General Take on Community

[Loxlie]

As a new member, I have found the plethora of information in regards to kilts to be somewhat overwhelming at times. Especially in regards to the differing opinions on whether or not there is a "proper" or "official" way / when to wear. You have basically three factions: 1. The "Purists", which believe you should never change the (kilt) from the original and only use (accessories) that are original to keep the historical integrity intact. 2. Those who believe it is a personal choice as to whether or not you "Bubba" your (kilt) and "history" be damned. 3. A combination of both the two who may see it as not a turning away from tradition, but an "evolution" in practicality and comfort. (Utilikilts, for example) I tend to gravitate toward the third. One is obligated to learn the history, but not necessarily bound by it. That being said, I look forward to the differing opinions and assure you that I would never knowingly commit a faux pas by wearing it inappropriately (in my opinion). However, there is a learning curve associated and I will continue to educate myself here and other avenues.

[ThistleDown]

Just a quick reminder that the discussion in this thread must not be about firearms, but about different choices in personal fashion style.

[Loxlie]

My post wasn't intended to start a conversation on a particular weapon, or in general, for that matter. It was the closest of an analogy I personally could give in order to show the differing opinions on the subject of kilts. However, if you feel the mention of said tool may offend, feel free to delete. No hard feelings

[Mike M.]

Just a quick reminder that the discussion in this thread must not be about firearms, but about different choices in personal fashion style.

True, but you see the same debates between the traditionalists and the modern purchasers.

[Cavalry Scout]

I don't define myself by anybody else's opinions. I'm comfortable with following general guidelines about how to wear the kilt and accessories, but that doesn't mean that guidelines are rules I have to follow.

I don't subscribe to the idea that kilts are 'dress-up' clothing. There are definitely more formal occasions, holidays, etc., during which I wear traditional highland dress. But kilts were originally not a formal item of clothing, nor are they a costume. People wore them all the time, in all conditions. There's a picture of me somewhere here on XMTS working in my barn. I stopped for my lass to get the shot, but I didn't wear my kilt and balmoral for the picture. it was what I happened to be wearing that day.

That said, if I'm going to some sort of public event, I take a certain amount of pride in my appearance, so I choose to more closely adhere to tradition. But that's me, and I'm not the tartan or Highland dress police. Whatever a person wears, they should, however, wear the clothing item the way it's intended to be worn. Most forum members have seen plenty of examples of how not to wear highland dress, which is an entirely different discussion topic.

In reference to utility kilts, they aren't Highland dress. Although the general design stems from the traditional kilt, utility kilts haven't a thing to do with Scottish heritage. While Highland dress can be worn across a wide variety of activities, hardly anyone would wear a utility kilt to a formal occasion, for instance with a jacket and tie. One day last week, I was at Barnes and Noble and a skateboarder in a utility kilt stopped to chat with me. (I was wearing my kilt and a casual shirt). Had I been wearing jeans or something, we would never had a word to say with one another. As it was, our kilts sort of brought us together for that moment in time, which was pretty cool.

Cheers, Mark

[The Q]

My post wasn't intended to start a conversation on a particular weapon, or in general, for that matter. It was the closest of an analogy I personally could give in order to show the differing opinions on the subject of kilts. However, if you feel the mention of said tool may offend, feel free to delete. No hard feelings

Not having seen the unedited version of the thread
With your online name I've a feeling a comparison between crossbows and longbows might be more appropriate than firearms!!

However I'd also say don't worry about the mistake, it takes a little thought to get tuned into what you can say here I've made mistakes too

Anyway as to what you were trying to say I'd agree. From my own point of view I'd only wear traditional tartan except possibly the Dark island all black tartan kilt. But I'd also defend anyones right to wear anything they want.

[ThistleDown]

Thank you for your edit, Loxlie. All is well.

[Steve Ashton]

Perhaps just a bit of a clarification on the Utility style kilts. The Utilikilt was designed in Seattle, WA by a guy of Mexican-American descent. He had no intent for, (and by the way vehemently denied) his product to have any Scottish inspiration or basis.

The Utilikilt was the first in a an approach to a totally American garment. As such there are no Scottish conventions to follow, no Scottish kilt rules to break.
I once had Megan Haas tell me that the only reason that the last four letters of the Company name are k-i-l-t was that they knew that they would never sell a Utiliskirt.

The beauty of the Utilikilt is that you are not bound by the Conventions of how the Scots wear their kilts. Your personal style is the only thing you need concern yourself with.

And about your three 'categories'. We on this forum debated, fought, and argued about this for years. We have currently settled on four 'categories' which are defined in our
"Kilt Fashion" Forum section. They are - Historical - Traditional - Contemporary - Ladies Wear.

[Thekiltedmohawk]

Steve,

Thanks for sharing a bit of background behind the Utilikilts. To be fair.. He had a point he'd had an easier time to sell his products by using a term, kilt part of his products rather than skirts.

I strongly believe everybody in here in XMTS wanted to be here to be part of a kilted community regardless how our kilts may turn out to be different, and our personalities of viewing them respectfully. That's the beauty of XMTS. I thank y'all for making this site a special one for the kilted brothers, and sisters to visit.

[Steve Ashton]

Yep, I actually like and own a Utilikilt. In fact I have the prototype of the Survivor model. I also know and respect Steven. It's not often you meet a guy who came up with something totally new and different thereby creating an entire industry. Every Utility style kilt owes a nod to Steven. It is just a shame that there are so many copycats, and in some case straight ripoffs, of his design.