Can we define THCD?

**S Mitchell** · 6th August 14, 07:03 PM

I also like Colin's article. What jumps out at me is the use of the term "convention."

Sometimes, it might be helpful to use conventional instead of traditional when describing accepted ways to wear the kilt in THCD.

I know the terms don't overlap one hundred percent, but it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking traditional means only staid or formal.

Whereas, if you hear, "XYZ" is conventionally worn suchly (or not worn), it makes perfect sense without implying another choice is wrong. The other choice is merely "unconventional".

It still falls to the folks with practiced eyes to say what is and isn't conventional and under what circumstances.

**davidlpope** · 6th August 14, 07:03 PM

Here are two images showing "more formal" daywear:

Although "more formal" than an old, natty, hairy tweed jacket, I'm not sure that this style (or the ubiquitous black Argyll with chrome buttons) rates it's own category. I think it might be the difference between a brown glen plaid business suit and a charcoal pinstripe business suit, rather than the difference between a blazer and a suit...(If that makes any sense.)

**Nathan** · 6th August 14, 07:07 PM

Originally Posted by davidlpope

We could easily do a "10 looks" thread from pictures that currently exist, it's just that a rugby shirt and scrunched down kilt hose don't strike me as THCD. That's the sort of thing that was included in the original "1 Kilt- 10 Looks" threads.

This is a good question. For the least formal THCD, where is the line? Anyone?

**davidlpope** · 6th August 14, 07:13 PM

Originally Posted by Nathan

This is a good question. For the least formal THCD, where is the line? Anyone?

I'm thinking open-neck broadcloth shirt with sleeves rolled up, kilt, sporran and strap, kilt hose, and a pair of Wellies/hiking boots/LL Bean camp mocs.

Once you lose the pulled-up kilt hose or put on a golf shirt, I think you've lost the THCD...

**Nathan** · 6th August 14, 07:50 PM

Originally Posted by davidlpope

4. Black Tie- Formal shirt, black bowtie, Regulation Doublet/Prince Charlie Coatee/Black Argyll, tartan/formal waistcoat/formal belt, kilt, kilt pin, dress sporran, Argyll/Diced/Solid hose, formal shoes/bar-buckle brogues.

This guy's sporran is too low and his bow tie is pretty crooked. He could also stand to shorten those sleeves a touch and show a little cuff for Pete's sake... what a slob.

**davidlpope** · 6th August 14, 07:53 PM

Originally Posted by Nathan

This guy's sporran is too low and his bow tie is on pretty crooked. He could also stand to shorten those sleeves a touch and show a little cuff for Pete's sake... what a slob.

You forgot to rip on his J. Higgins hose...

**Nathan** · 6th August 14, 07:55 PM

Originally Posted by davidlpope

You forgot to rip on his J. Higgins hose...

I know, Right!? I did that in another thread.

**McMurdo** · 6th August 14, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by davidlpope

We could easily do a "10 looks" thread from pictures that currently exist, it's just that a rugby shirt and scrunched down kilt hose don't strike me as THCD. That's the sort of thing that was included in the original "1 Kilt- 10 Looks" threads.

I think that a THCD 10 looks thread would be a great idea. Lets remember that the the original 1 kilt 10 looks thread was not strictly THCD. It was born out of the need to answer the many questions that Jamie and I were being asked at the time and the amount of new members who would come to the forum asking these same questions.

I think for these reasons a new set of photos would be best instead of borrowing from the old thread. I do agree pith helmets and fly wisks would not be classified as THCD but rather theatrics. However there were two of us in that thread and I did not scrunch down my hose. I am not saying there is anything wrong with Jamie's interpretation it was perhaps not as traditional as my interpretation.

**Jock Scot** · 6th August 14, 10:25 PM

Just a thought. The OP asked if we could define THCD and I think that we probably have, largely thanks to Colin's skill with words and considerable understanding of the matter in hand. Steve the owner of this website was pretty keen that we should come up with a definition too and whilst he has been silent since Colin's post, he is, no doubt, watching points. So, without being too presumptuous we certainly have come up with a definition in words, that by in large seems to have been met with little disagreement. Mission accomplished then?

I think now we are getting bogged down in the detail, which is inevitable, which might be better in another thread, or threads? Definitions of aspects of THCD are important and pictures will most certainly help, of that there is no doubt. I do wonder though, if it might be better now, if a "day thread", a "black tie" thread, a "casual thread", etc., with eventually perhaps, individual "attire headings" might be a better way to go from now on? Then someone in the future wanting to know about say, "formal day wear" could go to the relevant heading to do their research? By doing it that way, it matters not how many pictures are posted, the more the better, and discussed, which again should be helpful for any future reference.

Just a thought.

**Highlander31** · 7th August 14, 02:07 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

....I do wonder though, if it might be better now, if a "day thread", a "black tie" thread, a "casual thread", etc., with eventually perhaps, individual "attire headings" might be a better way to go from now on? Then someone in the future wanting to know about say, "formal day wear" could go to the relevant heading to do their research? By doing it that way, it matters not how many pictures are posted, the more the better, and discussed, which again should be helpful for any future reference.

Just a thought.

An excellent suggestion, Jock.