Evolution.....

[Blu (Ontario)]

Kilts, or perhaps more objectively, kilt wearers, are evolving. Kilts have long held a special niche in the world of clothing. Yet one inevitable truth in the world is change. Whether a particular style lasts a few months, a few years, or a few centuries, change will be there. Social standards, moral standards, economic forces, religious influences, technology, etc. influence the esthetics and tastes of each generation. A fashion demanded by one will be denigrated by another. Unlike most clothing, kilts are (obviously) a unique case with unique influences and challenges.

Hypothetical open question...

Whether your preference is for traditional kilts, modern kilts, or both, What do you foresee as the future of the kilt? What changes, if any, would you like to see?

Have fun!

blu

[emeraldfalconoflight]

Kilts, or perhaps more objectively, kilt wearers, are evolving. Kilts have long held a special niche in the world of clothing. Yet one inevitable truth in the world is change. Whether a particular style lasts a few months, a few years, or a few centuries, change will be there. Social standards, moral standards, economic forces, religious influences, technology, etc. influence the esthetics and tastes of each generation. A fashion demanded by one will be denigrated by another. Unlike most clothing, kilts are (obviously) a unique case with unique influences and challenges.

Hypothetical open question...

Whether your preference is for traditional kilts, modern kilts, or both, What do you foresee as the future of the kilt? What changes, if any, would you like to see?

Have fun!

blu

Glow in the DARK translucent kilts heh heh heh

[Jerry]

I'd like to see more solids made in the traditional style (with straps and buckles). The one or two I've seen looked great, and have just about changed my mind about wanted a solid color kilt instead of a tartaned one.

[Sir Robert]

My kilts are expensive and because they are wool, must be dry cleaned. These two togather make them formal clothing only.

If the kilt is to be something other than that then they must become more comfortable (fit more like blue jeans), be truly wash&wear (toss in washing machine and toss in dryer), and cost signifigantly less than $500 (more like $50).

The traditional kilt will be part of my formal wear, but I see myself wearing a casual kilt much more often.

[Jimmy Carbomb]

Whether your preference is for traditional kilts, modern kilts, or both, What do you foresee as the future of the kilt? What changes, if any, would you like to see?

Until SOMEONE comes up with original designs and innovative improvements, they're gonig to sit right where they are. They will remain the garments of those who are rebellious or Celtic-at-heart.

I'll have to agree that solids need to get away from the UtiliKilt and AmeriKilt look, and wander on over into the traditional realm. They don't need all the pockets and metal garmishments to be kilts, or be known as kilts. I've made camoflauge kilts in the more traditional look, and it's a huge improvement.

We may only be months away from something completely original... and we may be years away. In either case, it takes innovation and foresight to make this expand beyond the margins it's in right now.

[Archangel]

I think we've basically seen all we're going to see. The fashion will continue to ebb and flow from along the subdivision of the three models. pre-1780, post-1780 and 21Century. I see it becoming more acceptable as other artificial social barriers are broken down.
There will be extremes in length, pattern and material. We've seen that. There will be innovations. I saw R-kilts built in bottle holders and read about kilt pin grommets. The market will determine their permanence. Will the bottle holder work for everyone? The kilt pin grommet idea assumes a standard kilt pin design which doesn't exist, and our kilt personality doesn't really accept that kind of standardization. Inside apron pockets are practical for small things, uncomfortable with a wallet or knife and impractical for bottles or guns without additions support.
I would predict an evolution in computer generated patterns. The Saltire kilt is brilliant in concept and design. How compatible is the Star and Stripes in terms of people accepting it on their bums and sitting on it? What about the classic image of Che, or Marilyn, on the back of a kilt? Hmmn, Rolling Stone's tongue, bike logos, sport team logos, the Maple Leaf.

[Riverkilt]

Just got my copy of the Men in Skirts book. No doubt that the fashion designers are out there developing all kinds of looks for men in the unbifurcated world. Limiting it to kilts limits it to kilts.

Jeez, I'm 60 and so hooked on the comfort that I have two Macabi River Skirts and about 8 sarongs to supplement my kilt collection.

I have yet to develop the guts, support, etc to wear a riverskirt to Safeway...let alone a sarong.

Going from developing the products to getting men to wear the product in public is a leap.

I'd love to see "working kilts" replace jeans.

Ron

[Doc Hudson]

Inside apron pockets are practical for small things, uncomfortable with a wallet or knife and impractical for bottles or guns without additions support.

Not trying to be arguementative, but I disagree.

When wearing my Pittsburgh Kilt, I ALWAYS have either my wallet, or my Smith & Wesson M-640, and a memo pad in the underapron pocket. I find it very comfortable, and the added weight ensures the underapron modestly drops between the legs when seated, and comfortingly weights the underapron in windy conditions.

BTW, in regards to putting a bottle in the underapron pocket, I agree with the impracticality comment, unless the "bottle" happens to be a flat sporran or hip flask.

This is MY experience, and opinion (which has been echoed by others). Your mileage may vary.

[Dreadbelly]

Just got my copy of the Men in Skirts book. No doubt that the fashion designers are out there developing all kinds of looks for men in the unbifurcated world. Limiting it to kilts limits it to kilts.

Jeez, I'm 60 and so hooked on the comfort that I have two Macabi River Skirts and about 8 sarongs to supplement my kilt collection.

I have yet to develop the guts, support, etc to wear a riverskirt to Safeway...let alone a sarong.

Going from developing the products to getting men to wear the product in public is a leap.

I'd love to see "working kilts" replace jeans.

Ron

Ron. I am half your age. But I am supremely confident that if I had a Macabi skirt, I could wear it to the grocery store. In the strangling ultra conservative Bible belt.

Come on... You can do it! Somebody has to lead or provide us youngins an example.

Do we Scots ever shy away from a battle because me might get a boo boo? This is no different. Go in there and be your self.

[Riverkilt]

Thanks Dread,

God I love this board. See, here I am in the boonies with nary a kilt about, let alone a skirt - in town.

I did have the courage to wear it down in Supai Village in the Grand Canyon on the Havasupai Reservation...blew the young warriors away...a lot of tentative, but respectful questions.

So, maybe I'll try a hike to the Horseshoe Bend overlook and test the waters with the tourists first.

Trick is to stand tall and proud and act like its the most normal thing in the world....

Hmmmm Macabi skirt at work....that would test the agency's commitment to diversity.....

An impish mind can be a fun thing to unleash...

Ron