I may be out of my league here...

[OC Richard]

I was kind of surprised that most of pipers on that forum only saw the kilt as an odd costume, or part of their band 'uniform'...
Many made statements about how they would never wear a kilt unless they were playing, and could not wait to get out of it after. And some were very critical and dismissive of the notion of wearing Highland dress as casual, everyday or even dressy/formal wear.


My questions are, and maybe I'm oversimplifying the issues, but where are the disconnects in the Bagpiper/Kilt equation? While I know there are pipers (and kilt wearers) with little or no Celtic heritage, I would think that most pipers got into playing because of their links to heritage?

Well in the band I'm currently playing with, at least, very few of the members got involved in the Pipe Band scene due to heritage. We have members of African, Tai, Philipino, Scandinavian, German, English, Chinese, and Mexican heritage and these easily outnumber the few of Scots or Irish heritage. These people were drawn to the MUSIC and the music alone. Most of the band's members are musicians in a more general sense: most came from a background of playing brass instruments or a vocal background etc and to them the pipes are simply musical instruments and Highland dress is simply the uniform which must be worn to play in. If they were playing their trumpet they would wear a tux but they wouldn't go to the mall in their tux, neither would they go to the mall in their kilt.

An analogy is our local British Brass Band which people of many ethnic backgrounds are drawn to because they like playing that style of music.

Here are some of us at a local Games:

[dutchy kilted]

Welcome!
I can see why you would want to get out of your kilt as possible when it is a "uniform" or costume." As a police officer I can't wait to get out of my uniform when I get off work. Of course, I usually put on a kilt - 12 hours in polyester, leather and kevlar is quite enough. For must of us who wear a kilt frequently, a kilt is just another piece of clothing, it just happens to be hideously comfortable and slightly offbeat. Maybe purchase a used kilt and start thinking of it as another option instead of pants, rather than a uniform or costume, and perhaps you will realize why so many members of XMTS are full or part time kilt wearers. If not, well, post some pictures of yourself in your piping gear!

[Bugbear]

It does, now that I think about it, make me wonder what is being said, in hushed tones and behind backs, about kilt wearers.

I think about other topics, and the things I hear people say... It might go beyond just laughing and mocking.

Not that I haven't deserved some of the mocking and laughing.

[Snowbear]

When piping I wear the kilt as a uniform. To me, a uniform is something that makes us all look like we are part of the same group. That may be pipeband, police, army, etc. The uniform a token of respect and pride. That way every decent person you meet will treat you with the same respect.
When I'm not piping I will wear my clan kilt, just as a police officer will not go around in his uniform everywhere.

I can't really see how you can call it a costume. I think of a costume as something you wear to pretend you are something else than you are. Or just make people think you are something you'r not. I can't see why pipers would call their outfit a costume. When playing, it is a uniform. Before and after, it still is a uniform.

[csbdr]

It does, now that I think about it, make me wonder what is being said, in hushed tones and behind backs, about kilt wearers.

I think about other topics, and the things I hear people say... It might go beyond just laughing and mocking.

Not that I haven't deserved some of the mocking and laughing.

You know Ted, I say "who gives a damn!" People can say what they like. If it's not the kilt, something else will be the target of that ilk.

As to the OP, I'd say give casual wearing a try yourself if you are curious about the "why" behind wearing the kilt. You'll find your own answers.

[Bugbear]

You know Ted, I say "who gives a damn!" People can say what they like. If it's not the kilt, something else will be the target of that ilk.

As to the OP, I'd say give casual wearing a try yourself if you are curious about the "why" behind wearing the kilt. You'll find your own answers.

Oh! I see! It's an ilk thing!

"My ilk is ilkier than your ilk..."

[NewGuise]

It does, now that I think about it, make me wonder what is being said, in hushed tones and behind backs, about kilt wearers.

I think about other topics, and the things I hear people say... It might go beyond just laughing and mocking.

Telling a good joke just as heads are being turned and eyebrows raised by the unexpected entrance of an awesome looking guy in a kilt can as easily result in hushed tones and laughter - the audience still laughs at the punchline but they're all looking elsewhere. You can get the same effect through hushed expressions of high admiration along with light-hearted mockery of those who would not dare to follow suit. But even serious mockery is often a cover for admiration or envy.

So we can worry about what others might think, or assume the best, or simply ignore it all. If I'm feeling insecure for whatever reason, I might well succumb to worry, but it's certainly not an option worth choosing.

[Bugbear]

So you're saying I shouldn't care what people think of what I am wearing?

[Monkey@Arms]

Ehh, that's OK, I have almost completely stopped wearing kilts, and even considered whether I should have started in the first place.

On the other hand, I do have a couple of kilts that I put quite a bit of work into, and a bit of money, hanging in the closet, along with converted jackets and accessories. So... I might end up wearing them from time to time.

It does, now that I think about it, make me wonder what is being said, in hushed tones and behind backs, about kilt wearers.

I think about other topics, and the things I hear people say... It might go beyond just laughing and mocking.

Not that I haven't deserved some of the mocking and laughing.

So you're saying I shouldn't care what people think of what I am wearing?

Ted, I can't speak for NewGuise, but I'm saying if you want to wear a kilt wear it, if you don't, don't. You've been around here long enough (2 years!) to know the pros and cons. What does it matter what any of us say? Just stop with the public vacillating.

Best regards,

Jake

[Bugbear]

Ted, I can't speak for NewGuise, but I'm saying if you want to wear a kilt wear it, if you don't, don't. You've been around here long enough (2 years!) to know the pros and cons. What does it matter what any of us say? Just stop with the public vacillating.

Best regards,

Jake

All right. That pretty much clears it up for me.

I'll avoid this thread.