General Take on Community

[sailortats]

I just want to say that I, for one, miss the days when we had many traditionalists posting here. We always had insightful discussions in those days. Now it seems as this site is mostly geared towards the contemporary way of dressing. Nothing wrong with that of course but I miss the in-depth discussions of days past. I learned a lot from the likes of Kyle, Cole, Todd, Nathan, Calgacus and others and I miss them.

[Steve Ashton]

Ya know, it goes in cycles. At one time Utilikilts were all we talked about. Then a new group came in a the topic shifted. Don't worry the talk about traditional dress will cycle around.

[MacGumerait]

I just want to say that I, for one, miss the days when we had many traditionalists posting here. We always had insightful discussions in those days. Now it seems as this site is mostly geared towards the contemporary way of dressing. Nothing wrong with that of course but I miss the in-depth discussions of days past. I learned a lot from the likes of Kyle, Cole, Todd, Nathan, Calgacus and others and I miss them.

Phil , I agree whole heartedly . I miss those days as well and I think you have expressed it in the most proper , tasteful and eloquent way that I have seen .

Best , Mike

[sailortats]

Thank you Mike. Your comment is much appreciated.
Phil

[RockyR]

I'll echo Steve's comments. As someone who has been on the board and active since 2003, I've seen the [multiple] cycles first hand. The discussions about traditional garb will always be here and frankly (in some manner of speaking) and will outweigh the discussions of Utility Kilts.

Another thing to keep in mind. MANY of today's utility kilt and "casual tartan" kilt wearers are likely tomorrow's "Traditionalists". I started out in 2003 wearing an Amerikilt and a cheap tartan kilt. Today, I still have a few low priced tartan and utility kilts in my closet, but they are GREATLY outnumbered by my wool kilts (heck... they're outnumbered by my tweed jackets and vests!).

The ebb and flow of the discussions here has to do with members. Nothing attracts a crowd like a crowd. The more discussions we have about traditional garb, the more we attract traditional members and teach "casual tartan guys" the traditional way to wear a kilt. Even if they choose not to wear a kilt traditionally, they will at least learn HOW to wear it traditionally and they may (likely will) in the future at least dabble in wearing it traditionally as the occasion dictates.

This may also help as well... don't think of it as 3 separate groups, but a sliding scale. On the far left are utility kilts, in the middle are casual tartan kilts and on the right are traditional kilts. People will move up and down the scale throughout their "life cycle" of wearing kilts, depending on mood, occasion, level of comfort (physical and mental), understanding of style, etc.

Ultimately, we here have a good amount in common and love to learn from each other (newbies from traditionalists and EVEN a few open minded traditionalists occasionally from newbies and utility kilt wearers). The more people there are wanting to learn, the more "traditionalists" come out of the woodwork. The more people think they know everything already and don't want to be bothered with rules (or the more they show disdain for rules / conventions), the more traditionalists feel unneeded and go underground for a bit, but ultimately, more people with questions arise and they come back.

My $.02.

[kiltedcontractor]

I wear my kilts in a casual fashion exclusively. After hanging around here im actually considering formalizing a bit. I do not like dressing formally at all (12 yrs of catholic school dress codes wore me out). There are occasions like weddings etc. where i need to get more adult. That being said im starting slow with a vest. Are hose ect. in my future.......only time will tell. You people are showing me the light.

[kiltedcontractor]

One more thing. I think ill refrain from wearing a kilt to a wedding.....don't want to outshine the bride

[Cavalry Scout]

This is a brilliant thread and to me, highlights the diversity of the forum group. It might be helpful for us newer members if some of veteran XMSTers explain what exactly a traditionalist is. (I know I would benefit from a definition.) Are there people who are dogmatic about what should or should not be worn with a kilt?

Cheers,
Mark

[Downunder Kilt]

Here is a whole thread by Colin and Nathan on THCD http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...xamples-85511/

[Cavalry Scout]

Here is a whole thread by Colin and Nathan on THCD http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...xamples-85511/

Thanks for the link. I've seen that thread. I But I'm wondering where the debate is between people who have various ideas about what to wear.

Cheers, Mark