Article: "Rebel army – The latest kilt trends and ideas"

[Dughlas mor]

I noticed a couple of outfits that looked vaguely THCD at first glance, but not at closer inspection. Didn`t see anything that I found particularly appealing. What is with those ruche ties, anyway?

[CMcG]

Thanks for the replies so far. Let's try to focus on substantive issues of style and accessories, rather than the minutiae of fit and finish that are easy fixes for kilt devotees, like showing more knee and less flashes.

FYI "ruche" is just a four-in-hand knot used on a cravat. Would a different knot be better? Or is there some problem with cravats?

If none of the author's suggestions or the pictured looks are for you, I'd be interested to know why? Is that in general or just this context?

As for more traditional looks, see first image, two guys on the right. Also for THCD-esqe at first glance, the chap in the windowpane check kilt suit about halfway down the page. Perhaps the fellow on the left in the "pop of bright colour section," if that is a full-mask sporran and not an evening sporran worn with daywear...

[Jock Scot]

Brown shoes at a wedding? No thank you.

The first chap on the right(can't really see the fellow behind).Is a tweed kilt suit traditional to get married in? I think not. I personally would not call his jacket traditionally cut either.

The fellow with the fox sporran, well its not bad, but his jacket is neither fish nor fowl in my eyes, its more like a bad third world version of a hacking jacket that is far too short for being one, but sadly they have not adapted it for the sporran.He could also do with a lower cut collar on his shirt too.

Nothing wrong with a cravat, provided that it is put on properly. Are those really cravats? Hmm, I am not so sure and those wing collar things don't help the look either.

So overall, when added to my initial observations, THCD they never will be. So far the 20 yard, blink of an eye test has not failed me yet between first and second looks. It matters not one jot of course, if you like what you see in the pictures.

[Dughlas mor]

Ah, CMcG, So you want me to string together some cogent thoughts, eh. Well, I haven`t been into kilt wearing for too long, and most of what I know I have learned from this wonderful site, and from observations made at events like Highland Games. So far, I am very much drawn to the traditional, with some exceptions. Yes, I think that a cravat, tied with whatever knot, is too much tie. With a four in hand it looks ridiculous to me. The guy in the windowpane suit looks pretty good, though I don`t care at all for the sporran. That would be one of my exceptions, I think that a well cut "kilt suit" looks just fine, though I don`t think I would want to wear one. I have nothing against a more modern style of jacket, such as those offered by Freedom Kilts, the Kilt Kut, I believe. In fact, when I eventually spring for one, it will likely be in that style. I guess the "pop of color" fellow looks pretty good, really. I don`t care for the boots in the second photo, nor for the ghillie brogues that a lot of them are wearing. I don`t suppose that the red and yellow sporrans are even worthy of comment. On the whole, everything looks just a bit too trendy for my taste, though some of it doesn`t look too bad, to my eye. As for the commando flap, if that`s the way you roll, at least it will help preserve your kilt.

[Jock Scot]

OCR.

Perhaps ruche ties are popular in Glasgow and the lowlands in general and popular with the hire companies if their pictures are anything to go by, but I cannot ever recall seeing one actually being worn.

[figheadair]

OMG, what a bunch of horrors. Jock's description of Glasgow trendy is spot on. Individually, there a couple of the jackets that are 'interesting', every one of the kilts is too long. Personally I wouldn't be seen dead in any of it.

My son is getting married next year so it's time for some new stuff; a complete outfit for him, a jacket, and possibly a kilt for me. You can bet that none of the above will feature. I would love to weave the material for his/our kilt(s) but don't know if I will have time. However, something old and Clan Donald related for the tartan, regimental tie, plain hose (not white of course), my trusty old brass cantle sporran (which I might polish up) and a plain (not evening) jacket, or possibly even a tweed one (sorry Jock but it's a Day Wedding). Some years ago I designed the 51 (Scottish) Brigade Tweed and I think it would look outstanding.

[Jock Scot]

I am sure that you all will be the epitome of tasteful kilt attire Peter. I have never been to an evening wedding service in the UK, do they happen here? In my experience, I would wear a tweed kilt jacket to about 60% /70% of all kilted weddings that I have ever attended.

[figheadair]

I am sure that you all will be the epitome of tasteful kilt attire Peter. I have never been to an evening wedding service in the UK, do they happen here? In my experience, I would wear a tweed kilt jacket to about 60% /70% of all kilted weddings that I have ever attended.

Good point Jock. I was using the term to reference the fact that so many people seem to get married in what is effectively evening dress.

[WillowEstate]

<snip>
I have never been to an evening wedding service in the UK, do they happen here? <snip>

On a sample of one, Jock, sort of... I should preface this by saying that I've only ever been to a handful of kilted weddings, so this is not statistically valid!

The "sort of" was a late afternoon wedding near Perth (can't remember the village, it was nearly half a century ago!) and the reception took the form of a Scottish supper, not unlike Burns' Night, that went on, with a dance following, into the wee small hours. Argyles were the most common jackets, as I recall.

But all the others I've been to have been late morning/afternoon weddings and a casual jacket was the order of the day.

I wonder if some if the "evening dress weddings" we see are an attempt to "invent" an equivalent of a Saxon morning dress wedding with top hat and tails? Perhaps more likely, as you say, a figment of the hire companies' imagination!

[OC Richard]

...something old and Clan Donald related for the tartan, regimental tie, plain hose (not white of course), my trusty old brass cantle sporran (which I might polish up) and a plain (not evening) jacket, or possibly even a tweed one (sorry Jock but it's a Day Wedding).

Sounds great Peter. Congratulations in advance on your son's wedding! Looking forward to photos!

I designed the 51 (Scottish) Brigade Tweed

Very interesting. Any images of it?

Which brings to mind, is there a 51st Highland Division tartan? Might yourself have designed it? Your avatar suggests a connexion.