Kilt Do's and Don'ts

[Tommy Hunt]

I would argue that it is all fashion. As you point out the big hairy sporran used to be de rigeur, to wear a plainer one would probably have been condidered a "don't" in its day. Indeed the kilt as we all know, came into vogue as a result of King George IV visit to Scotland, and was quite unfashionable before that time, and existed as a tradition only in Highlands.

Sure we now have expectations about how a "traditional" kilt is "traditionally" worn, such as where a kilt pin goes if one wears one, and what style of jacket goes with what, but as you have given many examples, these customs have changed with the times.

Kilt wearing evolves, some changes take, others fall by the wayside, and unless you're wearing it as a uniform, or as a re-enactor, its a clothing, not costume.

Best regards,

Jake

I like tradition. It connects me to my past - to my tribe. People could go naked wearing only tartan turbans for all I care but other than a bizarre exhibition of self expression it won't mean anything.