I may be out of my league here...

[keydetpiper]

Just joined the forum to share a comment about an article I read relating to this forum (this thread), and in browsing the topics it looks like I'm no match for some of the folks that frequent these boards. I own one kilt and wear it regularly, but only when I'm playing my bagpipes, and then only for performances or competitions. It's not part of my daily wear wardrobe, just part of a costume that I wear when performing.

The few times I've been to a highland games only as a spectator, I don't wear my kilt. When I am playing at a highland games I will usually change into jeans or shorts once I'm finished playing.

I'm not ashamed or embarrassed to wear my kilt, but I don't really see it as necessary unless the pipes are out. Practically speaking I prefer having pockets (I find the sporran to be generally unsuited to my needs), and I hate sitting down in a kilt, especially in a car, because the pleats get bunched up and wrinkled.

That's just my point of view; feel free to show me the error of my ways. You folks seem to be fanatical about your kilts, and that should not be taken as a derogatory comment!

[NewEnglander]

You're right that there are many here who take wearing the kilt very seriously, for many different reasons, as a recent thread has clearly shown. But you'll also find that XMTS is a community and that if folks have differing opinions and practices we do our very best to respect them. And learn from them. I have two kilts that I mainly wear around the house, but I've learned so very much about the proper way to wear them and about others' positive experience in the kilt that I hope to someday be kilted far more often.
So if you have questions, use that search function or ask. Be willing to listen and keep an open mind and you'll learn a lot.

[MacLowlife]

Welcome Keydet,

Personally, I do not believe there are "kilt events" and "trouser events" though I certainly understand wearing a kilt or not, depending on one's own analysis of circumstances. I expect if you had a better sporran and jacket with sufficient pocketage, you might not find it necessary to change. I lived in Maine for a while ( I think I just awoke from yet another dream of going back) and I can understand why you might find it desirable to retain some link to the non-kilted world. I wouldn't want a bunch of unpegged lobsters wanting to do a kilt check on me.

Please rest assured, there are all types here: Pipers, Actual Scots, Utilikilted Gents, and more, including women whose interest goes beyond merely wearing kilts. We do talk mostly about the kilt, but we don't all wear it all of the time, or believe it is necessary. Your opinions and experience are valid and appreciated. Please share them.

Having said all of that, I return to my original idea- get yourself some pockets and expand the portion of the population that gets to see you kilted.

(glad to be in a warmer place for the moment)
MacLL

[Bugbear]

Ehh, that's OK, I have almost completely stopped wearing kilts, and even considered whether I should have started in the first place.

On the other hand, I do have a couple of kilts that I put quite a bit of work into, and a bit of money, hanging in the closet, along with converted jackets and accessories. So... I might end up wearing them from time to time.

[NewEnglander]

I don't know how I forgot to mention this before, but you might want to check out ebay for deals on gently used Utilikilts or other contemporary kilts. My first kilt was a UK Mocker and it has giant pockets. That, the material and the way the narrow apron easily falls betwixt one's knees while sitting really helped me get used to wearing the kilt. Very similar functionality to p@nts, but exponentially more comfortable!

[McMurdo]

Don't worry about it, there are many here who wear the kilt for special occasions only. It is your choice where and when to wear your kilt, also remember one kilt can last you more than a lifetime, so you may only need one depending on your situation. Nonetheless

[Jock Scot]

Out of your league?No way! There is always something new to learn, a new point of view to consider even if you don't agree with it in the end, some witty comment, or, some great pictures to peruse. I really do enjoy being here and I have absolutely no doubts that you will too!

[OC Richard]

I too come from the piping world and share many of your attitudes about kilt wearing. To me it's what "legit" musicians call their "gig suit", their tux, the outfit which must be worn to do gigs.

I've spent over 30 years in the pipe band/Highland Games scene, and it's very common (or indeed nearly universal) for pipers and drummers to dislike wearing their uniform when not actually playing. Many walk about the Games in partial uniform, say with their kilt on but with trainers/tennis shoes (because many detest wearing ghillies) or with their ghillies and band hose on, but with shorts instead of the kilt, etc etc. And as soon as the band's last performance is over they rush to the "band tent" to pull off their uniform as quickly as possible. (Our band decided that having its members walk about various Highland Games in partial uniform wasn't good for the band's image and made a rule that members must arrive at Games in complete uniform.)

As you say, many band people don't like wearing their kilts when in a car and you'll see bands changing into their kilts in park parks/parking lots right before a gig and right out of their kilts right afterwards.

There was actually a thread on this very topic not long ago on a piping forum and most of the posters shared these attitudes. Specifically, Highland Dress is usually regarded as a necessary evil and many pipers and drummers would compete in casual clothes if the rules allowed it.

Here, on X Marks the Scot, you'll encounter people with a very different attitude towards the kilt, pipers and non-pipers alike who wear the kilt on a regular basis, indeed some who are "full time kilt wearers".

I find myself somewhat in the middle between these two extremes. Though I'm very interested in the history of Highland Dress and have done a great amount of reading on it, I usually only wear it to perform, like most pipers.
However I've not owned a suit in over 20 years and on those rare occasions where I'm expected to "dress up" I wear Highland Dress. (I was criticised for wearing Highland Dress even once a year or so, on the piping forum.)

I'm fairly new here too! Welcome!

[ChubRock]

I am more of a fair weather kilt wearer, literally. I wear a kilt all summer (the summer school kids love/hate it, yes I too am a teacher>0 But only a few times this winter have I worn a kilt and will likely start wearing again in the Spring once shorts weather returns. You see, I live in Minnesota. Where current conditions are about 12 inches of snow on the ground and it is 12F or- 11C at the moment. We hope to get up to 20F today. That's warm for this time of year.

Welcome to the forum!

[billmcc]

When I first wore a kilt, I also considered it to be only a part of my band uniform. However, I eventually realized a kilt was much more comfortable than pants. Now, I wear a kilt as often as possible.