What is Sharp?

[Chas]

Of course, one man's sharp is another's 'some work required'.

When I was growing up, my mother would say that if she had the money, she would give every woman a full length mirror - maybe every man needs one too.

Regards

Chas

[TheBrus]

"Oh, wad Powers the giftie gie us to see oursels as ithers see us." or something like that.

[Tobus]

Sharp is obviously a subjective term. It will mean different things to different people, and at different times or places.

I've started to type several different meanings, but I keep realizing that they're all contextual. So, without specifics, perhaps looking sharp is as simple as standing out from the rest of the crowd for being better dressed but more comfortable/confident. Regardless of the context, though, sharp always means well-dressed and groomed. I can't ever imagine the term being applied to someone in casual or sloppy clothing. Being 'dressed up' is a necessity for being sharp (to me, anyway). Yet that doesn't seem to be enough by itself. Maybe the deciding factor is having your own unique style that really suits your figure and personality and makes people really notice you in a positive way, without looking like you're trying too hard.

To get more specific than that would be futile. It's like the famous old saying about pornography: I can't define it, but I'll know it when I see it!

[Java]

I have to agree with the first two responses. There are some clothes that are easier to look sharp in, but to me it's more how you wear them that makes you look "sharp". We've all seen men that manage to look frumpy in a tux, and others that manage to look sharp in khaki slacks and a polo shirt. In the same way, it's easier to look sharp in a traditional kilt. But to me, a man in a canvas kilt at the right height, hem parallel to the ground, with sharp pleats can look sharper than someone that is wearing a traditional kilt in a sloppy way. Again, it is, to me, obviously far easier to look "sharp" in the traditional kilt, or maybe I should say it is harder to look frumpy in the traditional kilt. My point in using an extreme and possibly controversial example to to make the point that it's the way the clothes are worn. In my mind what many in the "Sharp man" contest failed to see is that you can't buy "sharp". It's how you wear the clothes.

[David Thorpe]

Several key factors have already been mentioned. Well-fitting, correct in style with respect for tradition, appropriate to the venue and occasion. I would add obvious craftsmanship and tailoring, and showing care in neatness and grooming. All these things put together make confidence easy.

[Cygnus]

I don't see "sharpness" as being nearly as subjective as others have said. I like what MiKilt said about there being styles and variations which he finds "sharp" but not to his taste.

In my opinion, sartorial sharpness is like the sharpness of cheddar cheese - it's about the intensity of the flavor. Even if it's a flavor you don't like, you can tell when it is a high-quality, well-aged cheese. I suppose confidence can help, but I've seen clothes on mannequins that looked sharp, and I doubt the mannequins were any more confident than the others on display. Some folks come around looking a bit like cheap Colby Jack cheese - they're a mixture of "flavors" and, while some may like the taste, I hardly think it could be called "sharp."

The aging of cheese plays back to Father Bill's comment about tradition playing a part, and I would have to wholeheartedly agree - there's something about time-honored and traditional styles that is inherently sharp.

[rondo]

....plays back to Father Bill's comment about tradition playing a part, and I would have to wholeheartedly agree - there's something about time-honored and traditional styles that is inherently sharp.

I don't really agree with this. I think it is easier to look "sharp" in THCD than in contemporary kilts because the 'rules' are more clearly defined but it certainly isn't impossible. I would direct anyone that cares to, to look at Lady Chrystal's double box pleated three pleat contemporary kilt and try to convince me that it is not "sharp". That kilt is one of the most spectacular [imo] contemporary kilts out there. Just sayin'.
Rondo

[Cygnus]

I think we may actually agree on this point, Rondo. I wasn't saying that non-traditional looks can't be sharp, just that, as you said, "it is easier to look 'sharp' in THCD than contemporary kilts because the 'rules' are more clearly defined." What is or isn't sharp has been well-defined (and occasionally refined) by those rules over the years.

[David Thorpe]

Just my opinion, Rondo... I might call the outfit you described in your earlier post as "cool" but not as "sharp", precisely because of the respect-for-tradition factor.

[rondo]

I think we may actually agree on this point, Rondo. I wasn't saying that non-traditional looks can't be sharp, just that, as you said, "it is easier to look 'sharp' in THCD than contemporary kilts because the 'rules' are more clearly defined." What is or isn't sharp has been well-defined (and occasionally refined) by those rules over the years.

Yes, of course. After rereading my post it came off as a bit gruff I'm afraid and that wasn't my intention. I point to lady Chrystal's kilt as even the most die hard traditionalist's recognize the quality of her work. I'd never suggest that a $50 acrylic could ever be considered "sharp" but I do think Rocky's Semi-traditional [PV] strikes a ballance between value on one hand and quality on the other. My PV looks better to most than wool and it is easier to maintain. Where I live I am the only Kilted one, so I end up carying the torch for all... ... I try never to go out kilted in a sloppy fashion. I do have traditional garb but find casual [but sharp] more welcome in my community.

Rondo