General Take on Community

[davidlpope]

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

Start here:
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...ne-thcd-85169/

[Reiver]

I identify as a traditionalist.
That, to me, is wearing the kilt as it would be worn today in everyday day wear. A proper kilt of yardage, hose, wingtip style shoes, vest etc. often with a tie/jacket. This done with attn. to detail in lengths of kilt, hose and not mixing casual, semi, and formal items. A proper theme.
Casual kilt wear of the combat boots T shirt does not appeal to me but doesn't bother me as it is also everyday wear for some in casual environments.
Costume wear/Rennfair style seems playing dress up like cowboys and Indians. Great kilts, swords, the targe, etc. That style to my eye is playing at a historical frame and belongs at Rennfairs or on stage and re enactments not Scots gatherings.

[Cavalry Scout]

Reiver: So wearing a kilt without a jacket and wingtips isn't traditional? What if you're wear a kilt and balmoral with wellies and a fleece while you work with livestock? Is that not traditional? I don't see the traditional kilt as only a semi-formal or formal clothing item.

Cheers,
Mark

[Downunder Kilt]

I identify as a traditionalist.
That, to me, is wearing the kilt as it would be worn today in everyday day wear. A proper kilt of yardage, hose, wingtip style shoes, vest etc. often with a tie/jacket. This done with attn. to detail in lengths of kilt, hose and not mixing casual, semi, and formal items. A proper theme.
Casual kilt wear of the combat boots T shirt does not appeal to me but doesn't bother me as it is also everyday wear for some in casual environments.
Costume wear/Rennfair style seems playing dress up like cowboys and Indians. Great kilts, swords, the targe, etc. That style to my eye is playing at a historical frame and belongs at Rennfairs or on stage and re enactments not Scots gatherings.

what is a proper kilt of yardage?

[Downunder Kilt]

Reiver: So wearing a kilt without a jacket and wingtips isn't traditional? What if you're wear a kilt and balmoral with wellies and a fleece while you work with livestock? Is that not traditional? I don't see the traditional kilt as only a semi-formal or formal clothing item.

Cheers,
Mark

what is a traditonal kilt as semi formal clothing?

[Reiver]

Reiver: So wearing a kilt without a jacket and wingtips isn't traditional? What if you're wear a kilt and balmoral with wellies and a fleece while you work with livestock? Is that not traditional? I don't see the traditional kilt as only a semi-formal or formal clothing item.

Cheers,
Mark

Mark,
No, that was just my example...wearing a kilt with a proper sweater, balmoral etc. is trad altho I doubt you'd see many Scots working livestock in a kilt that cost them a months wages.
Most Scots (who actually own a kilt) own one kilt and it is a tank, so my Scot friends tell me. They wear them on appropriate occasions...casual on up....but a bit more formerly than we I believe.
Most kilt wear is weddings or occasions as such except for the 'few' who wear when it suits them and then, as demonstrated here at least, in a more formal manner.
Now some will wear a sport kilt etc., I've a borderer acquaintance here who does, but honestly there is nothing trad about a sport kilt.
You will see that type of kilt at sporting events...rugby etc. with boots/t's etc. and for that situation, as stated before...just fine. Nice to see 'kids' in kilts.

Pat

[Reiver]

what is a proper kilt of yardage?

I guess not a sport kilt....5-8 yards of good wool. 8 yards, or thereabouts, for me.
This again, is simply my opinion/likes...nothing more.

I am far from an expert nor am I well versed, just as you am learning...but this is my gut reaction to the wearing.

Pat

[Downunder Kilt]

I guess not a sport kilt....5-8 yards of good wool. 8 yards, or thereabouts, for me.
This again, is simply my opinion/likes...nothing more.

I am far from an expert nor am I well versed, just as you am learning...but this is my gut reaction to the wearing.

Pat

Understood Pat. We have had this discussion many times on the forum and the term proper kilt always gets thrown in early on. Maany on this site wear 160z 4 yard box pleated kilts and still look just as traditional as tank wearers, same with heavyweight 5 and 6 yard knife pleated kilts. Cheers

[Reiver]

Understand Pa. We have had tis discussion many times on the forum and the term proper kilt always gets thrown in early on. Maany on this site wear 160z 4 yard box pleated kilts and still look just as traditional as tank wearers, same with heavyweight 5 and 6 yard knife pleated kilts. Cheers

Yes, agree...they can look the part...but they don't quite have the movement do they. Still 'traditional' (somewhat of a moving tgt) in most respects.

Pat

[seanachie]

Just FWIW, for people looking at "modern" kilts, they are not all cut from the same cloth. You can go on EBay and probably find something rather inexpensive. The quality, workmanship and longevity will likely match. Steve and Freedom Kilts make modern kilts, and while I do own a PV kilt from him I don't have a modern, I know the quality of his product and would not be concerned. (I love my Maple Leaf tartan kilt). Another gentleman who makes great modern kilts is Robert Pel of RKilts. These are top quality hand made kilts from a man who takes real pride in his craft.

....just a quick add, but if you have a traditional bent, there are also good quality options that are more affordable than bespoke 8 yard kilts as well, and some of those craftsman have added to this thread.