A jabot that is not a shade of white (and questions related to that concept)

[PodKiDo]

Sorry for the bluntness, but I get tired of folks, not only in the kilted world, but in certain geographical cultural areas of the world, trying always to do things differently rather than trying to do things well.

Uncharacteristically unkind of you sir.:buttkick:

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Uncharacteristically unkind of you sir.:buttkick:

Sometimes "tough love" is called for.

[CeilidhDoc]

Sometimes you can achieve both at the same time. But given the choice I will take well.

I'm not trying to do anything differently. I just find some aspects of highland attire counterintuitive.

The finer points of the jabot are a part of this.

Slainte

[Highlander31]

The jabot is a remnant of the original tying together of a white linen shirt. Linen was used as I understand it, because it could be bleached. Being white was a sign of cleanliness, something the upper classes affected because they could afford to do so. The aspiring middle class copied that aspiration in both cleanliness and whiteness, thus bleach.

As a matter of history, the white that you see on my clerical collar was merely a bleached, starched, white linen band that was worn by those who could read and write - clerks, clarks, or clerics.

Whiteness therefore was the sign of a gentleman, while other colours were the signs of the illiterate, the poor, or the ill-bred.

Thus, if you could afford lace, you could obviously afford bleach and starch.

To be historically correct, I could wear my jabot with my cassock as a priest, but then again, why would I unless I were playing a part in a play. That's the whole point: are you playing at something, or are you something.

Sorry for the bluntness, but I get tired of folks, not only in the kilted world, but in certain geographical cultural areas of the world, trying always to do things differently rather than trying to do things well.

One of the reasons people visit this forum is to learn about the kilt, and how to wear it properly. The OP started the thread, because he had a question regarding the color of the jabot. It was a legitimate question with the expectation of receiving an informative answer. Instead he received a curt "it's white" period. You seem to have known why the jabot is white (as evidenced by your post above), but chose not to give it to him.

Apologizing for being rude because you are "...tired of folks, not only in the kilted world, but in certain geographical cultural areas of the world, trying always to do things differently rather than trying to do things well.", in my mind, is nothing more than a rationalization for being rude. Being an American, who has been involved in operations in multiple countries, I've lost count of the number of times I've heard similar statements about my country and our culture, so it wouldn't surprise me if you are referencing the U.S. in your statement.

I realize Moderators are members as well, and as members they have a right to express their opinions. I presumed it would be expressed with the same courtesy, the forum asks its members to use when posting.

My two cents worth.

[BCAC]

In my not so humble opinion, a white (or off white) jabot is part of Traditional Highland Civilian Dress. Any other colour is too theatrical, too costumey.

[Phil]

It never ceases to amaze me how a simple article of clothing can arouse such a degree of indignation and controversy. We seem to be approaching the "pistols at dawn" stage here over an item of neckwear. In the past I have been berated mercilessly and told in no uncertain terms about the impossibility of wearing buckle brogues. Is it something in the mindset that causes this or is it just the sheer unfamiliarity of the item in question?
As to jabots, I have never seen any other than a shade of white being worn and the links posted seem to point towards fancy dress for coloured ones - pirates, dandies, that sort of thing. If that is the OP's desire to resemble a pirate or an 18th century fop then who are we to criticise? There will be plenty of others within earshot to take care of that.

[Chas]

Sorry for the bluntness, but I get tired of folks, not only in the kilted world, but in certain geographical cultural areas of the world, trying always to do things differently rather than trying to do things well.

That should be on a flash message on every thread here. How often do we read "this is my take on the traditional xxx"? It makes me want to scream at my monitor "Take your take and take it far away from here!"

[Jock Scot]

That should be on a flash message on every thread here. How often do we read "this is my take on the traditional xxx"? It makes me want to scream at my monitor "Take your take and take it far away from here!"

Chas, Bill, Phil and others well said. I wish there was an answer to this problem and thus far, I too, have have failed dismally to find one. However, don't waver in trying to get the message accross to those that are willing to learn and there are many here that are. Traditional Highland attire, with its conventions,traditions, reasons and aethetitics are hard and oft-times, confusing and sometimes expensive to grasp. Highland attire deserves better, much better, than the costume that some make it . And before anyone says it, yes, that goes for some in Scotland too!

[Andrews Son]

The jabot is a remnant of the original tying together of a white linen shirt. Linen was used as I understand it, because it could be bleached. Being white was a sign of cleanliness, something the upper classes affected because they could afford to do so. The aspiring middle class copied that aspiration in both cleanliness and whiteness, thus bleach.

As a matter of history, the white that you see on my clerical collar was merely a bleached, starched, white linen band that was worn by those who could read and write - clerks, clarks, or clerics.

Whiteness therefore was the sign of a gentleman, while other colours were the signs of the illiterate, the poor, or the ill-bred.

I read somewhere about wedding dresses as well only the rich went for white as washing machines werent as good back then
But when cleaning products were introduced the 'commoners' naturally wanted white.