Kilts - A Lifetime Investment

**Southern Breeze** · 9th November 08, 06:54 PM

I was going through my closet, getting out some of my heavier kilts for winter today. I happened to notice the label on this one, the date is 1968. That means its as old as I am, yet is in almost new condition. The moral of the story? Take care of your kilts and your grandchildren will wear them.

22 ounce military kilt, with two straps. Stewart Hunting.

**beloitpiper** · 9th November 08, 06:58 PM

I hope mine last that long! Is there a photo of you wearing that kilt?

**Southern Breeze** · 9th November 08, 07:20 PM

Originally Posted by beloitpiper

I hope mine last that long! Is there a photo of you wearing that kilt?

Ask and ye shall receive.

It's a little short so I only wear it around the house.

**Hamish** · 10th November 08, 04:23 AM

I must agree with you there - my oldest kilt was tailored for me in 1973. It was my only kilt for 26 years and, during that time, went through some pretty rough treatment. That kilt (Gunn, Ancient Colours, by Alex Scott of Aberdeen) is as good today as it was in 1973 - strangely, it still fits well (!), and it looks and behaves like it was made last year. Naturally, I have cared for it - but it's not been kept in cotton wool and acid-free tissue paper!!

Originally Posted by Southern Breeze

Ask and ye shall receive.

It's a little short so I only wear it around the house.

What? No Hawaiian shirt?!

Take care,
Ham.

**Southern Breeze** · 10th November 08, 04:29 AM

Originally Posted by Hamish

What? No Hawaiian shirt?!

Take care,
Ham.

Don't tempt me! I've got a closet full of tartan and I'm not afraid to use it.

**Carolina Kiltman** · 10th November 08, 07:29 PM

Originally Posted by Hamish

I must agree with you there - my oldest kilt was tailored for me in 1973. It was my only kilt for 26 years and, during that time, went through some pretty rough treatment. That kilt (Gunn, Ancient Colours, by Alex Scott of Aberdeen) is as good today as it was in 1973 - strangely, it still fits well (!), and it looks and behaves like it was made last year. Naturally, I have cared for it - but it's not been kept in cotton wool and acid-free tissue paper!!
Take care,
Ham.

Wish I could say the same for my first kilt!

It was purchased in 1949, when the family descended on Mull to celebrate my Grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary. Sadly, it has shrunk mightily in the closet. As soon as one of my younger Grandsons reaches something approaching full growth, I intend to pass it on. (providing he is as skinny as I was at the time. . . . 29" waist.) My Eldest G-son is too large (6'-8" tall, 265 lbs)

I agree, a Kilt will last a lifetime.

**Sionnach** · 9th November 08, 07:45 PM

Heirloom!

**Derek Conley** · 9th November 08, 10:50 PM

Very cool! Would it be possible to "cheat" a little and just try to wear it a bit lower?

**Tommie** · 10th November 08, 05:37 AM

Originally Posted by Derek Conley

Very cool! Would it be possible to "cheat" a little and just try to wear it a bit lower?

Beat me to it.Thats what I was thinking.

**Ian.MacAllan** · 10th November 08, 07:53 AM

What surprises me is not the kilt's condition but yours. Your ability to wear a 40-year-old boy's kilt strikes me dumb. Fortunately I don't need to speak to type.

It is a little short, but it is only a little short and that is much preferable to too long. I think kilt strap extenders would let it settle on your hips enough to bring the selvage to your kneecaps.

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