Creating a Kilt Experience for the Masses

[scabd]

Dear X-Marks the Scot contributors,
My wife and I regularly host a ‘clan’ tent at Scottish festivals in New South Wales (Australia). Most clan folk (not just our clan) attending the Scottish festivals are not kilted. Given that to purchase a decent woollen kilt is expensive, this observation is unsurprising. (Even the less expensive acrylic kilts can be an impediment to someone who really doesn’t know if they want to wear a kilt.) I have often mused if more people would purchase and wear kilts if they could ‘try before they buy’. Is there is a way to introduce more people to kilt wearing? (Yes, I appreciate that one could rent or borrow a kilt.)

I have pondered whether an amenity, at Scottish festivals, where people can come in and try on a kilt, have friends take photos, etc, would help bridge the gap between wondering if one wanted a kilt and deciding that one must have a kilt. To establish such an amenity, one would need to accommodate a wide range of sizes and shapes. While a tailored kilt looks impressive, the great kilt is likewise iconic (thanks to Braveheart, Outlander, etc). When one compares the cost of purchasing half a dozen off the rack acrylic kilts of various sizes with a few lengths of double-width plaid (not necessarily a recognised tartan), the great kilt has the best cost-benefit. (I am conscious that due to all the YouTube clips that people think that one needs to pleat a great kilt on the ground and then lie on it before belting it in place, but it can be done quickly to a functional standard while standing up, and without a quarter of the fuss and effort.)

Have any other the other X-Marks the Scot contributors considered doing something similar. If so, what are your insights, the issues, potential solutions, best practice, etc.


Cheers,
Steve

[The Q]

I think a pile of disposable paper under kilts might be required!! But other wise a good idea.

[scabd]

I think a pile of disposable paper under kilts might be required!! But other wise a good idea.

G'day The Q,
Is the use of the paper under kilts for hygiene purposes?

Steve

[Jock Scot]

Most Scots at these sorts of events, in Scotland, don't wear the kilt either!

I am not at all sure that the great kilt will help in your endeavours though. I realise full well that the great kilt has its enthusiasts, but in reality they are more theatrical than relevant to modern kilt wearing. The " Braveheart" scenario is hardly an example that is taken seriously either and could be counter productive to what you are wanting to achieve.

The kilt, with appropriate kilt attire, is a relevant and elegant piece of clothing giving many different and genuine dress options for all occasions---------providing its worn properly.

[scabd]

G'day Jock Scot,
I fully appreciate your comments regarding the authenticity of any aspect of Braveheart; nonetheless, it has put an image into the psyche of many.

From a purely pragmatic standpoint, my dollars will not extend to even acrylic kilts so I'm faced with making it work with great kilts or doing nothing. I'm rather hopeful that X Marks the Scot contributors will be able to help me work out how to make it work.

(Personally I prefer the great kilt for comfort and only resort to a modern kilt when compelled to.)

Cheers,
Steve

[Jock Scot]

Hello Steve, you will of course do whatever you choose to do. So I say this as kindly, but as honestly as I can.

"Braveheart" is a joke and you will not believe the cringe factor that film (and others) gives to many a Scot in Scotland.

Yes, I do honestly believe that if you are going down the Great Kilt/Braveheart route you are much better to do nothing, rather than give false impressions to the general public.

If you wish to educate then please give people the right information, not some showbiz concoction of it.

Sorry.

[scabd]

G'day Jock Scot,
Again I can't disagree about your comments about Braveheart - as I emphatically share share them.

Thank you for your forthrightness.

Cheers,
Steve

[The Wizard of BC]

OK, you asked for opinions so here is mine. Most of what I am going to say is based on the last 12 years owning a kilt shop and also attending Highland Games as a vendor.

I don't really think that trying a kilt on once, at a Highland Games for a few moments, is going to do what you think it will. Most people will not actually get anything out of just 'trying on' a kilt.

And I'm sorry, but trying on a great kilt of what ever type, I'm afraid will just re-enforce the false impression that this garment is just a costume. This would be about the same sort of experience as dressing up in an old cowboy costume for a tourist sepia toned photo. It is make believe and viewed as 'dressing up' make believe.
There is always that one guy at the highland games dressed up as Braveheart. There are beginning to be more who want to look like Outlander. Everyone seems to know that this is just dress-up and most would not feel that it is real.

If a potential customer comes up to my tent and seriously asks what this kilt wearing is all about I will help him strap on a full wool premium kilt. Then let him walk around, let him let his wife or girlfriend give her impression.
By trying on a good kilt, seeing and feeling the swish and experiencing the adoration of ladies he may, just may, decide that a kilt is a worthwhile purchase. He may purchase a less expensive kilt due to budget restraints but the feel of the good quality kilt will always be there in the back of his mind for comparison.

At least he will know what a good quality kilt is and be able to appreciate them.

Trying on a less expensive or import kilt just does not give the same impression. In fact I wish everyone who has ever thought about wearing a kilt could have the opportunity to try on a good, high quality kilt for a day or two.

But the truth of the matter is that just trying on a kilt for a few moments won't convince anyone or give them a true sense of kilt wearing.

Not even trying on a solid colored Utility style kilt will give a true sense of what it is like to strap on a high end Tartan kilt. There just is nothing like it.

If someone approaches me with a true interest in finding out if a kilt is for them I ask them if the have any event coming up soon. I then suggest that they come to my shop and look at renting a kilt for that event.

So, I'm sorry. I just don't see your idea working. And I see your idea, as you outlined it, doing more harm than good.

[scabd]

G'day Steve,
It warms my heart to know that you give people the opportunity to trial a good quality kilt.

Thanks for the feedback and outlining your concerns.

Cheers,
Steve

[scabd]

I’m grateful that X Marks the Scot contributors have taken time to consider my request. I definitely hear that some are concerned that a great kilt is little different ‘dress ups’ and that it distracts from the use modern kilt.


Having acknowledged these things, I would like to refocus the thread on how to organise and conduct a Try-a-Kilt experience. This needs to fit into my economic reality so having a set of even acrylic kilts is not an option for me. I need to work out the best way to deliver this experience with great kilts.


Cheers,
Steve