because I need some kind of pocket. But I do not have any flashes or official kind of kiltpins. The only thing I have right now is a button that I got from a Renaissance Fair which says that I am a member of the "Briarwood Royal Guild of Drunks." And heck, I was only drinking coke at the time. But it works.

Hope all of you have a great week.

Tom

[joek]

If the kilt has pockets I forego the sporran and minimize the cards carried. Especially if hiking. Buckles usually provide enough security that a belt may not be required. Let security and comfort be your guide.