two (2) questions

[seamus]

die erste Frage: i would love to be kilted more than i am, but with one kilt (my USAK stewart black casual) its difficult...i mean, i wouldnt wear the same shirt for five days straight, ya know. but of course, kilts are still rather more expensive than your average bollocks covering, and as a sixteen-year-old i'm not exactly raking in funds. so i was thinking about asking my father, uncle and grandmother (those whom i blame for getting me into this kilted mess in the first place ) to go in this christmas and get me into a dress kilt (a gordon, perhaps?). and i was wondering how people feel about wearing a dress kilt casually. i know, i know, you'd never wear tux pants casually, but do any of you all do this? i'm just wondering what the practicality is.

die zweite Frage: i'm planning on renting a kilt (with the works) for a school formal dance coming up. however, there's a good chance they wont have any of my associating clan tartans in my size. will i be forgiven for wearing a tartan other than that of a clan with which i am associated on the basis of showing my all-around scottish (and kilt) pride in general? i mean, if they dont have one of my tartans i suppose i could be incredibly lame and wear a tux (with, *gasp*, pants!), but i bloody well dont want to do that!! i just want support from y'all, i guess....if i have that, i'll wear whatever tartan they can give me (while at the same time finding out every clan association i have from my uncle who's one of those geneaology nuts).

thanks very much lads. cheers to all.

[Graham]

Seamus, I know how hard it is be be full time kilted, or even close, with only one kilt.

Be patient, build up as you can afford. A good casual kilt is actually not that much more expensive than a pair of jeans here, which can cost $80-$120+.

My last kilt was a birthday present, just add as you can afford it. If you can rent for the social that would be good.

[Freelander Sporrano]

1.)
I have just the one kilt at the mo' which I wear both casual and for dress See gallery)It's up to you I'm not a full time wearer and there are things I won't do in my kilt.Joe public won't be able to tell its a dress tartan .However It would be a shame to wear it casually and get it ruined by oil or somthing being split on it.I take the risk however.Because I love wearing my kilt

2.)Again here joe public won't now you havn't got the right tartan. Hire kilts tend to be the most popular tartans.There as we say here, are no real rules.So I'd definatly try a hire kilt.While your there you can ask if like in Scotland they have some ex-hire kilts for sale.This might help you to buy at a reduced price.Give it a wirl.
Finally I hope your school has a liberal dress policy as there has been a thread on the forum about not being aloud to wear the kilt to such a dance...So check first.

All the best of luck ....David

[Rob]

and i was wondering how people feel about wearing a dress kilt casually. i know, i know, you'd never wear tux pants casually, but do any of you all do this? i'm just wondering what the practicality is.

Seamus,

What makes a kilt a 'dress kilt' is what you wear with it. If you wear the full highland regalia with it, then it becomes a dress outfit. If you wear your kilt with a T-shirt or polo shirt, then it becomes a casual outfit. That is the great thing about traditional kilts; they look equally good worn formally or casually (or even semi casually with an appropriate jacket).

I know that here at Xmarks we tend to talk about 'casual kilts' as being less expensive non-wool kilts, but traditional wool kilts can also be 'casual kilts' if you choose. Although traditional kilts are hardwearing, they are also expensive, so it would probably be advisable not to wear one casually in circumstances where you might ruin it (such as by getting oil or greese on it), but apart from that, wear it casually whenever you want.

If you want to see how traditional kilts can be worn casually, take a look at Hamish's album (at the foot of all of his posts), but don't tell Ham that I told you, or he may start to get big headed.

Rob

[Graham]

Rob, that was a nice clear and concise explanation, what you say is spot on. I trust that will help seamus with his question.

[Blu (Ontario)]

My personal taste is towards hunting tartans and darker colors. I think I've seen 1 (one) dress kilt worn by an adult male in the last 5 years - period - let alone casual. To me they looks too close to what the girls wear in dance competitions. Personally, I will not wear a dress tartan kilt - end of story.

As for the clan vs. non-clan tartan... I believe it is generally acceptable for anyone to wear an open or district tartan which is mostly what rental shops carry . At the event you're describing - school dance - people are going to be so blown away by the outfit that nobody will care what tartan it is. I would be more concerned about wearing a family tartan at family affairs. So just rent a nice looking (non dress) tartan and have a blast!

My interpretation of your question was whether dress tartan - as opposed to outfit - was appropriate.

blu

[David Woodington]

I would look to bear for a poly -V kilt.Most of the people on this site that have rated it say they really like it.,and for you it less expensive than wool ,plus it has the look and hang of wool and you will be able to wash it if something is spilled. As for the tartan I personally would stay away from name kilts other than those that you are linked but as it has been said there are some great distruct tartans and those like Hunting Stewart that everyone can wear.And as far as this goes, Jimmy carbomb's (Tartans types and purposes)in General Kilt Talk has some good information on what tartan is proper.



hope this is helpfull
later
Dave

[Andrew Breecher]

1) As others have said, you should avoid "dress" tartans, but I don't think that's what you meant. I wear my wool kilt just as informally as I wear my Bear poly/v kilt. However, when I do dress up, I wear my wool kilt. Anyway, since you already have a USAK you're good for every occasion.

2) Many kilt rental shops offer the Scottish National tartan. You should have no problem wearing that with pride. Otherwise, don't worry too much about what tartan you wear - kilt rental shops aren't going to have a large selection to choose from, since they have to have the tartans they do offer in many different sizes, so they expect non-associated clans to be wearing the tartans.

Andrew.

[Rob Wright]

The kilt is the most versatile of male garments, you can wear one for going down to the pub or with an upgrade of accessories, wear the same kilt t oa semi-or formal occassion. It's a simple matter of cordinating the various pieces so that they go together.

Rob Wright

[Raphael]

It doesn't matter what tartan you wear, You are going to be a big hit with the Ladies at the dance.