The Kilt Kops

[M. A. C. Newsome]

You know, there is a way you can tell someone that the basting stitches ought to be removed before wearing the kilt out like that which would come across as friendly advice, rather than rude snobbery. Really, was anyone doing that gent any favors by allowing him to walk around the Games all day like that and NOT telling him?

Someone said a few posts up that it is important to realize the difference between fact and opinion. That is very true. I think it is also important to realize that not everyone who gives their opinion or advice is being the "Kilt Police."

I have a quote which I often repeat from Stuart Ruaidri Erskine that says "The Highland dress is essentially a 'free' dress -- that is to say, a man's taste and circumstances must alone be permitted to decide when and where and how he should wear it... I presume to dictate to no man what he shall eat or drink or wherewithal he shall be clothed."

That is all basically true, and I repeat it so often because one trend in Highland dress that I think needs combating is this tendency some have to make the whole thing into a uniform. Unless you are a member of some uniformed organization (the military, or a pipe band, etc) which requires you to wear the kilt in a certain way, there truly are no RULES that dictate how you should wear the kilt.

But there is another trend that I think also needs combating that is the polar opposite. This is the idea that anything goes, one way of wearing the kilt is just as appropriate as another, and how dare anyone tell me any different.

It will be helpful for me to give an example of each of these tendencies. Once I was sternly corrected by a man who had spent some time in the British military. It seems the cuffs on my hose were turned over an inch too short, or too long (can't recall now). I was told in no uncertain terms that I was wearing them wrong. I had to politely remind the gentleman that I was not serving in the military and not wearing a uniform and so not subject to his uniform regulations.

On the other end of the spectrum, I once saw a man representing his clan in the parade of clans at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games wearing this: a traditional 8 yard kilt in his clan tartan, no shirt, an open black leather biker's vest, about a dozen heavy gold chains on his neck (ala Mr. T), a horned viking helmet, and on his feet -- not kilt hose and ghillies, no not even boots -- large green furry dinosaur feet bedroom slippers. It honestly looked like he opened his closet that morning and asked himself what was the most ridiculous combination of clothing he could possibly wear. And this was how he chose to represent his clan on parade.

I think common sense lies somewhere between these two extremes. I think men of reasonable minds and good will can appreciate that while there many not be uniform rules for civilian kilt wearing, there are still "rules" of good fashion and taste, and that these may vary from region to region, circumstance to circumstance, and social group to social group. But it is always helpful to be aware of them, and when we deviate from them, we do so with a reason and purpose in mind.

Further, we must also appreciate the fact that the kilt is a unique and special garment that has many years of history and tradition behind it, and that tradition should be respected, if not always followed.

Likewise it is important to remember that the tradition of kilt wearing is still a living tradition, and so subject to change and adaptation.

A little common sense can go a long way.

[macwilkin]

You know, there is a way you can tell someone that the basting stitches ought to be removed before wearing the kilt out like that which would come across as friendly advice, rather than rude snobbery. Really, was anyone doing that gent any favors by allowing him to walk around the Games all day like that and NOT telling him?

Someone said a few posts up that it is important to realize the difference between fact and opinion. That is very true. I think it is also important to realize that not everyone who gives their opinion or advice is being the "Kilt Police."

I have a quote which I often repeat from Stuart Ruaidri Erskine that says "The Highland dress is essentially a 'free' dress -- that is to say, a man's taste and circumstances must alone be permitted to decide when and where and how he should wear it... I presume to dictate to no man what he shall eat or drink or wherewithal he shall be clothed."

That is all basically true, and I repeat it so often because one trend in Highland dress that I think needs combating is this tendency some have to make the whole thing into a uniform. Unless you are a member of some uniformed organization (the military, or a pipe band, etc) which requires you to wear the kilt in a certain way, there truly are no RULES that dictate how you should wear the kilt.

But there is another trend that I think also needs combating that is the polar opposite. This is the idea that anything goes, one way of wearing the kilt is just as appropriate as another, and how dare anyone tell me any different.

It will be helpful for me to give an example of each of these tendencies. Once I was sternly corrected by a man who had spent some time in the British military. It seems the cuffs on my hose were turned over an inch too short, or too long (can't recall now). I was told in no uncertain terms that I was wearing them wrong. I had to politely remind the gentleman that I was not serving in the military and not wearing a uniform and so not subject to his uniform regulations.

On the other end of the spectrum, I once saw a man representing his clan in the parade of clans at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games wearing this: a traditional 8 yard kilt in his clan tartan, no shirt, an open black leather biker's vest, about a dozen heavy gold chains on his neck (ala Mr. T), a horned viking helmet, and on his feet -- not kilt hose and ghillies, no not even boots -- large green furry dinosaur feet bedroom slippers. It honestly looked like he opened his closet that morning and asked himself what was the most ridiculous combination of clothing he could possibly wear. And this was how he chose to represent his clan on parade.

I think common sense lies somewhere between these two extremes. I think men of reasonable minds and good will can appreciate that while there many not be uniform rules for civilian kilt wearing, there are still "rules" of good fashion and taste, and that these may vary from region to region, circumstance to circumstance, and social group to social group. But it is always helpful to be aware of them, and when we deviate from them, we do so with a reason and purpose in mind.

Further, we must also appreciate the fact that the kilt is a unique and special garment that has many years of history and tradition behind it, and that tradition should be respected, if not always followed.

Likewise it is important to remember that the tradition of kilt wearing is still a living tradition, and so subject to change and adaptation.

A little common sense can go a long way.

Well said, Matt! Guid on ya!

T.

[Peter Crowe]

I think common sense lies somewhere between these two extremes. I think men of reasonable minds and good will can appreciate that while there many not be uniform rules for civilian kilt wearing, there are still "rules" of good fashion and taste, and that these may vary from region to region, circumstance to circumstance, and social group to social group. But it is always helpful to be aware of them, and when we deviate from them, we do so with a reason and purpose in mind.

Further, we must also appreciate the fact that the kilt is a unique and special garment that has many years of history and tradition behind it, and that tradition should be respected, if not always followed.

Likewise it is important to remember that the tradition of kilt wearing is still a living tradition, and so subject to change and adaptation.

A little common sense can go a long way.

Pretty much my opinion on this subject too Matt, and very well stated. I believe understanding the tradition is a good starting point to developing your own style without following 'rules' slavishly.

[KWD]

Thank you Steve, and Matt two truly insightful posts.

I agree wholeheartedly, Wear it the way you are comfortable wearing it, and you will look good in it!

[English Bloke]

... those who ... can identify a kilt 2 times out of 3 without having to look in the back of the book...

... wearing this: a traditional 8 yard kilt in his clan tartan, no shirt, an open black leather biker's vest, about a dozen heavy gold chains on his neck (ala Mr. T), a horned viking helmet, and on his feet -- not kilt hose and ghillies, no not even boots -- large green furry dinosaur feet bedroom slippers. It honestly looked like he opened his closet that morning and asked himself what was the most ridiculous combination of clothing he could possibly wear...

Two of the best laughs of the day.

Cheers!

[Geoff Withnell]

You know, there is a way you can tell someone that the basting stitches ought to be removed before wearing the kilt out like that which would come across as friendly advice, rather than rude snobbery. Really, was anyone doing that gent any favors by allowing him to walk around the Games all day like that and NOT telling him?

Someone said a few posts up that it is important to realize the difference between fact and opinion. That is very true. I think it is also important to realize that not everyone who gives their opinion or advice is being the "Kilt Police."

I have a quote which I often repeat from Stuart Ruaidri Erskine that says "The Highland dress is essentially a 'free' dress -- that is to say, a man's taste and circumstances must alone be permitted to decide when and where and how he should wear it... I presume to dictate to no man what he shall eat or drink or wherewithal he shall be clothed."

That is all basically true, and I repeat it so often because one trend in Highland dress that I think needs combating is this tendency some have to make the whole thing into a uniform. Unless you are a member of some uniformed organization (the military, or a pipe band, etc) which requires you to wear the kilt in a certain way, there truly are no RULES that dictate how you should wear the kilt.

But there is another trend that I think also needs combating that is the polar opposite. This is the idea that anything goes, one way of wearing the kilt is just as appropriate as another, and how dare anyone tell me any different.

It will be helpful for me to give an example of each of these tendencies. Once I was sternly corrected by a man who had spent some time in the British military. It seems the cuffs on my hose were turned over an inch too short, or too long (can't recall now). I was told in no uncertain terms that I was wearing them wrong. I had to politely remind the gentleman that I was not serving in the military and not wearing a uniform and so not subject to his uniform regulations.

On the other end of the spectrum, I once saw a man representing his clan in the parade of clans at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games wearing this: a traditional 8 yard kilt in his clan tartan, no shirt, an open black leather biker's vest, about a dozen heavy gold chains on his neck (ala Mr. T), a horned viking helmet, and on his feet -- not kilt hose and ghillies, no not even boots -- large green furry dinosaur feet bedroom slippers. It honestly looked like he opened his closet that morning and asked himself what was the most ridiculous combination of clothing he could possibly wear. And this was how he chose to represent his clan on parade.

I think common sense lies somewhere between these two extremes. I think men of reasonable minds and good will can appreciate that while there many not be uniform rules for civilian kilt wearing, there are still "rules" of good fashion and taste, and that these may vary from region to region, circumstance to circumstance, and social group to social group. But it is always helpful to be aware of them, and when we deviate from them, we do so with a reason and purpose in mind.

Further, we must also appreciate the fact that the kilt is a unique and special garment that has many years of history and tradition behind it, and that tradition should be respected, if not always followed.

Likewise it is important to remember that the tradition of kilt wearing is still a living tradition, and so subject to change and adaptation.

A little common sense can go a long way.

Indeed it can. As to correcting someone, I think we can correct obvious missteps due to ignorance without becoming "kilt police". At the VA Highland Games last weekend, I happened to be behind an elderly gentleman in a Black Watch kilt, and his lady in a matching shawl. From their wide eyed appearance I thought they were perhaps newcomers to this world of kilts. I became sure of it when I noticed he had his pleats in front. I went to him, and after excusing myself for interrupting, said quietly, "The pleats are normally worn in back." He asked if I was sure, it seemed backwards to him. I told him not to take my word for it, but to look around. A little bit later, I saw him, and his pleats were in back. he flashed me a thumbs up, and a grin. That is, I think, how to handle an obvious error. Discreetly, politely, and move on. Let the person make their own decision and correction in their own time.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Indeed it can. As to correcting someone, I think we can correct obvious missteps due to ignorance without becoming "kilt police". At the VA Highland Games last weekend, I happened to be behind an elderly gentleman in a Black Watch kilt, and his lady in a matching shawl. From their wide eyed appearance I thought they were perhaps newcomers to this world of kilts. I became sure of it when I noticed he had his pleats in front. I went to him, and after excusing myself for interrupting, said quietly, "The pleats are normally worn in back." He asked if I was sure, it seemed backwards to him. I told him not to take my word for it, but to look around. A little bit later, I saw him, and his pleats were in back. he flashed me a thumbs up, and a grin. That is, I think, how to handle an obvious error. Discreetly, politely, and move on. Let the person make their own decision and correction in their own time.

I did pretty much the exact same thing once, and not only was the gentleman thankful that I told him, but he was mystified as to why no one else had (he had already been at the Games for several hours).

[davedove]

On the other end of the spectrum, I once saw a man representing his clan in the parade of clans at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games wearing this: a traditional 8 yard kilt in his clan tartan, no shirt, an open black leather biker's vest, about a dozen heavy gold chains on his neck (ala Mr. T), a horned viking helmet, and on his feet -- not kilt hose and ghillies, no not even boots -- large green furry dinosaur feet bedroom slippers. It honestly looked like he opened his closet that morning and asked himself what was the most ridiculous combination of clothing he could possibly wear. And this was how he chose to represent his clan on parade.

Yes, but were the green dinosaur slippers properly coordinated with the colors of the tartan.

[be da veva]

After reading the whole thread, I have to say that there is a rules violation...

On the other end of the spectrum, I once saw a man representing his clan in the parade of clans at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games wearing this: a traditional 8 yard kilt in his clan tartan, no shirt, an open black leather biker's vest, about a dozen heavy gold chains on his neck (ala Mr. T), a horned viking helmet, and on his feet -- not kilt hose and ghillies, no not even boots -- large green furry dinosaur feet bedroom slippers.

No pics, didn't happen



Now back to your regularly programmed friendly banter...