Is it possible to wear a kilt and not look like you're from Scotland?

[Jock Scot]

And Jock, I don't try to hide that while I am proudly Canadian, I have Scottish ancestors so I wear a kilt to also proudly acknowledge the fact.��

At least that is an honest position to take and for that, I respect it without question. You are a proud Canadian with Scots roots. You are not saying that you are a Scot as many outwith these shores appear to do.

However that does not answer the OP"s question.

[sailortats]

You are not saying that you are a Scot as many outwith these shores appear to do.

I do not believe that many of us outside of Scotland are saying that we are a Scot by wearing the kilt. As stated above we are saying only that we have Scottish roots and are proud of that fact. My answer to anyone asking me if I am Scottish is always "no, I am American but I have Scottish roots". And those that have no Scottish roots but still wear the kilt are saying that they like the looks of a kilt and are wearing it for that reason and for the fact that it is comfortable to wear. I know of only one man in his early 40s that wears the kilt on occasion and claims to be Scottish. And he has the right to say that as he was born in Scotland and for the first 38 years of his life lived there.

[Jock Scot]

Sailor with the greatest of respect, your post does not address the question posed by the OP.

[MacKenzie]

With the greatest of respect that is exactly the problem! Many Scots DO think that you are trying to dress as a Scot, particularly at a Highland Games. You may think that you look very smart and you are in your way, you may think that you are being a Canadian/ American/Wherever doing your own thing but the tartan kilt, hose, flashes, bonnet, stick scuppers that idea in Scots eyes -------. Not only that, i go back to my point that the unknowing man in the street the world over thinks "tartan kilt = Scotland".

I don't think this divergence of viewpoint and consequential opinion will ever be reconciled.

One cannot argue that "tartan kilt = Scotland". Or can you? How many times have we seen on this board a post where someone in a kilt is asked by the unknowing man in the street, "Are you Irish?" or, "Are you from Australia?" and so on?

Is it possible to wear a [tartan] kilt and not look like you're from Scotland? Yes. Even if you are wearing a kilt in Scotland. Or is the "Tartan Army" look now the defacto stereotype?

Is it possible to wear BDUs* and not look like you're in the US Armed Forces? Yes, but the unknowing man in the street the world over thinks "BDUs = Military".

Is it possible to wear a scrubs and not look like you're in the medical profession? Yes, but the unknowing man in the street the world over thinks "scrubs = Doctor or Nurse".

You'll never be able to reconcile the opinion of the unknowing man in the street. It's a variable too large.


* Apologies to Father Bill. BDU = Battle Dress Uniform.

[MacKenzie]

BTW, i want you all to know that I wear a kilt for the following reason.

I'm blisteringly handsome in one.

Besides, chicks dig 'em.

And lastly, I'm a quirky SOB and enjoy doing something different from the norm.

Pretty much that.

And to farther paraphrase Alan...

Also there's that faint, faint genetic connection from the 13th century and Eilean Donan castle, the 14th century and the Wars for Scottish Independence, the expansion of Clan territory from the Black Isle to the Outer Hebrides, the 18th century Jacobite Risings to present day Castle Leod and every scrap in between it seems. But honestly, this is just an excuse as the connection is incredibly tenuous. Be that as it may, it's why I purchased my MacKenzie kilts.

[ctbuchanan]

With the greatest of respect that is exactly the problem! Many Scots DO think that you are trying to dress as a Scot, particularly at a Highland Games. You may think that you look very smart and you are in your way, you may think that you are being a Canadian/ American/Wherever doing your own thing but the tartan kilt, hose, flashes, bonnet, stick scuppers that idea in Scots eyes -------. Not only that, i go back to my point that the unknowing man in the street the world over thinks "tartan kilt = Scotland".

I don't think this divergence of viewpoint and consequential opinion will ever be reconciled.

I agree that the viewpoints my never come to a mutually satisfied conclusion. One odd point though, when I do wear my kilt out (not to a highland games) most people who stop and ask me about it think that it is IRISH! Never could figure that out.

And while I think that some Scots might see me in a kilt and think I am attempting to look Scottish my experience is that many, if not most, do not. I have a large family back in Scotland and many friends in Scotland who I share on other social media. They see photos of me in the kilt quite a bit and I have never had one, ever, say "hey why are you trying to look Scottish?" Most say they are glad to see me still wearing the kilt here in the USA. Now I may be drawing a fine line here but that says "yes, the tartan kilt is a Scottish garment" but it does not say I'm trying to look Scottish. Maybe I can sort the difference only in my own mind. But I think that there is a difference.

[Holcombe Thomas]

For whatever it might be worth, while kilted, I have never been asked if I was Scottish, but have been asked, several times, if I was Irish. I have no idea why that might be so.

Holcombe

[gdempster61]

I do think it is possible to where a kilt and nay look like you are from Scotland. There are many amoungst us who wear the kilt that do not understand the details of doing so in a Scottish manner. Proper fit and accessories always give it away. I must admit as I have been reading this thread (LMAO) that while we may all wear it for different reasons, it is unwaveringly about Scotland. No matter the type of kilt,i.e., Utility, LEATHER, Traditional, it tends to cause "the man on the street" to think SCOTLAND! No offense intended to the others of Celtic heritage.

" The Scots an The Irish, we get along swimmingly, it's the English we hay to worry about"

AlbaGu Brath
Gordon

[Sir Didymous]

One cannot argue that "tartan kilt = Scotland". Or can you? How many times have we seen on this board a post where someone in a kilt is asked by the unknowing man in the street, "Are you Irish?" or, "Are you from Australia?" and so on?

Is it possible to wear a [tartan] kilt and not look like you're from Scotland? Yes. Even if you are wearing a kilt in Scotland. Or is the "Tartan Army" look now the defacto stereotype?

Is it possible to wear BDUs* and not look like you're in the US Armed Forces? Yes, but the unknowing man in the street the world over thinks "BDUs = Military".

Is it possible to wear a scrubs and not look like you're in the medical profession? Yes, but the unknowing man in the street the world over thinks "scrubs = Doctor or Nurse".

You'll never be able to reconcile the opinion of the unknowing man in the street. It's a variable too large.


* Apologies to Father Bill. BDU = Battle Dress Uniform.

I fully agree. I was once asked if I was a Manxman? Everyone has their own questions to ask, and in my adventures they usually are more concerned with which tartan I'm wearing. My Ohio accent typically dispels any question of where I am from. The strangest question I was asked was "Do you work here?" at a local Speedway gas station. In their defense, I was wearing a tie; and some associate that with management.

In short, clothing that deviates from the local norms will always make people ask questions (at least to themselves). Now is there a way to avoid those questions being related to ethnicity when the clothing in question is associated with a particular culture? Well, I don't know that you can ever stop everybody.

I consider this relevant as it takes the original question and applies it to another form of dress for comparison.

After a reenactment, our medieval troop went out to eat at a nearby burger place. While we were standing in line to make our order, a guy walked up to one of the crusaders with us and seeing the white robe and cloak marked with red crosses, asked if he was a member of the KKK? Sir John (the crusader in question) was instantly insulted. But it was no fault of his that this other person made a mental connection with the way he was dressed and this group with which we have no affiliation. Additionally, that was what this person knew; so that was the connection he made. Probably intending no insult.

I think the intent of the one wearing a garment has greater significance then what others might assume. We can't control what others think, no matter what we do.

[grizzbass]

you found cool dinosaur material and this was the best way to show it off (actually easiest way for grandpa to make something. The trousers and shirts I have tried it would be better to go naked than accept the ridicule of wearing themI do find them cooler, both actual and image, when hiking. I do want to show pride in part of my heritage also. I believe everyone should wear them as they want and no one else should judge. Unless you wear them gangster style down off their butts in which case the underwear/no under wear debate takes on much more urgency.