Freedom in Tradition

[artificer]

Is that another way of saying you disagree with Erskine and that THCD is not a free style of dress?

I don't think Zardoz is the only one around the forum who seems to feel negatively toward the rules of Highland dress, as expressed by our resident experts. In some ways I'm surprised no-one else has voiced these opinions on this thread...

I know the traditionalists are strong in their opinions, but does anyone want to take a crack at arguing for a different interpretation of Erskine? I'm not trying to incite any flaming and I trust that this would be done while staying within the rules of the forum.

I'm not a native Scot, nor did I grow up in a Scots-American household, so my views are heavily coloured by my Saxon (quite literally) background.

I find casual Highland dress VERY free, and formal dress equally so. I'll do a quick comparison by event / Saxon / Highland. I may make a few mistakes, so be kind, but here's how I see it:

Day event -nice casual
Saxon- polo and khakis, maybe broadcloth shirt. Possibly cords & sweater/jacket if cool out. Your choice of shoes/belt.

Highland - polo, sweater, jacket - your choice. A rainbow of hose and garters to choose from. Multiple sporran choices and leather goods colours to make. You get a knife in your sock too!

Day event - business dress
Saxon- blue or grey suit- single or double breasted. Your choice of shirt and tie. Shoe colour usually dictated by suit colour.

Highland- Your choice of shirt/tie as above. A riot of tweeds and baratheas in a standard jacket, but your jacket can have nearly any 'cut' to it you please (it can even be made from an old Saxon jacket). Waistcoat, SURE. Hose as above, or go Argyll/diced. Sporrans as above.

Day event - formal
Saxon - Morning jacket (no option to speak of)
Highland - see above entry for business dress, less tweed, shift buttons to chrome or gold instead of bone/leather.

Evening event - formal
Saxon - black or white tie tux. A few minor options for cut of tux, shirts and possibly tie or waistcoat colour (for black tie only). A very few options for shoes.

Highland - 3 or 4 main choices for doublets as well as Argyll jackets or PCs. MULTIPLE material options (velvet, barathea, standard wool) and colour choices (nearly any). Choice of tie (black) or jabot. Possible waistcoat choices to match your kilt, basic black, red or to match your jacket. Still have the riot of colour options for hose and garters, as well as the numerous patterning possibilities. You do lose the leather colour choice for the most part here- nearly always black.

IF it's a really formal white tie 'do' you might even wear a dirk! That can only happen in Saxon dress if you're a member of a certain few knightly orders (or a ren-fester sorry, I couldn't resist!)


IMO there are so many options it can make your head spin, if you really sit down and think about it. I don't really know why people get peeved about "the rules", as there are WAAAAY many more for non-highland dress.

I think that in many cases, Saxon dressers have internalized their rules (having grown up with them) and don't really see them as rules, just "what's done". Having someone inform them what is appropriate for Highland wear just irks.

Although it DOES beg the question for those who are so irked, WHY, if you ARE so irked by "the rules", are you dwelling in the "Traditional Highland Dress" forum?

[davidlpope]

Although it DOES beg the question for those who are so irked, WHY, if you ARE so irked by "the rules", are you dwelling in the "Traditional Highland Dress" forum?

Very good point...