Kilt as just another part of your wardrobe

[Jock Scot]

I wear a kilt everyday. I feel have to because I own a kilt shop. (Although none of the kilt shops I visited in Scotland had staff in kilts)

This is how you will see me dressed on a daily basis.



I spend a large part of everyday explaining to customers - that if they want ideas of how to wear the kilt, they need to come here and not the Scottish based websites. Almost all of the hire shops that Jock Scot rails about in the above post are located in Scotland. It was the Scots who invented and promoted the white hose. It are the Scots who invented the fuzzy rabbit fur sporrans, the ruche ties and the fly plaids worn with Prince Charlie Coatee for day wear.

I don't deny that much of the problem with poor kilt attire and advice comes from modern Scottish hire establishments aided and abetted by a myriad of incorrect kilt attire pictures on the internet and yes indeed, I do rail against it. I call it the "uncaring advising the unknowing" and actually it is almost understandable as the Lowlanders generally have no kilt history so the hire shops are understandably the place beginners go to for advice, poor though it is.

The other part of the equation cannot be laid at even Lowland Scots' feet as more often than not the kilt throughout Scotland is only worn for very special occasions. This part of the equation can be laid at the the feet of those outwith these shores and is described to an almost general "I will wear the kilt when and where I like" and it is this choice that causes discomfort to the traditionalist thinking Highlander, who generally adheres to the mantra of, "just because I can, does not mean that I should".

Its understandable really, as those outwith these shores-----perhaps also excluding parts of old Europe-----generally do not have attire conventions that vary from one type of event to another. Those that struggle with this aspect of social attire conventions are seen almost daily on this website.

[Taskr]

Just as the rest of the wardrobe the kilt is worn when appropriate, generally.

The "generally" caveat is that, along with those times where I simply choose to wear it, I made a conscious decision to wear the kilt every Friday since the work environment and my position allows for highlighting some diversity, heritage and culture. Yet, even that is tempered by "when appropriate". Today, a Friday, the scheduled calendar events were best attended in jacket and tie so the kilt remained on the hangars at home. Could I have worn it, sure. Would it have been inappropriate, no; but more appropriate not to given the audiences and topics of the day.

Not that I don't consider it one of the more comfortable items, but the kilt is no more comfortable than the majority of my wardrobe. Having learned early on that quality attained over time is affordable (cheap and trendy wears out faster in cloth and style), my work attire is well made and well fitted. I dare say some of it gains as many compliments as the kilt. Old blue jeans are a better fit for physical labour and those odd jobs about the house. Heading over to friends' for an evening in dockers and a shirt more relaxed and comfortable. But when the day, or the activity, or the event is kilt appropriate you can bank on it being donned in the appropriate level of dress - less is more.

It's fair, then, to say that kilts are just a part of my wardrobe that is worn with the same consideration for activity and event as the rest of the wardrobe.

[Stoff]

At this time I wear my kilt for special occasions, due to the fact that I only have the one. But, I am in the process of repairing that particular problem. I hope to finish my second one this weekend and start a third on very soon.

I may have to make a hybrid kilt for my eldest first though (in black and orange, his favorite color combination). He really likes the looks of the one I am currently working on.

As soon as it is practical I hope to convert from cargo shorts and pants to utility /X kilts.

Christoph

[DyerStraits]

I wear my kilts on a regular basis and for virtually all of the same types of occasions and events which I wear trews or shorts. A kilt in many ways is or can be a considerably more comfortable, practical and of course distinctive option, and I'm sure my fellow X Markers also share my ulterior motive of sending the subtle but clear message that the kilt is not--nor has it ever been--exclusively a special occasions garment (thereby necessitating an array of pithy-yet-polite responses to various versions of the question, "Why are you wearing a kilt?"). Of course, you must learn to "pick your spots" when deciding whether or not to kilt up, but as I've stated before, every time I've ever debated wearing a kilt and chose not to, I've regretted it, sometimes very deeply. The more you wear the kilt, the more its versatility is revealed....and the more compliments you'll get. What better reasons does one need?

[tulloch]

I love my kilts. I wear them when I want to. Most specifically I have not gone hiking in pants since I started wearing kilts about eight years ago. Six years ago I began playing pipes. Twice in the past eight years I have hiked in pants or shorts. Interestingly one of those times was on Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh. I had my pipes though. Played them there.

I have worn my kilts often to my local pub. They go very well with music, good company and great beer.

[DyerStraits]

I love my kilts. I wear them when I want to. Most specifically I have not gone hiking in pants since I started wearing kilts about eight years ago. Six years ago I began playing pipes. Twice in the past eight years I have hiked in pants or shorts. Interestingly one of those times was on Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh. I had my pipes though. Played them there.

I have worn my kilts often to my local pub. They go very well with music, good company and great beer.

One of my many kilts is an Elkommando hiking kilt by Mountain Hardware. I'm not a hiker but I like this kilt because it's lightweight, wrinkle resistant, has a cargo pocket and an adjustable self-belt--making it ideal for travel and playing golf, which is exactly what I wear it for when I'm on holiday in Arizona, the Caribbean, etc.

[bikercelt1]

The kilt is what I wear whenever I'm not at work. In that sense it's just a garment, although I think it's the most manly garment anyone could wear. That said, I have to admit I still get just a bit of a rush when I see other people in kilts.

[styphonthal]

I wear the kilt during formal events, for going out to bars, and for Scottish festivals. Haven't gotten the courage to wear it at work

[jumary]

I love my kilts. I wear them when I want to. Most specifically I have not gone hiking in pants since I started wearing kilts about eight years ago. Six years ago I began playing pipes. Twice in the past eight years I have hiked in pants or shorts. Interestingly one of those times was on Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh. I had my pipes though. Played them there.

I have worn my kilts often to my local pub. They go very well with music, good company and great beer.

V
Sound great. I would love to play my pipes on Arthur's Seat, kilted or not. One of my favorite places.

[Manu]

Kilts are wonderful garments and can be worn in any number of situations, I always try to be cognizant of the fact that I am wearing a cultural garment and do try to govern myself accordingly as I feel that it is important to leave a good impression on the public.

Well put sir!