How Did You Select Your First Kilt?

[Karl R]

My intent was to be informational, not judgmental. It is almost never my intent to be judgmental.

Fair enough.

The OP stated he wants military tartans to reflect his service, indicating that he is taking symbolism into account in his choice.

Maybe, but there are other possible reasons for his choices. For me, the concept of "permission" influences my choices. (I realize that I don't need anyone's permission to wear any tartan in the world, but I'd prefer to be able to shut down any "kilt police officer" who believes that I do need permission.) The firefighter's memorial tartan looks awesome ... but I'm not a firefighter. I don't know any firefighters. I've met a couple firefighters in my life, but that connection seems a little ... tenuous ... for my personal preference.

Instead, I'll find some other tartan that I like equally well ... where my connection to the tartan can be a little more substantial.

If you think about his choices in terms of "permission," they still make sense. He's been a member of the army and navy. Black Watch is universal. And he's also asking about Laphroaig as a potential connection to the Argyll District.

My statement speaks to the that very fact - few will recognize any tartan you choose, but you can count on being asked what tartan it is, and/or why you chose it. I think I can say with a fair amount of certainty that many will have a judgment about your choice, rightly or wrongly.

Stated that way, I agree with what you're saying. People will ask. Have an answer. But to quote Rocky from USA Kilts: "Context." If I were the one wearing the Laphroaig tartan kilt, I'd be a little uncomfortable explaining my tartan at Aunt Barbara's funeral, or at a hoighty toighty black tie event. But if I was wearing the kilt to a pub ... no problem.

In that example, I am betting those questions will arise. I clearly stated I am willing to support any choice one makes; I am advising clear and
broad thought should the choice be other than one's clan, district, or service affiliation. Some of the questions will get old very quickly, but are easily avoided by careful consideration beforehand.

Heh. Did you look at Bluethunder90's avatar? I'm guessing that he's going to get far more questions that you or I do. They won't be easily avoided regardless of the tartan he chooses. And he's probably already prepared for that eventuality.

Kudos to him.

Should you make it this far from home, please let us know far enough beforehand to get a kilt night together. Others will attest to having had a pretty good time with us, and you'll find I don't bite. Or at least, not often. And not without appropriate foreplay.

I might take you up on that sometime, should circumstances permit. Where are you from?