Too Traditional?

[Peter Crowe]

It has been too easy for me to start to feel like I have a feel for Scots tradition, then find out, or be shown that I really know very little. It seems much of this is ingrained from early on. The polo shirt discussion reminded me of a discussion from a long time back that left me feeling that I had only been accommodated by the traditionalist members in what I would prefer to wear, rather than coming to an understanding of what is viewed to be traditional or even acceptable Highland attire. If you ain't got it, you ain't got it.

Bugbear,
You must do what works for you my friend, however, a few observations that I would offer are:

1) There are variations of opinion among kilt traditionalists although I think we would all agree on what are acceptable THCD basics outside of formal evening wear. However, when we get to the personal flair part what might be acceptable kilt-wear for one traditionalist may grate on another traditionalist's sensibility.

2) Traditionalists are largely a self-identifying group of individuals none of whom have the right to dictate how anyone dresses. Some because of their knowledge and experience may speak with the authority that confers, and are a useful source of THCD wisdom, but I doubt the people I am thinking of would ever claim their opinions have any more weight than that.

3) The very fact that you are sensitive to the deep and early socialization in THCD that some of us Scots are brought up with gives you an insight many do not have and should be a useful self-check in exploring traditional kilt-wearing well.

4) I consider myself a traditionalist, have worn a kilt since age three (I'm now 45), and was brought up to wear the kilt traditionally in my family. However, I am still curious to learn more because I appreciate that my dad (who also wore the kilt from earliest boyhood) knew a lot but still allowed himself to be persuaded into purchases by Kilt-makers (especially evening-wear in the late 70's) that were a bit naff. I'm still learning and I was born and brought up with kilts in Scotland and lived there until I was 37.