Outlander Wardrobe and language

[HootinHoller]

Is the Inverness Cape worn by Ned (The Lawyer character in Rent as I might not have the name right) off the rack?

It is gorgeous! I would love to see it in detail and maybe get a copy of the pattern or better yet buy one, although I doubt I could afford it at the moment.

[jhockin]

I'm curious about how the kilts are worn. It seems to me that many, if not all, are worn at "jeans waist" instead at the natural waist, where kilts are traditionally worn, and, if I'm not mistaken, historically speaking, all mens "lower" garments, including pants, were worn, until relatively recently ( say, since about 1960?).
Was this a consciously made decision?

I also noticed, in episode 5, that "Black Jack", while flogging Jamie, appears to be wearing pants that are at "jeans waist" level. Again, is this "historically correct", or an adaptation?

[Jock Scot]

What a fascinating discussion. I know absolutely nothing of the books, or the TV series, but Terry's inside knowledge of the decisions and practicalities of equipping the cast does give an insight to aspects that us mere mortals probably never even consider.

[terry dresbach]

I'm curious about how the kilts are worn. It seems to me that many, if not all, are worn at "jeans waist" instead at the natural waist, where kilts are traditionally worn, and, if I'm not mistaken, historically speaking, all mens "lower" garments, including pants, were worn, until relatively recently ( say, since about 1960?).
Was this a consciously made decision?

I also noticed, in episode 5, that "Black Jack", while flogging Jamie, appears to be wearing pants that are at "jeans waist" level. Again, is this "historically correct", or an adaptation?

No, I am not sure that is happening, and definitely not a conscious choice. But those sneaky actors may be letting them slip a bit.
ALWAYS difficult on a period show. I will never do a film set in the 80s ever again, as the waist issue is an enormous pain.

Black Jack has a proper waist and seat, ABSOLUTELY.

[Dale Seago]

Is the Inverness Cape worn by Ned (The Lawyer character in Rent as I might not have the name right) off the rack?

It is gorgeous! I would love to see it in detail and maybe get a copy of the pattern or better yet buy one, although I doubt I could afford it at the moment.

It is indeed gorgeous, and I can see potential for a clothing line inspired by the series for both lasses and laddies.

I'm curious about how the kilts are worn. It seems to me that many, if not all, are worn at "jeans waist" instead at the natural waist, where kilts are traditionally worn, and, if I'm not mistaken, historically speaking, all mens "lower" garments, including pants, were worn, until relatively recently ( say, since about 1960?).
Was this a consciously made decision?

For those who are wearing a feileadh mor or "belted plaid/great kilt" I would expect that. I used to wear one fairly often, as in my pic below (from the photo shoot for a book on Highland swordsmanship), and the belt that holds the wrap together and keeps it from falling off rides at the same place as your jeans belt. It's not obvious if you're wearing a waistcoat & jacket as in the photo, because the waistcoat covers it. However, in the series you often (generally when engaged in menial chores or other highly informal circumstances) see Jamie and others "in their underwear" as it was regarded at the time, with only their shirt on the upper body, and that's where the low rise of the wrap becomes apparent.

[jhockin]

For those who are wearing a feileadh mor or "belted plaid/great kilt" I would expect that. I used to wear one fairly often, as in my pic below (from the photo shoot for a book on Highland swordsmanship), and the belt that holds the wrap together and keeps it from falling off rides at the same place as your jeans belt. It's not obvious if you're wearing a waistcoat & jacket as in the photo, because the waistcoat covers it. However, in the series you often (generally when engaged in menial chores or other highly informal circumstances) see Jamie and others "in their underwear" as it was regarded at the time, with only their shirt on the upper body, and that's where the low rise of the wrap becomes apparent.

Is/was that because a personal choice; because you bought one made that way; or based upon some historical evidence?
The ones I made for myself, with a drawstring, are designed to be worn/ belted at the natural waist, so I'm curious as what is " historically correct".

[Dale Seago]

Is/was that because a personal choice; because you bought one made that way; or based upon some historical evidence?
The ones I made for myself, with a drawstring, are designed to be worn/ belted at the natural waist, so I'm curious as what is " historically correct".

"Jeans waist" seems more "natural" to me, but that admittedly could be the influence of contemporary culture.

At this point I doubt that it could be determined which is historically correct without either a good written description or pictures; and I suspect that men in their underwear would not have been considered fitting subjects for portraiture.

[Dale Seago]

Hmmm. . .where is that portrait we've seen of what appears to be a drawstring with a belted plaid, and how high does the string appear to be?

[SeumasA]

I just ran across this thread and it has made for some very interesting reading. Terry, thank you for adding to the discussion.

[figheadair]

Hmmm. . .where is that portrait we've seen of what appears to be a drawstring with a belted plaid, and how high does the string appear to be?

See Fig 6 in this paper. It looks to be at the natural waist which is where I'd expect it to be from a practical perspective.