When I got my first kilt almost 20 years ago I went to a kilt maker and asked some questions. He was VERY traditional in his approach and he told me that a man should ONLY wear the kilt he was entitled to. I took this as gospel. My approach didn't change over the years.

Now, I have changed. When I first MADE A CHOICE to wear a non-traditional kilt I felt a little like I had betrayed my Clan. But, I then came to the conclusion that evertime I put on the kilt I honor my heritage no matter if it is my Clan Kilt or the camo kilts. Plus the extra fact that I like it!

I have also been told by a man that he would love to have and wear a kilt but he didn't think he was 'entitled'. I told him that he actually was 'entitled' if he felt he needed to be 'entitled'. I asked if he was born in Texas. He said he was and I told him that Texas does have an official tartan and that he could wear this or many other tartans if he wanted. I don't know what happened but the seed was planted.

I now have 1 traditional kilt NOT in my Clan and I have plans for 2 others and one of these will be a kilt to honor my wife's side of the family. To any Clan events I might go to I will still wear the Clan Kilt but the rest of the time it's up to me.

RLJ-