The kiltpin

[Kilts_Knave]

Is the FUNCTION of the kiltpin to keep the kilt laying properly?

[Planopiper]

I'm not sure there is much of a function other than to be an ornament. Theoretically, it's supposed to keep the front apron from flying up in the wind, but they're rarely heavy enough to make any difference. You're not supposed to use it to pin the 2 aprons together because you may end up tearing one of them, so there's not much going for it other than it's weight, which is usually not much more than an ounce. They are the best opportunity you have to add some flash to your ensemble, though, other than the plaid broach, which most people don't wear most of the time.

[motorman4life]

I have 2 kilt pins, one is the claymore and one is a family crest.. If we can get another 25 or so ordered, I can get an XMtheS pin too. I have found they do add a bit a weight to the edge of the apron and reduce fly-ups in light wind. I had always thought they were pure decoration, but the family crest is almost 2" across and it weighs at least 2 oz. and it has made a difference in the wind and helps kep control of the edge of the apron with little effort.

[Bob C.]

I ordered my X-Marks pin tonight. C'mon everybody! Order one so they can send the order in.

I want my kiltpin!

[M. A. C. Newsome]

The function of the klt pin is to add a bit of flash. It's decorative, pure and simple. I have a feeling that those who say it keeps the aprin weighed down so the wind doesn't blow it up are wearing very light weight kilts. If you are wearing a medium to heavy weight woolen kilt, you shouldn't have a problem with wind lifting the apron regardless -- and if the wind is strong enough to, the little bit of weight that the pin adds isn't going to make a difference.

Remember, too, that the pin is pinned through the outer apron only. It does not pin the outer apron to teh inner apron. If you did that, you'd have to re-pin it each and every time you took your kilt on and off, which would eventually lead to a worn spot on your kilt. Also, unless you do it just right, you are likely to wind up with an irregular hang to your apron that way.

No, the kilt pin is purely decorative. So just pick a pin you like, and go with it!
Aye,
Matt

[Jimmy Carbomb]

Here's the function of mine:

UtiliKilts... no kilt pin... looks pretty dumb on the thin apron. I do, however, decorate the side pocket with some bulkier pins and cap badges. They look rugged.

Pittsburgh Kilt... no kilt pin... no function really since it's lays perfectly. If I had a solid, and not a camo, I might go with something to add some shine.

Poly/Viscose kilts... heavy kilt pin... keeps the thinner material apron from flying-up in winds. These are the only kilts that I own that I wear the kilt pin for function.

Heavy Irish National from House of Edgar... Irish kilt pin... decoration only.

For me, the pin is there for a little bit of "bling" on an otherwise straight-up garment apron. With the sporran, they add some character to the kilt. The buckle, sporran and pin all work in conjunction to add a theme or mood to the whole ensemble.

[Magnus Sporrano]

I wear a kilt pin on my PV kilts because I do need the extra weight to maintain modesty up front. People still get a view of my arse from time to time if a sudden gust catches me off guard or if my arms are full.

My lined Pittsburgh Kilt would probably keep me modest all by itself in gale force winds. I've been outside in it on windy days and I never feel as if I'm close to being exposed. So I don't wear a kilt pin with that.

[chasem]

...It does not pin the outer apron to teh inner apron. If you did that, you'd have to re-pin it each and every time you took your kilt on and off, which would eventually lead to a worn spot on your kilt. ...

Does this mean that it's common practice to leave the kilt pin in as much as possible (ie: hanging in the closet when not being worn)?

I just got a kilt pin (my first) a week or two ago, and so I don't have much experience with them.

[Bob C.]

Does this mean that it's common practice to leave the kilt pin in as much as possible (ie: hanging in the closet when not being worn)?

That's what I do. I guess I'll leave it there until my new X-Marks pin arrives. (hint, hint)

[Hamish]

Does this mean that it's common practice to leave the kilt pin in as much as possible (ie: hanging in the closet when not being worn)?

I just got a kilt pin (my first) a week or two ago, and so I don't have much experience with them.

Yes, absolutely! Ideally, you should have a pin for every kilt - every kilt that requires a pin, that is - and it should be removed only if and when the kilt is being cleaned. My oldest tartan kilt (tailored for me in 1973) has been dry cleaned maybe seven or eight times, and those were the only occasions the pin has been removed.