Why aren't tartan trews as popular as kilts when it comes to highland dress?

**Ozark Ridge Rider** · 25th January 13, 03:25 PM

Originally Posted by neloon

I know. The Scots even invented the kilt - how nonsensical is that? We even put the foldy bits at the back when obviously it would have been so much more sensible to have them at the front. No more squashed pleats through sitting on them and plenty of material for between-the-knees modesty. Not too late for a redesign.

At one of our games last year, one kilted gent had his on absolutely backwards! But he looked so scary otherwise no one was willing to wise him up.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 25th January 13, 06:11 PM

Originally Posted by neloon

Scott would have felt that the kilt was (in those days) inappropriate for himself as a Borderer. So why did poor old and very large George IV end up having to wear the kilt (and pink tights!) on his Edinburgh visit arranged by Scott and David Stuart?

An equally fair question is why didn't Sir Walter Scott wear a kilt during the King's Jaunt-- and the answer is simple. Scott was born with clubfeet, and was self-conscious about the rickety appearance of his legs. Had he not suffered from this birth defect one can speculate that it's highly likely he would have been kilted.

**Mael Coluim** · 25th January 13, 07:58 PM

With the extreme Artic air in Virginny, I decided to debut at work on Kilted NOT Friday my ex-military Royal Regiment trousers. I was toasty all day!

**TheOfficialBren** · 25th January 13, 09:07 PM

Very sharp, Ern!

**Blake Roth** · 25th January 13, 09:54 PM

I took the time, years back, to order a pair in the MacKay tartan, thinking that I'd eventually give them equal wear with the kilt. These tartan trousers I have relegated to what few uber-formal events I go to (rare as they are) soley because I really don't like the look of most Dress sporrans and no-one seems to like my Raccoon mask very much.
Blake

**OC Richard** · 5th February 13, 06:48 AM

Bottom line, tartan trousers aren't as popular as the kilt because they're not as distinctive-looking.

Tartan trousers can look very nice! Especially in the military in the version of No2 Dress that uses trews.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32892154@N04/6869205129/

But then there's this... this photo sure doesn't make me want switch from kilt to trews

http://www.heritageofscotland.com/Tr...09,product.php

**macwilkin** · 5th February 13, 07:13 AM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

Bottom line, tartan trousers aren't as popular as the kilt because they're not as distinctive-looking.

Tartan trousers can look very nice! Especially in the military in the version of No2 Dress that uses trews.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32892154@N04/6869205129/

But then there's this... this photo sure doesn't make me want switch from kilt to trews

http://www.heritageofscotland.com/Tr...09,product.php

Oh, I don't know...in a room full of kilted gentlemen, trews/trousers are very distinctive. At least that's my experience.

The second photo is a bit much (to put it nicely) -- but if someone had taken the time to make sure the jacket, waistcoat, etc. were all in "good order", it wouldn't look too bad. I can't say I'm fond of trews in dress tartans -- to me, trews look better in "darker" tartans like Government Sett, Douglas, Leslie, etc. But, horses for courses.

T.

**BCAC** · 5th February 13, 08:00 AM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

Bottom line, tartan trousers aren't as popular as the kilt because they're not as distinctive-looking.

Tartan trousers can look very nice! Especially in the military in the version of No2 Dress that uses trews.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32892154@N04/6869205129/

But then there's this... this photo sure doesn't make me want switch from kilt to trews

http://www.heritageofscotland.com/Tr...09,product.php

The second quote looks to me as if they are trousers and not properly tailored trews. There's a BIG difference between the two.

**Glen** · 5th February 13, 08:26 AM

Originally Posted by BCAC

The second quote looks to me as if they are trousers and not properly tailored trews. There's a BIG difference between the two.

Yes, big difference. High fish tail trews need to be worn with the PC...

http://www.heritageofscotland.com/Tr...09,product.php

It is regrettable that these advertisements don't show the correct style for wearing!

**Pleater** · 5th February 13, 08:29 AM

Yes - there are trousers and there are trews and they are not the same at all.

Trousers are cut on the straight grain of the cloth, and can be quite loose fitting.

Trews on the other hand are more like tights. Cut on the bias they are flexible and usually close fitting - not a garment that would suit everyone.

Anne the Pleater :ootd: