The general opinion of Jacobite Shirts?

[Birddog]

Cheers Gents,(I say mockingly...I'm at work and can't draw a pint)

Whilst I await the arrival of my US Marines tartan tank, I find myself in need of proper clothing with it. I personally like the look of the Jacobite shirts, and am considering one in navy to go with the tartan. Thought I would poll the opinions here. I'm planning on purchasing lovat green hose, wasn't sure if the shirt should match the hose or not; it would complement the navy blue in the tartan. Dang, trying to be well dressed is hard for someone who is either in uniform or jeans and Harley boots! Obviously, the jacobite shirt would be for less formal occasions. Thanks, mates.

Birddog
Keeper of the Labradors, Defender of the Hounds

[Finn]

The Jacobite isn't for me, but MANY men wear it very well. Go for it!
They come in alot of different colors too.
I prefer banded/collarless (1880's style) or Celtic Croft's Rustic Kilt Shirt w/ 3/4 sleeves.
For a somewhat dressier look with my US Army tartan, I wear an off-white/natural polo. I'm not a dressy guy.

[Fedgunner]

The Jacobite isn't for me, but MANY men wear it very well. Go for it!
They come in alot of different colors too.
I prefer banded/collarless (1880's style) or Celtic Croft's Rustic Kilt Shirt w/ 3/4 sleeves.
For a somewhat dressier look with my US Army tartan, I wear an off-white/natural polo. I'm not a dressy guy.

This almost perfectly states my opinion. I own the Celtic Croft shirt discussed. It is slated for Ren-Faire use only.

With my Army tartan I wear a matching polo style shirt or an outdoors/military (Think Cabelas or Gander Mountain, Guide Series)style button down shirt, and in the winter a decent sweater sees me through.

[Tattoo Bradley]

I personally find the Jacobite shirts to be too "costumey." I wouldn't wear one myself.

[Colin]

I personally find the Jacobite shirts to be too "costumey." I wouldn't wear one myself.

I have to agree with Bradley. Not for me, but to each their own.

[Panache]

I don't remember exactly when I wrote my review (and yes I'm being lazy and not clicking on the link to find out) but I still love my ECW Heritage shirt. I have looked at maybe getting another traditional (i.e. standard) "Ghillie Shirt" for Scottish Country Dance but the ones offered at the games seem pretty wimpy and costume-like compared to Kevin's shirt.

Cheers

Jamie

[DWFII]

The thing that puzzles me the most about this conversation is the use of the word "costume" or "costumey."

By some definition all clothing that has a somewhat fixed stylistic theme is costume. A grey business suit with an oxford shirt and a red tie is costume.

It seems to me a pretty slippery slope...especially for us who are not Scottish citizens...to adopt the kilt and then suddenly start worrying about "costume." The kilt is not native nor traditional to those of us who are US citizens, for instance. We can go on and on about honouring our ancestors but wearing a kilt is no less a costume if the majority of people around you--in your society--don't dress similarly...or even recognize it as anything but eccentricity.

And where do you draw the line? Is it in what is historically "Jacobite?" Or is it in traditions? If so, how old does a tradition have to be to be a tradition?

If my intent is to honour my ancestors, I wonder if wearing clothing that they probably would not recognize...or be seen dead in for that matter...is really honouring them. Similarly, I wonder if wearing something that has its roots in modern fantasy (Hollywood) is honouring anything short of crass and cynical commercialism. On the other hand, take it far enough and the oxford shirt and the ghillie brogues are just as inappropriate as the ghillie shirt if you are seeking to honour your ancestors and/or tradition.

All that said...and hopefully food for thought...I'd wear a ghillie shirt...in any venue except where it was being presented as Jacobite. I think you wear it because you like it...or feel comfortable in it--no harm no foul.

But it probably should be reiterated, time and time again, until it sticks or becomes part of the cultural subconscious, that the ghillie shirt is not Jacobite, not historically correct, and not honouring an ancestor unless your ancestor happens to be Errol Flynn and/or some counter-culture maven at an early hippy Ren-Faire.

Just one opinion...free for all...take it for what it's worth.

[Jack Daw]

The thing that puzzles me the most about this conversation is the use of the word "costume" or "costumey."

A grey business suit with an oxford shirt and a red tie is costume.

LOL! That's a stretch, IMHO.

[McMurdo]

While I have heard the costume comments, I do think that the Jacobite shirt does have it's place, and have seen many members wear them, I have been thinking about getting a few for Scottish Country Dancing as I think the loose fit would be perfect for that, and yes I do think you are right matching the hose and the shirt are always a good thing.

[Livingston]

Jacobite shirts are a personal choice for everyone. For me, I wear them at highland games but usually wear a casual shirt at other times, either polo or button. During winters here, a good sweater will be all you need.