The Great Kilt with More Modern Day/Evening Attire

[Profane James]

If a forum newbie may contribute his 2cents, and I should also inform that I have no great, little, or modern kilt to draw personal experience from. From my never ending info gathering journey, the modern kilt strikes me as quite formal attire in general. To be honest, in the same way that I am not to be seen wearing a tuxedo, the formal attribute of the modern kilt is something I am not comfortable with. I also understand that, in the same way one may choose to wear patent leather shoes with jeans, if it works...it works...in the context of fashion. In my opinion - again, based on my own insignificant and personal journey - even the modern kilt is an anachronism. The idea is to revere and pay homage to the past; to show solidarity in the face of extinction (I also believe, for better or for worse, the Scottish contribution to western society gets lost in battles of extremes). If I were the kilt wearing type, or become the type in the future - and whether or not my people come from the lowlands or highlands - the unrefined and great constitution of the hunter/gatherer is a mindset more traditional to me. It's a matter of taste AND function, but if we subject ourselves to the public in the ancient traditional or modern national dress of the current or ancestral motherland, we should do so with respect in mind, because this manner of dress turns heads no matter what...here in the states at least. So it seems we should always be ready to inform as to the meaning and history - also be ready to inform someone to *bleep* off if they don't like it!
It's interesting to me, because the great kilt, with its bulk and difficulty donning, is more of an extravagant and eccentric formal attire, than the modern streamlined kilt, THESE DAYS that is. In practical sense, I would much rather plow through the woods in the modern style, rather than be snagged and hung up with the girth of the great kilt.
All this to say, be wary of the 'no true Scotsman' logical fallacy, and attempt to avoid it's gravity. We're all on the same team here.
To be objective, I can see the issue with being considered a 'costume wearer' as well...

[Sir Didymous]

Richard, I see your point about too much historical influence. That's why I'm getting all new photos for my up coming thread.

James, what you said reminded me of what a friend of mine said. "I don't have any blood connection to kilted peoples of any sort. So for me to wear a kilt would make me feel like I was playing dress up at best, and like I was running around with a towel around my waist at worst."

Kilts in general are not the social norm and they, regardless of type, must be worn respectfully to avoid the costume mentality. But what is perfectly respectable to some, is brigadoonery to others. Which is where the ability to be unapologetically yourself comes in. I think that some take the opinions of others with more weight than they should. That's where the perceived "snobbery" comes in, even if it isn't really there. In fact, it's just people sharing their opinions.

[Profane James]

But what is perfectly respectable to some, is brigadoonery to others. Which is where the ability to be unapologetically yourself comes in. I think that some take the opinions of others with more weight than they should. That's where the perceived "snobbery" comes in, even if it isn't really there. In fact, it's just people sharing their opinions.

Agreed, sir.

[The Wizard of BC]

Sir Didymous,

Would you perhaps include some details of your Great Kilts. Such as the size of the piece of fabric you use and perhaps the weight of the fabric.

And if you would be so kind as to show us how you put it on.

I think you look better than anyone else I have ever seen in a Great Kilt and would like to know how you do it.

The primary reason I'm asking is that I have seen many examples of "How to put on a Great Kilt" and not a single one bears any resemblance to any historical examples I know of. Most of the times these examples show some guy with a long length of single width modern kilt fabric laying it out on the ground while at the same time saying how practical it was as a sleeping blanket and everyday garment. NOT the sort of exercise I would want to go through first thing in the morning when all I want to do is find the latrine.

I have always envisioned the Great Kilt as a development from the Irish Brat. About the size and weight of a double size winter bed blanket today. Simply put the Leine's belt on the outside of the Brat. AKA a Match Coat.

So let us in on your secret if you will.

[Steve Ashton]

And as the OP, would you not agree that this thread would make a great addition to our "Historical Kilt Wear" forum section.

Would you like me to move it over there for you?

[Profane James]

I have also seen those 'how to' videos where the entire length is simply laid out the laid on. although it's unlikely that is the historically correct way, speaking from an economic point of view, I would myself would endure the process. simply because, after dropping such a wad of cash on such a precious fabric, certainly not poking holes in it! In fact, I would have anxiety about pinning at the shoulder for that same reason!

[Father Bill]

I'm always concerned when folks talk about the kilt as something "formal." The kilt itself is absolutely, completely, and utterly neutral. It's the kit that goes with it that determines the level of formality.

For our newbies, I would direct your interest to this thread:
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=46888 Here you can inspect the gamut and recognize the universality of the kilt. To see the kilt as formality is a misinterpretation of our favourite garment.

A particularly useful exploration for those who are new to exploring the interpretation of those around us, and my thanks go once again to Jamie and Glen for putting it together so clearly.

[Profane James]

I understand, it's all subject to the wearer in the context of fashion. I mean that, time and time again, I read that, generally, they only come out for special occasions (to be fair, not necessarily formal, as in the case of my own local St.Andrews Society), and that most kilt wearers in Scotland are Americans!
But perhaps this dogma is why this forum community exists!

[Sir Didymous]

Thanks Wizard, but I will include that info in the 10 Looks thread. I would just give it here, but I've already inadvertently performed a thread-jacking.

[Frigid Scot]

And as the OP, would you not agree that this thread would make a great addition to our "Historical Kilt Wear" forum section.

Would you like me to move it over there for you?

You may. Sorry I took so long to get back to you.

This has become a very enlightening thread!