i wear a kilt every day. i'm self employed, so it's easier for me, but a kilt is clothing to me not a costume. i have a suggestion for those who would like to wear the kilt as part of their cultural heritage.

learn the historical roots of *why* anything was worn. highlanders weren't really much for "fluff" and if they wore it there was a reason.

the little kilt is an evolution of the great kilt. the great kilt was sleeping bag (and warm it is too!), coat and game bag. it was an incredibly practical item and wearing it was the most practical way to carry it around. it evolved into the little kilt because the highlanders found themselves "in town" and the great kilt was no longer practical. the little kilt was a way of hanging on to the culture but a scotsman was practical above all. i wear the little kilt to work precisely because the great kilt would get in the way when working. at games or while camping i wear the great kilt because there it is much more practical than the little kilt.

where did the sporran come from? the ghillies? the bonnet? the prince charles jacket? if you know the roots of your attire you will probably come closer to what is "traditional" in the modern world.

the kilt is a wonderful item of clothing. when someone comes into my shop and asks questions about it i'm happy to answer them. questions from folks who know nothing are nice. i've seen a ton of people who wear the kilt with no idea what it is or what the "roots" are of it. and in many cases they put out false information because they heard it, read it or just want to look like an expert. there's a lot i don't know, but taking the time to do some research solves most of that. and when i diverge from the "traditional" attire i know it and i know why i'm doing it. i am constantly getting comments from folks about how "authentic" i look. that's because i wear the kilt as a functional item of clothing and not as a costume. the "attitude" is different when i am in costume and when i'm just wearing my clothing.

btw, one of the biggest reasons i choose to wear the kilt and the old fashioned "stuff" is because it's so practical. and comfortable.

anyway, enough of the soapbox. hope to see more of ye around. i enjoyed meeting folks from this board at the livermore games and hope to meet more of ye.