Kilt Pins

[Robbie]

I know this topic has been extensively discussed in another section, but just wanted to add that the view here in Scotland is that with the traditional kilt the pin should no nay never be used to pin the two aprons together. Here the view is that the pin serves 2 basic functions (a) as decoration and (b) as a weight on the bottom corner to help hold down the top apron.

For decorative purposes it can take almost any form that takes your fancy, although the for semi-dress/formal occasions two most popular are probably variations on the sword theme and round celtic brooches. However, for casual kilts where the emphasis is on informality the favourite is probably still the original "large safety pin" type.

In order to be of any use as a weight, the pin needs to be near the "open" corner, about 1-1.5ins in/up from both edges is about ideal. I have seen them worn in the range 3-6ins up, but this is really too far to serve any practical purpose.

[bubba]

I wear mine up 3, in 2. Works pretty well on denim, of course the 3 x 2 is on center.

[Blu (Ontario)]

An internet article called "Wearing Highland Attire" by T.G.Mungall,III advises that the pin should be placed 3 inches up and 3 inches inward. I've adjusted mine outward a bit to fall on a stripe. It looks right doesn't catch on stuff, so there it stays. The whole text can be found at ...

http://www.angelfire.com/biz2/tommun...andAttire.html
(There are pop-ups on the site.)

blu

[Graham]

We had an out of town instructor visit our Scottish Country Dancing group, I noticed he was wearing a couple of enamelled badges representing his interests.

It's nice to see the individuality expressed in kiltpins, love it!!

[bubba]

The cross I use was something my wife had in her jewelry box. It has a pin back and a loop so it can be worn on a chain. You make do with what you can find sometimes

[Robbie]

Let's just say that there are several points of disagreement with TG Mundall III and leave it at that. As for the suggestion that 3" up and 2" in 'looks right', that very much depends on your point of view, and as I said right at the start this post was from the Scottish viewpoint.

[Blu (Ontario)]

Let's just say that there are several points of disagreement with TG Mundall III and leave it at that. As for the suggestion that 3" up and 2" in 'looks right', that very much depends on your point of view, and as I said right at the start this post was from the Scottish viewpoint.

So Robbie... is Mungall all wet then? His article sounded convincing. Now I'm real curious to know where this guy is stearing folks in the wrong direction. (Do tell.)

blu

[Jimmy Carbomb]

I don't pin the two together either.

I DO, however, wear it much higher than 2 inches. I need to have the weight around the bottom of the knee since I'm constantly running around and making trouble. That way, it doesn't flikp over the knee.

Personal preference and experience developed that look. Okay... that and a threat from the Philadelphia Police.

[Robbie]

Hi Blu -

First of all apologies to Mr Mungall for getting his name wrong! Having re-read his article, I realised that the reason I disagree with some(!) of his comments is that the article was written by an American for the American market, and it is well known that on a lot of matters there are differing views on what constitutes good taste/style/fashion, call it what you will, on our opposite sides of the Atlantic. Additionally, although his article was written in 1992 and updated in 2002, I would opine that his comments are more of a romantic reflection of highland wear as was once worn by the landed gentry or so-called "upper classes" some 50-60 years ago as opposed to what real people wear nowadays. However, he would probably be horrified by some of the ways I have worn kilts, ranging from only a kilt as the sole item of clothing all the way through most permutations to the full Prince Charlie!

As a small sample of where we on this side currently differ from Mr Mungall, white hose are a definite no-no except for children and pipe bands (sorry Al), I can't remember the last time I saw an animal head sporran, belts are not worn with the Prince Charlie outfit, usual to wear plaids with tweed jackets? I don't think so, never sandals with the kilt, matching tartan tie? Argh! non-matching tartan tie? Aaaaaargh!, female Highland dancers not allowed kilts? According to the rules of the SOHBD (the world regulatory body for Highland dancing) kilts are compulsory, I have only known one person with a box-pleated kilt, even the terminology is different - he refers to "wearing it regimental" whereas in Scotland this is known either as "wearing it in the traditional style" or "being a true Scotsman"...... I think that's enough to be getting on with without even getting into the topic of wearing kilts casually!

To revert back to the topic of kilt pins, perhaps we should all be clear as to where/what we're measuring to, as my view of 1.5ins up and in is measuring to the point of an upright sword-type pin. On a slightly differing but related matter, I do hope that Jimmy C is not wearing his kilt as long as his post suggests (kilt pin much more than 2ins up because he needs the weight around the bottom of his knee)!!

[Blu (Ontario)]

Well I for one appreciate your insight here. Although I tend to get information from different sources on a "preponderance of evidence" basis, even that can be misleading at times. Thanks for the course correction, Robbie.