Theory and practice.

[Coinneach]

Having just read through all of this thread, I find I'm still trying to make some sense of it all.

I don't know that I would consider myself a traditionalist when it comes to American clothing; I try to avoid any occasion where a suit and tie is expected. Hmm, maybe I am a traditionalist.

I've met a number of members on this site who, while not in a PC, wear the kilt in a formal way and look great doing it. I like the look, but I don't see me dressed up like that; it would definitely feel like a costume on me. But I also don't call my wearing of the kilt, Highland attire.

Some day I may convince myself that I could pull off a more formal look and then I'll definitely be back studying photos and asking for advice, which gets me to what I think the point of this thread is. I don't think it would be possible to take all of the advice I would receive on this forum. At some point I have to pick and choose what is right for me and what is right for the occasion and what is right for where I live. But I would be armed with information should someone ask a question.

[BoldHighlander]

I think the thoughts for Americans wearing a box pleated Newsom style kilt would be " what the heck is that! Oh he's an American, oh well what do they know about kilts, they are bound to get it wrong!" Sorry chaps you really ought to be in the pub listening to the locals after you have left! It is wrong and it is unfair and it does not happen all the time, but that is the way it is sometimes, and to be fair, the comments are justified on occasion.

I think you'd find this to be the case no matter where in the world you are. The locals will talk, so what new? ...and I for one could really care less (sorry, I use to ride with outlaw motorcycle clubs, & if you care about "talk" then thats not the life for you....& you become immune to it too! )

I think it was in the early 1950's when the "modern" hue had a competitor with the coming of the "ancient" hues and I remember my father getting a kilt made in the new "ancient" colours. There were considerable and unflattering mutters from all the family! Times have moved on! Until the weathered and muted hues arrived! Not at all popular at the time! Times have moved on again and whilst not altogether universally accepted, not much is said these days.

Ah-ha! And there we have it, the real underlying crux of the issue (IMO). I had been mulling this one over, the word "change".

Fashion changes over time, for some items (as in this case the kilt) at a slower rate than others. We all know that the "8 yard" tank has been the norm for about a 100 years or so, but we also all know that the 4 yard box pleat was the norm prior to this. My sister (who was trained in the garment industry & worked as a designer) will tell you, some fashion styles "repeat" in cycles (& thankfully some do not). She would also tell you that in some cases, especially with long established trends, that when "change" comes along there is some resistance to that "change" (case in point Jock's story about the "Modern" & "Ancient" tartan hues).

But times move on.....An older style of the kilt (the 4 yard box pleat) is seeing a "revival" & gaining wider acceptance; however as the cycle starts to repeat itself, and creeps back into Scotland there is naturally some resistance to this "change". Now I don't know that the 4 yard box pleat will ever supplant the tank, I rather doubt it. But I'm willing to bet that given time, as its wear becomes more common, etc, that resistance in Scotland to this "new/older" style will become less.

You know, I can't help but wonder at what kind of talk went on in the pubs back in the day after some gent, sporting that new-fangled 8 yard knife pleated tank, walked outside

[BoldHighlander]

My only thought is that had Scots conquered the World as they were inended to by the Creator those Scots that inhabited various areas of the globe would have no doubt made FUNCTIONAL changes in traditional garb to cope with the local presenting conditions - just as many descendents of Scottish emmigrants have.

Indeed.

[ByDand]

This question is to Jock and the rest living and breathing in Scotland. While I along with you try to be as close as possible to correct Highland attire I do sometimes, "dress down" to a T-shirt and boots. However, to the question.....how do you feel about the "Saltire Tartan" kilt? I understand that it has gained in popularity in some areas but I would like to know what the Scots think about it! Thanks in advance for your reply.

[Jock Scot]

This question is to Jock and the rest living and breathing in Scotland. While I along with you try to be as close as possible to correct Highland attire I do sometimes, "dress down" to a T-shirt and boots. However, to the question.....how do you feel about the "Saltire Tartan" kilt? I understand that it has gained in popularity in some areas but I would like to know what the Scots think about it! Thanks in advance for your reply.

I have to confess that I do not know the "Saltire tartan".

[pdcorlis]

A question for Jock and our Scots brothers...

Would you mind commenting of the frequency of kilt wear - if that makes any sense. My limited experience tells me Scots save their kilts for very special occasions - that is is rare indeed to see a "kilt in the wild." Am I far off base here? What would the locals say about those of us who wear our kilts almost daily?

Edit = typo.

[Jordan]

This question is to Jock and the rest living and breathing in Scotland. While I along with you try to be as close as possible to correct Highland attire I do sometimes, "dress down" to a T-shirt and boots. However, to the question.....how do you feel about the "Saltire Tartan" kilt? I understand that it has gained in popularity in some areas but I would like to know what the Scots think about it! Thanks in advance for your reply.

Ive heard of this saltire kilt but aside from a few pictures ive never seen one live but i would presume that it wouldnt look to good dressed up for a formal occasion but is probaly worn for football games etc Most likely when we are playing our neighbours to the south

Something ive noticed and im not sure how this is going to come out so dont shoot me (Please) but older gentlemen seen to allways wear shirts jackets etc which they can get away with for example Jock has 50 years or so on me so seeing him wander around tesco in a shirt tie jacket and waist coat people wouldnt really look twice, But seeing me at 20 in the same situation dressed simaler (sp?) im going to get asked where im going wedding etc. Now Jock and others can pull that look off for daily wear but thats what i would wear for dressing up , The kilt is a given in all of these outfits but people of my generation/ age group have been brought op differantly for better or worse and to us a shirt + tie etc is smart wear.

That being said im also prone to wearing my utilikilts and other "Not real" kilts.
Jordan

[Jordan]

I wear my kilt almost daily when im not at work etc and people just think im weird for doing it. Most dont really try to understand why so i just leave them be

[Ancienne Alliance]

I have to confess that I do not know the "Saltire tartan".

This is the Saltire kilt.





They were a whole pipe band wearing it…


Best,

Robert

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Nothing more respectful than planting your **** on you nation's flag every time you sit down... nope. Nothing more respectful at all.