Woman in a Kilt?

[cajuncelt]

My humble opinion is that if she's in a pipe band, kilt's ok. Otherwise, wear a tartan skirt.

[Alan H]

Have her look at the lasses wear thread. There are a million ideas and pictures in there.

[M_Beorn]

As a Navy Vet myself, I say go for it! Kilts may be a masculine article of clothing, but wearing it doesn't make a man. It's the person in the kilt that makes the clothes. I love the look of a woman in uniform and in a kilt!

BTW, Here's my new kilt - it's the Edzell!

[Morath]

Thank you all very much for your input. You've all pretty much reached the same conclusion as my wife and I, and I will be sure to look diligantly for a tartan skirt or perhaps a kilt like garment that closes on the left... As far as that goes, I'll be sure to hit the lasses wear thread.

As a Navy Vet myself, I say go for it! Kilts may be a masculine article of clothing, but wearing it doesn't make a man. It's the person in the kilt that makes the clothes. I love the look of a woman in uniform and in a kilt!

BTW, Here's my new kilt - it's the Edzell!

On the subject as a whole, I will have to agree with M_Beorn though; a kilt doesn't make the man, and this tartan does represent military service, which in this case, my wife most certainly rates. So, in that respect, I guess it would really depend on the actual situation it was being worn in (which is usually always the rule of thumb). Also, a tartan skirt displays a high level of femininity that one may not want (at least in regards to military service).

Personally, I don't necessarily see anything wrong with a women in a kilt, but I do respect the traditions and heritage a kilt represents. So, I am officially undecided. I will say the idea of a modified kilt that closes on the left is definitely a valid option; I had never even heard of that until now...

Oh, and before I forget, that is a REALLY sharp looking kilt.

[Khasha]

I'm the "wife" in question. My husband just showed this site to me, so I figured I'd drop in my 2 pence. I think the modified kilt that closes on the left, might be the way I go.

I do not want to trounce on tradition; however the rate I held while in service was not even remotely a 'feminine' rate. (I was force protection/law enforcement) I think an overly feminine garment would be a bit "off".

However, I have seen the kilted skirt and I do think that's an absolutely lovely garment and any other tartan I get would be made in that fashion.

I just hope no one feels I mean any disrespect. Just based on the responses and the fact that I was a woman in a male dominated field (and held my own), I'll go with the left close.

I am so excited.

Presently - kilt/kilted skirtless. This will be my first.

M_Beorn - that's a SHARP looking kilt! I can't wait!

[Kilted Craanen]

Hello Kasha,

Good choice. I personally don't really care. You get to wear trousers, so why not a kilt. As long as it's not during formal thingies no one should even notice. (who the heck knows where a kilt apron ends, except for the kilt wearers and related out there?)

However, keeping the peace by wearing a left-closed kilt sounds fair to me. both look grand. Don't forget to post a picture once you got it aye!??!

Greets

Daniel

[Squeaky McMurdo]

My opinion, as a woman, is that a kilt, when worn by a man is a kilt. A kilt when worn by a woman is a skirt.

I absolutely LOVE the swish of my husband's kilt. My knee-length mini-kilt isn't very swishy, therefore, I want a kilt!

The only thing that I see as blurring the line between the sexes is women wearing sporrans and men's shirts (even though I'm soon to join a pipe band and it's uniform it still doesn't look right to me and I'm going to try to convince the pipe and drum majors to let the women forgoe the sporrans and neck ties and replace them with a nice white blouse)

--Chelsea McMurdo--

P.S. Kasha, why don't you come join the newly fabricated X Marks Ladies' group?

[The Barry]

I'm on the bandwagon on this one. I don't really understand the issue. Women have so many options, as they are not restricted in length, pleats, etc.

Women can get a tartan skirt made pretty much any way they want, no need to make a kilt out of the tartan.

[Bugbear]

I'm the "wife" in question. My husband just showed this site to me, so I figured I'd drop in my 2 pence. I think the modified kilt that closes on the left, might be the way I go.

I do not want to trounce on tradition; however the rate I held while in service was not even remotely a 'feminine' rate. (I was force protection/law enforcement) I think an overly feminine garment would be a bit "off".

However, I have seen the kilted skirt and I do think that's an absolutely lovely garment and any other tartan I get would be made in that fashion.

I just hope no one feels I mean any disrespect. Just based on the responses and the fact that I was a woman in a male dominated field (and held my own), I'll go with the left close.

I am so excited.

Presently - kilt/kilted skirtless. This will be my first.

M_Beorn - that's a SHARP looking kilt! I can't wait!

You've defended me, so, if you choose to wear the kilt, the least I can do is respect you in your choice. Thank you for serving.

[Dixiecat]

Traditions change.

I try not to read threads on this subject and should have avoided this one. I can not hold my tongue any longer. I am a woman. I have gravitated to jobs that have been non-traditional. I have directed my life in the idea that I have two hands, an able body, and a brain capable enough to do whatever I set myself to do. I was generally helped in this by my parents in that both my father and mother did what had to be done. It was nothing to see my mother hammering, digging, and what have you to help build the addition to our small house. Or my father scrubbing bathrooms and floors, making supper and washing dishes when my mother was working to supplement the family income.

I've read some opinions here and a few say that they 'don't understand the issue.' 'Women have so many options why do they want a kilt?' And I say why not? What has the sex of the person wearing the kilt got to do with tarnishing your idea of Scottish tradition? You're telling me that I'm not worthy of this garment only because it was a traditional garment for males and I'm female. That I and all females are not capable to carry the honour of Scottish tradition forward?

I have been involved with highland dancing for the past several years. An activity dominated by females who wear kilts. But, this is a traditional male activity using a traditional male costume! A good chunk of Scottish tradition is being upheld around the world by women! Where are the men? How come none of you do this traditional Scottish activity?

Even in the face of a woman who has given most of her life to a career that serves her country, you've told her she's not worthy only because she's a female. (Whatever she decides to wear will be her choice and I'm not commenting on that - except to say, once you go kilt, you'll never look at a kilted skirt the same ;) )

I love this site. I want to see more men in kilts. I want to learn more about the kiltmaking side. I love seeing men in kilts live their life here for us to see. And I would support any man that I know to take the kilted plunge. I'm truly not trying to start a war and I don't want to alienate anyone, I'm only hoping that my opinion might help some to see the other side. So please, take this post as intended: a gentle offering of opinion.