Wearing your tank regularly?

[Hosehead]

More noob-ness from Hosehead:

Since my collection includes only 3 kilts, I am seeking guidance. The first 2 kilts are more casual: 1- USAK Division 17 casual and 2 - SWK shadow black heavyweight.

Now that the wedding is over, I would like to add my County Laois tank to the rotation, but have concerns. Should I be afraid to take something as expensive and wear it casually? I am having a hard enough time coming up with casual combos for wearing the tank (i.e. can I wear a striped rugby shirt and more casual footwear, like Dr. Marten boots without kilt socks, etc.) Is this the type of kilt that should spend more time hidden away in a bag with cedar instead of out in a smoky pub?

Any assistance is greatly appreciated. I am planning to make at least 2 more kilt purchases in the next month (or at least place the orders), but I need something to hold me over in the interim.

For reference:

[cajunscot]

More noob-ness from Hosehead:

Since my collection includes only 3 kilts, I am seeking guidance. The first 2 kilts are more casual: 1- USAK Division 17 casual and 2 - SWK shadow black heavyweight.

Now that the wedding is over, I would like to add my County Laois tank to the rotation, but have concerns. Should I be afraid to take something as expensive and wear it casually? I am having a hard enough time coming up with casual combos for wearing the tank (i.e. can I wear a striped rugby shirt and more casual footwear, like Dr. Marten boots without kilt socks, etc.) Is this the type of kilt that should spend more time hidden away in a bag with cedar instead of out in a smoky pub?

Any assistance is greatly appreciated. I am planning to make at least 2 more kilt purchases in the next month (or at least place the orders), but I need something to hold me over in the interim.

For reference:

Hosehead -- great tartan, btw!

By all means, wear your tank casually! A number of us do on the board -- check out Freelander's web page gallery for some ideas!

A traditional kilt is a veristile and rugged garment that can be worn formally or casually, and can take a beating.

Cheers,

Todd

[davedove]

The tank can be dressed up or down to suit your tastes; it's all in the accessories. I've worn mine to a beer festival, traveling through the Smokies, and to an art showing. As soon as I get the accessories together, I will be able to wear it formally.

I don't know if I would want to wear it to a smoke filled bar, just because I hate the lingering smoke smell afterwards, but you could. Just be careful you don't spill something that would stain badly.

[AckZel]

I don't know if I would want to wear it to a smoke filled bar, just because I hate the lingering smoke smell afterwards, but you could. Just be careful you don't spill something that would stain badly.

I have only weared a SportKilt and still will until my TANK (*wink* Hosehead, [insider! insider!]) arrives from ScottishKilts.net. I think I keep the SportKilt as barkilt until I get more casual kilts... Its light and girls dont know the difference... at least not after a couple of ciders!

[yoippari]

I wear my tank regularly with button up shirts and high top work boots/shoes. I do wear hose and flashes with it simply because of the functionality of keeping my legs warm. Sometimes it isn't required but with wind and rain and around 50 F they help.

[Big Paul]

It's like having a Ferrari in the garage, it doesn't do anybody any good unless you take it out for a spin once in a while!!! Wear that puppy with pride! That's best thing about a tank, you can dress them up or you can dress them down... No matter which you choose, you will be the sharpess dressed around..

[Schultz]

I wear my tank out alot..in fact, I wore it to do some gaming last night with a t-shirt and plain old white socks and Adidas Sambas.

Wear that puppy if you feel like it!

[flyv65]

I'm not positive, but I *might* wear my tank more than the others; certainly I do if I'm out doing something in public. The usual extras for the kilt (sporran, belt, etc.), with t-shirt/Chacos in summer, or hiking boots and smartwool socks in fall or spring, a polo shirt or buttondown with kilt hose if I'm getting dressier (although sometimes I wear a tee and sweater, too), and then the jacket, vest and tie for *representin'*, ifyaknowhatimean. I don't hit "smokey" bars much anymore (more brewpubs, actually), so I can't recall a time when my kilt had a case of "bar reek". The Utililiklt gets yard duty and hardware store runs, the SWK is more for inside chores and parked on my butt watching movies after I've cleaned up.

Bryan...just get a day sporran and trot yer tank out into the sun; it'll do you both good...

[Phil Wright]

A great looking tartan and I'm sure given the colours that there are a lot more informal takes on accompanying ensembles?! - not to say that it can't look really special dressed up. Have to admit I do prefer to get the 'tanks' out at the slightest opportunity outside of the house. They just make me feel more grounded. Seem to need less tweeking and arranging too. (I've pressed pleats;don't want to ruin 'em!)
Phil

[Christopher]

I heartily agree with those who say to take it out. My typical casual attire includes something like the following:

13-oz wool Scottish National tank
Brown 3-inch wide, brass studded belt
Brown Freelander Mrk III with brown leather sporran strap
Solid color button down long sleeved shirt...usually tan, brown or black (though I've also worn a polo or tee with this combo if the weather is warm)
Dark smart wool hiking socks, pushed down (though hose would not be inappropriate)
Brown Dr. Martens mid-top hiking boots.

I also have the appropriate accoutraments to do this with black accents instead of brown, in which case, I think ghillies could be appropriate with hose/flashes and the right button down long sleeved shirt.

I actually don't have anything but tanks and I wear them quite often. Get the tarten out there!