traditional and modern conflicts

[Nick the DSM]

i have a friend at school who i talk about kilts and other celtic items to and we agree on alot of stuff. he is a tradionalist with the kilt, not sure whether he wears anything underneath but he likes everything to be from 1600s style with a few changes. the only modern items he will take is a t shirt and few other things. One time i said my opinions on it, mostly positive and when i ask him- he tears it to shreds saying " they have pockets!" and such. im like ok...then i tell him about stillwater and their items. he didnt know about the site and wanted to know more. i told them that their less expensive than other brands, acrylic and wool kilts, and cheaper accessories. he tore the acrylic to shreds, the wool he liked and when i told him about the nylon sporran with zippers and all, he is like "dude, that is not tradional"

anyone have these problems? i mean hes a cool guy and all but traditional was then, it might not be practical nowadays. like for example: how practical is belted plaid, leather sporran and such in a busy life, say construction? its not is it? a utilikilt would be better suited. nylon sporran with zippers, practical! full leather sporran, depends.

if a scot from back in the day came to the present, im sure he would adapt to the modern items for in his days they used what they had not what was traditional. im sure he would get a utilikilt or a plaid casual with a nylon for comfort.

get what im saying?

thoghts, comments, agreements/disagreements??

[macwilkin]

i have a friend at school who i talk about kilts and other celtic items to and we agree on alot of stuff. he is a tradionalist with the kilt, not sure whether he wears anything underneath but he likes everything to be from 1600s style with a few changes. the only modern items he will take is a t shirt and few other things. One time i said my opinions on it, mostly positive and when i ask him- he tears it to shreds saying " they have pockets!" and such. im like ok...then i tell him about stillwater and their items. he didnt know about the site and wanted to know more. i told them that their less expensive than other brands, acrylic and wool kilts, and cheaper accessories. he tore the acrylic to shreds, the wool he liked and when i told him about the nylon sporran with zippers and all, he is like "dude, that is not tradional"

anyone have these problems? i mean hes a cool guy and all but traditional was then, it might not be practical nowadays. like for example: how practical is belted plaid, leather sporran and such in a busy life, say construction? its not is it? a utilikilt would be better suited. nylon sporran with zippers, practical! full leather sporran, depends.

if a scot from back in the day came to the present, im sure he would adapt to the modern items for in his days they used what they had not what was traditional. im sure he would get a utilikilt or a plaid casual with a nylon for comfort.

get what im saying?

thoghts, comments, agreements/disagreements??

There's an old saying: "different horses for courses".

Generally, I agree with your friend. I'm a bluff old traditionalists about many things, Highland attire included -- but I am traditionalist only for myself, and would never dream of telling someone to do as I do. I would never dream of trying to "convert" someone, but I'm always willing to have an intelligent and polite discussion with someone who may not agree with me. Gentlemen can agree to disagree without being disagreeable.

Regards,

Todd

[pdcorlis]

Tradition is a guide and not a jailer
William Somerset Maugham

I agree with the general direction you are taking here but I think a Scot that dropped into our time from the past would likely still pick a wool kilt. Wool is very practical for the climate of the highlands and Scots, from the past or modern, all recognize a real value when they see one. I expect he might pair a wool kilt up with a polar fleece top and some sturdy boots for tramping through the gorse - but why not ask Arlen any one of the other fine highland Scots that frequent XMarks? If anyone knows it could be one of them.

[pipesndrumsnun]

If he insists on sticking with 1600, no more cars, phones, or television!

[DireStraitsFan]

Was the kilt even worn in 1600?

[muirkirkca]

There have been many improvements in the availability across many price ranges and styles and I think this is generaly for the better and has helped the user base grow.
I wore a kilt for the first time this past Halloween and found it very comfortable - 8 yd. 13 oz - posted on flickr at "people" search "Gord's Photos". I have a casual kilt on order for my immediate need and general use. If I need more formal attire I will move to more traditional garb. In summary it is up to the individual and his choice.

[ccga3359]

If he insists on sticking with 1600, no more cars, phones, or television!

Or kilts. And forget about starting a response with Dude!

It's fine for him to be a traditionalist. I just hope he's an educated traditionalist. That he can back his views with knowledge and proof.

[Monkey@Arms]

Nothing wrong about wanting to be period authentic if you are a reenactor, but as others have said, for me its clothing, not a costume.

Best regards,

Jake-who-generally-does-not-get-into-arguments-with-high school-students

[sharpdressedscot]

Tradition is a guide and not a jailer
William Somerset Maugham

I agree with the general direction you are taking here but I think a Scot that dropped into our time from the past would likely still pick a wool kilt. Wool is very practical for the climate of the highlands and Scots, from the past or modern, all recognize a real value when they see one. I expect he might pair a wool kilt up with a polar fleece top and some sturdy boots for tramping through the gorse - but why not ask Arlen any one of the other fine highland Scots that frequent XMarks? If anyone knows it could be one of them.

That would be true for being in the Highlands, but what about America or other places? They don't have the climate which wool would be more suited to, it would have to be of a lighter fabric, right?

[pdcorlis]

Welcome Sharpdressedscot!

I can only speak for myself. A wool kilt is perfect where I live in Idaho. Now, it gets kinda cool in the winter (10's and 20's) and a bit warm (80's and 90's) in the summer. I find a natural fabric like wool works in ways synthetic fabrics just can't where I live.

One thing we don't have here is humidity - and that could, I suppose, change everything.

Heck, I am always open to learn new things!