Dream Kilt

[Geoff Withnell]

Okay, I'm a newbie to the whole kilt-owning community and experience. But I can't fathom owning DOZENS of kilts. For me, they really need to mean something; I am eagerly anticipating my clan tartan (MacDonald [aka MacDonnell] of Keppoch Ancient), and my first is a USMC Leatherneck. Beyond those, I can only conceive of owning any kilts I may wear in future pipe bands. I guess my biggest question is how hard is it to find occasions or excuses to wear a kilt outside of Highland festivals, piper performances, or truly special occasions like a wedding/funeral?

It's not difficult at all to find an excuse to wear a kilt. The sun rose this morning - Ah, great day for a kilt! I'm looking down at the clean side of the grass instead of up at the dirty side - Let's clelebrate by strapping on a kilt!
But you get my drift here.

[madmacs]

I'm looking down at the clean side of the grass instead of up at the dirty side

[English Bloke]

It's not difficult at all to find an excuse to wear a kilt. The sun rose this morning - Ah, great day for a kilt! I'm looking down at the clean side of the grass instead of up at the dirty side - Let's clelebrate by strapping on a kilt!
But you get my drift here.

Yeah, that about sums it up Geoff.

Iolair Domhan 'S Acair. Here's what I do when deciding if a Kilt is appropriate for the occasion.

I will select a kilt from my wardrobe on a particular day because I feel like wearing one. No special occasion needed. My Kilts to me, are like trousers without legs so I can wear them whenever I fancy. It is when I am at my most comfortable (well, Turkey was a bit hot in a kilt but still, it was hot there anyway...)

I currently have 20 Kilts. Some have a particular meaning to me such as my Bruce tartans, Grant tartans and Lindsay tartan, (the Scottish names in my Anglo Scottish family line). I'm not in a position to adopt the traditional approach as I am too far removed from my Scottishness (a quarter Scots) so although I wear my kilts respectfully (at least I think I do) I don't feel I have to wear "only the family tartan".

Please note though, I do admire those who do. It's a great show of commitment which I sadly lack but I will wear whatever tartan I like, because I can. When I do, I am always careful to ensure I have a good understanding of what the tartan is or what it represents as well as it's history so if asked politely, I can answer with a degree of authority. (it is at this point that most people who ask, begin to wish they hadn't "My how interesting" is usually followed their excuses and they wander off...)

Other Kilts I've bought because I like them or they were a good "investment". I have a Lochcarron 16oz 8 yard hand sewn Kilt ('used but pristine and dry cleaned' was the description) which cost me £50. It is sized to within an inch of my custom made Kilts, all of which have cost me six times that and in some cases more. The quality of it is outstanding so I wear it because I have it and it would make no sense not to. The concept of why anyone would want to leave a perfectly good kilt hanging up in a cupboard is my problem.

I've found too my Kilts are becoming a collection. In the same way that people collect thimbles or teaspoons or rare whiskies. It's not just in the wearing anymore but in the having. It's a collection I need to curb though, not just because of the expense but also the space to store them all.

If you are happy with one Kilt then that's fine. If you'd like my advice, try and stick to that resolve because trust me, it will save you a fortune. I now have several thousand pounds invested in everything I have. I don't NEED any of it but I still find it a pleasure to own and wear.

Each to their own I guess...

[seanachie]

It's a collection I need to curb though, not just because of the expense but also the space to store them all.

Each to their own I guess...

John there IS a much simpler solution, put the house up for sale and buy a bigger one. I do know from your great pictures that you have some real smashing kilts and have also found some great bargains along the way. So your collection analogy is spot on.

[seanachie]

It's not difficult at all to find an excuse to wear a kilt. The sun rose this morning - Ah, great day for a kilt! I'm looking down at the clean side of the grass instead of up at the dirty side - Let's clelebrate by strapping on a kilt!
But you get my drift here.

Well said Geoff. I find my self often in the same frame of mind. I guess that is why it seems funny to me doing Saturday afternoon shopping and someone asks "what's the occassion" ? Just as naturally as getting up in the morning and brushing my teeth, I put on a kilt.