Practicality of the kilt

[Geoff Withnell]

I spent this weekend in western Maryland, deep in the mountains visiting my parents and one of my brothers. Saturday was rainy, misty and or chilly all day, so the resemblance to Scotland was quite strong. My brother Gary is thinking of purchasing some land, so we went out to look at a parcel. About 7 acres of pasture, which had been fallow for some years. As we walked around, searching out the survey markers, I noticed that the vegetation was largely heather and thistle. I also noticed that Gary's trousers had immediately soaked thru from the water on the plants and they were wet and uncomfortable. I, on the other hand, was fairly comfortable, in my kilt (mostly dry, since it was above the vegetation) and kilt hose, which were wet, but not uncomfortable, and still kept my legs reasonably warm. Isn't that amazing, Highland dress is suited to Highland conditions! (BIG grin).

Geoff Withnell

[tamblackwood@yahoo.co.uk]

That is what the kilt was designed for !!

[Jack Daw]

Very nice to obtain actual evidence of the kilt's practicality!

[Zardoz]

Cool damp days are some of the best times for kilt wearing!

Except for people asking me if I'm cold all the time!

[Jock Scot]

Now there is a thing!

[peacekeeper83]

Don't it make you smile... LOL it's one of those hello moments..

[Standard]

Nice to see the kilt being put a test of one of the reasons why it must have came about. I've had cold, wet, uncomfortable trouser legs on many occasions while searching out property corners, and it is no fun. If it weren't for the sand burrs and nettles a kilt would definately be a good choice here too.

[McFarkus]

So, is your brother now a convert?

[lethearen]

Downpouring and cold here right now, too, and went for a walk kilted. The leather of my shoes soaked through before either my hose or my kilt could even be considered damp. marvellous invention, highland wear!

[Pleater]

Actually if you'd had a long plaid and spread one end of it in front of you - like a fabric shield - it would probably have kept most of the wet off your legs.

Caught out in heavy rain with a plaid over kilt and tee shirt, one end wrapped around and the other end over my head I found it really effective in warding off both the rain and the splashing from passing traffic blown on the wind.

I was wearing sandals, so got wet feet, but my legs were barely damp, and I was in some danger after arriving looking dry, cheerful and fairly warm when the rest of the gathering came in dripping, cold and dismal under plastic covers.

Anne the Pleater