Ruche Cravat with Prince Charlie Outfit

[AstroBen]

We have seen plenty of photographs on this forum of young Scots wearing kilts in ways and combination that have nothing to do with traditional Highland styles. Are they guilty of arrogance, or are they simply wearing their national attire in a manner that seems appropriate to them?

I believe this would be born of ignorance rather than arrogance.

[MacLowlife]

At the risk of once again invoking Scots thrift, I would say here we have a perfect dilemma: On the one hand, rental white hose, paid for, but unattractive. On the other, non-white hose, to be purchased at additional expense. I have worn hired formal wear, but to the dismay of the groom, I substituted my own leather shoes over the rented ones, which were cow-friendly ( not the issue or the reason or even the intention of the evil formal wear rental shoppe).

I look at it the same way I look at popcorn at the movies. It is outrageous and galling, but in for a penny, as they say... If saving money was the point, you'd stay home and read a book. If you didn't want to get exploited, you would have stayed away from the hire shops.

So, I resolve the dilemma in favor of more commerce, a more robust economy, work for the dyers, and non-white hose, economy and good sense ( and my holiest of socks) be darned.

[piperdown]

I believe this would be born of ignorance rather than arrogance.

How about freedom of choice instead...

[Cygnus]

How about freedom of choice instead...

It could very well be that, and it probably is in some cases. I do think that in the majority of cases, it is ignorance that leads to "faux-pas" in Highland dress. And I highly doubt that any of the posters that have stated that white hose and ruche ties are not part of traditional Highland attire would accost someone so dressed or even give them a stern talking-to. I imagine they would just let it go or, if the opportunity presented itself, politely explain that it's not traditional to use those items in that way.

People have the freedom to wear ruche ties, white hose, hats with propellers, rainbow braces, or just about anything else they'd like (subject to local law, of course) with a kilt if they so choose. I do think it's important to remember that the traditional dress of any nation represents the time-honoured traditions and history of many other people, and such traditions, whether you practice or agree with them, deserve respect. It is in this spirit or respect that I believe most kilt-wearers outside of Scotland wear the kilt, whether they get it exactly right or not. I, like many others here, am of the strong opinion that we should do our utmost to get it right and show contemporary Scots, as well as our ancestors, the respect they deserve.*

Regards,

Brian

* I do not intend this to mean we should all wear "uniform" Highland wear, and small variations here and there to express individuality are perfectly acceptable. It should be pointed out, though, that white hose won't make a person look individual, but will rather place him in the vast ranks of those who don't know what is or is not "supposed" to be worn with the kilt.

[Ryan Ross]

I understand how you feel, and sympathize with your dislike of change, but "arrogant" is more than a bit over the top. Arrogance is defined as "overbearing pride evidenced by a superior manner toward inferiors" or "having or displaying a sense of overbearing self-worth or self-importance."

I do not think that most men wear a kilt with the intention of insulting you or Scotland. To the contrary, I think the intent of wearing a kilt for most men who do so is to remember and to honor their Scottish heritage. To accuse a man of arrogance because of the style of tie or jacket, or the color hose, that he wears with a kilt is ridiculous at best, and a stunning display of personal arrogance at worst.
We have seen plenty of photographs on this forum of young Scots wearing kilts in ways and combination that have nothing to do with traditional Highland styles. Are they guilty of arrogance, or are they simply wearing their national attire in a manner that seems appropriate to them? If they make fun of you for being a traditionalist, they are no worse than you for criticizing their choices.

Well said, good sir.

One's personal opinion as a gentleman is one thing, but insulting the well-meaning(or anyone, for that matter) is another. That's my opinion.

All that said, I personally would not wear a ruche tie, with or without a kilt; neither would I look down on one who did.

[wildrover]

How about freedom of choice instead...

...I dunno, do you guys get Pepsi up there?

And I highly doubt that any of the posters that have stated that white hose and ruche ties are not part of traditional Highland attire would accost someone so dressed or even give them a stern talking-to. I imagine they would just let it go or, if the opportunity presented itself, politely explain that it's not traditional to use those items in that way.

They'll have a lot of pipe bands and Highland Games vendors to talk to.

I wish "they" would start. Yes, I will get around to mentioning this to the band I'm hoping to play with soon..."hey, wouldn't it look great if we had X colored socks instead of those stark white ones..."

...Of course, asking a bunch of people to all go out and buy new socks...not easy, particularly when "piper" hose is usually offered in white, off-white, black, and navy, and the good stuff costs money and takes time vs those 20$ pairs of kilt hose...

[Danwell]

I would agree only if native Scots would consent to never wear a tie with blue jeans...

I think I like you

That fact of the matter is that, technically, a kilt is just a wrap-around garment made from patterened wool. Yeah, it is a big feature of traditional Highland dress (not even the whole of Scotland, since as you say in every thread you possibly can, that kilts are a Highland affliction), but there are wrap-around garments that feature prominently in the national dress of many countries.

You can't place rules on the style of clothing to accompany a kilt and claim that anyone who doesn't follow them is

unthinking at best and arrogant at ... worst.

. Unless, or course, you're planning on following the "rules" of pants wearing and only wearing pre-approved shirts, shorts, belts, jackets.......oh......and hats. We can't forget that you can only wear a pre-approved hat.

[Jack Daw]

All right then, let's test this.

Apparently the traditionalists and you all in Scotland have now accepted that off white and cream hose are fine with Highland attire and in the case of formal Highland attire.

I wash my hands of the issue.

I didn't say that I liked cream or off-white (because I don't). I'm saying that for some that cannot tolerate the white, the cream and off-white are acceptable. I think cream and off-white look like faded white and look even worse than blindingly white hose. (Yes, I'm wearing white hose in my avatar, but I have since reformed).