Transitioning to Kilts (and Scotland)

[cessna152towser]

My daughter obtained an honours degree in Modern History at St. Andrews University. She studied there from 2000 to 2004. You are unlikely to see many Utilikilts around St. Andrews but you will see Scottish 8-yard kilts being worn around the University when there are formal events taking place. What you will see much more frequently out and about in town and on the University campus on a daily basis is the wearing of cheap tartan kilts, either very lightweight Scottish produced wool kilts, or imported acrylic knock-offs, as part of a casual outfit worn with a tee-shirt or sweatshirt. The majority of students wear jeans most of the time but you would certainly not look out of place wearing a casual tartan kilt on an everyday basis. I would recommend buying a good quality kilt and jacket for attending dinners, balls, etc. and a cheap kilt for wearing to classes and around town. Depending on your own preference you could have your formal kilt made in USA or in Scotland. A cheap kilt for casual wear can readily be purchased once you arrive in Scotland.
Solid colour kilts are less often seen in St. Andrews although when I visited there my daughter and her friends appreciated me wearing my solid black wool kilt as they were very much into the goth thing!
Good luck with the studies.

[Heming]

Hi,

Having done the "uni in Scotland"-thing, I thought I'd chip in, although much will no doubt be old news.

CONGRATULATIONS on going to Scotland! The weather is all over the place, but you'll love the people, food and drinks!

1 - I believe some universities would frown upon undergraduates wearing the university tartan - ask before you order your kilt. As for me, I'd go with your clan tartan or any general or fashion tartan you like. Such as Scottish National, or a black and grey of your choice (there are many to choose from). Bottom line is know what tartan you're wearing and why, "black watch" and "because i like it" are both right answers. "Dunno" and "it was on sale" don't sound as convincing...

2 - Don't get your fancy kilt in the US, and don't get your knock-about kilt there either! High quality US made kilts will of course be every bit as high quality as the ones made in Scotland, but you won't save any money and you'd be carrying coals to Newcastle. So if baggage restrictions is an issue, buy your kilt(s) when you get there. At least that's what I did, and I'm happy I waited! Do get your modern-style canvas kilts in the US, because they (virtually) don't exist in Scotland. I recommend visiting kilt makers in your area (there are several) and asking for ex-hire kilts in your size. Top notch kilt for less!

3 - Expect anything from nasty scorn to mild confusion when you show up in a Utilikilt or similar. You'll be the only one in St. Andrews wearing one, probably the only one owning one, and quite possibly the only one who's ever seen one. That said, do wear it, just know that it's as exotic in Scotland as it is in America (possibly more). There will be more modern kilts in Edinburgh, but still not a lot.

4 - Don't wear your good kilt to class - firstly, it's a waste, secondly, it's a waste, and thirdly, a traditional kilt is not something you want to waste. Get a selection of very cheap pub-kilts to roll around in on the grass (make sure you catch summer, it may pass while you have your nap one day), go to class, the pub, the library and the park. Expect your classmates to wonder what the occasion is if you show up to class in an expensive-looking kilt, even if the rest of your attire is streetwear.

5 - Let your first good kilt be a traditional 8-yd knife pleated hand sewn number. That's what the others will be wearing for graduation or balls etc, and you'll feel less out of place. Box pleated kilts, although lovely, will by most scots be seen as either a rather strange invention, or, if the scot in question is more well-informed, historic attire.

hm... I can see my buddy-like tone doesn't compute on the screen, but please believe me when I say I only mean this as advice and opinion, only my experience, and not by any means rules that must be followed :-)

Above all, wear what you like whenever you want for casual situations - and (just my advice again) keep to "the rules" in formal situations. "Dress down Friday" may very well mean "loose the waistcoat, keep the tie" in places, so if an invitation has a dress code, don't be creative.

I'll tell you about creative in a different post, at a different time...

Enjoy your stay in Scotland, and make it long!

Best regards,

Heming

[Mike_Oettle]

The problem with the five-yard kilt is that it doesn’t swing properly — one of the first things I was taught in my regiment was how to get the kilt to swing.
A kilt can be in any colour you choose — black, white, or anything in between.
Personally I dislike the trend towards grey and black, but I see no harm in a plain blue, red or green kilt (or some other colour if you prefer).
For myself I plan on getting a denim kilt when money is not so scarce, but to be a kilted man one really needs something in tartan.
At any rate, that’s my humble opinion.
Regards,
Mike