Clan Crest on a Kilt---Where?

[macwilkin]

Ok, so then we are talking about taking a clan item and putting on a non-Highland dress article of clothing to begin with. How is it any worse to put it on a UK versus a blazer?

I wouldn't say it's any "worse", but something to keep in mind: a blazer badge was designed for a specific garment, namely the blazer/club jacket, regardless of what emblem (regiment, society, school, etc.) is depicted on the badge.

Also, remember that the bullion badge depicting a clansman's badge (and worn with Highland rig) is usually seen among the diaspora, so it really doesn't have a place among traditional Highland attire anyway. That's not to say it's wrong, just that it is a relatively recent innovation, and largely found overseas, as opposed to Scotland itself.

BUT, the blazer/club jacket is found the UK, mostly worn by regimental associations, fraternal lodges, etc.

When I wore my clansman's badge with my blazer, it was a blazer and grey flannels for times I couldn't (or didn't want to) wear a kilt, yet still display a tangible symbol of my heritage.

Again, your mileage may vary.

T.

[Tobus]

I have to concur with cajunscot. I have both modern (Utilikilt) and traditional kilts, but I don't try to mix looks or accessories betwixt the two. A clan crest seems kind of out-of-place being worn with a modern non-Scot, non-clan kilt. But that's just my opinion, and it's worth exactly what you paid for it!

Practically speaking, yeah, the apron on a UK is a bad place to put a pin. It's too far to the inside, and will end up doing a lot of banging around as you walk.

If I may ask, what "special occasions" are you referring to that you're planning to bring forrit the clan crest for?

[Tobus]

I guess what I am talking about is wearing the kilt to more formal, non-Scottish events, like say a party or a graduation from the men's initiations I am involved in.

I have seen it done, but I can't say that a Utilikilt looks at all appropriate for dressing up. They are the "cargo pants" of the kilt world. If you would wear cargo pants to these occasions, and consider it appropriate, then by all means wear the UK.

[OC Richard]

It's odd and sort of interesting that one of the best Pipe Bands in the world, and located in Scotland, wears large clan crest cap badges on their kilts in place of kilt pins.

It looks strange to me.

As I explained to a fellow piper, "you know, they make special badges just the right size and shape to wear on the kilt...
they're called kilt pins!"

But historically this band might be in the right: in The Highlanders Of Scotland only six of the 33 kilted figures having that part of the kilt visible have kilt pins: two open circles, one open oval, one looking like a modern clan crest cap badge, one the crest without surrounding circle, one a complex design. No blanket pins, no pins shaped like "classic" early 20th century kilt pins (sword & targe etc).

[Silent Raven]

may i be so bold as to ask where you acquired such a beautiful accessory? id love to get one for myself.

[BraveheartedO-fWolf]

Silent Raven

I picked it up 7 years ago at the Estes Park, Colorado, Scottish Festival...I don't rememenbr the outfits' name. Sorry....no help at all.

[Lallans]

I used to wear a sporran with my UKs, I guess just because I wasn't secure enough not feel obliged to tag such a kilt as a Scottish item- but since I have a Survivor model with the major pockets, it got to feeling a little silly and I discontinued the sporran, which anyway was a little too dressy. I can't imagine how a clan patch would look on a UK, but you are on new ground there- perhaps you can set a trend.

Do you have a way you can post photos of possible setups with the kilt and the patch? I'm quite curious.

[BraveheartedO-fWolf]

For those who are waiting for a photo...I am hoping to get to that this week.

[BraveheartedO-fWolf]

Here's how I ended up wearing the badge.

[WolfmanJack]

Conceivably, one might wear a clan crest on a tweed kilt, like the kilt worn below by our own Lord Hamish; but to me, it conveys a certain disrespect for the clan and its heraldry. Much better, I think, to display the crest on the left chest of the jacket.