1 Great Kilt, 10 Looks: A Visual Guide to Modern Great Kilting

[Tarheel]

Thanks Sir D for giving a different perspective to the idea of kilting. Folks that are not as versed in the finer points of kilting may find they can don your interpretations better than other looks we offer on our site. Style begins within a person and is reflected through their apparel often.

[Jock Scot]

As a farmer I love the background in the pictures, but I am afraid your endeavours with the kilt do not impress one bit, sorry. Why?

Well it all, particularly the kilt, seems very untidy and unnecessary to me and the assorted jackets etc., just look out of place apart from, perhaps, on the stage. Sorry, but apart from the theatre as stage props, I really cannot take the great kilt seriously.

I know some will think that I am being unkind with my observations, but I hope that you take my observations as just my honest perspective on your outfits, nothing more.

[Nathan]

With the greatest respect for individual autonomy, I don't think this attire is "modern" at all. Rather, I think it's a creatively anachronistic melange of attire from various eras and levels of formality. I also don't think this can rightly be called a guide to anyone but the OP who is maybe trying to start a one man revolution, but I fear his efforts may be in vain.

Just my reaction. Again, do what makes you happy.

[Profane James]

My 2cents may be relevant:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...83/index2.html

[OC Richard]

anachronistic melange of attire from various eras and levels of formality

Yes you're seeing what my eye always notices. One sees it at our local Highland Games all the time, things like an outfit consisting of a Utilikilt, moccasins, the ubiquitous Pirate shirt, a Prince Charlie, a huge Claymore hung on the back, big sunglasses, and a cowboy hat.

The photo I highlighted wasn't like that. Rather, it was consistent modern traditional Highland Dress (as it evolved in the early 20th century) with a fillamore substituted for the fillabeg.

Have I ever dressed like that? Can I imagine myself dressing like that in the future? No. But I appreciate the idea.

[Frigid Scot]

The photo I highlighted wasn't like that. Rather, it was consistent modern traditional Highland Dress (as it evolved in the early 20th century) with a fillamore substituted for the fillabeg.

And this was exactly my request on a previous thread about modern attire with a GK.

Is the GK an anachronism? Sure. But I would argue that many of the "modern" kilt attire are in fact somewhat anachronistic... updated a little perhaps, but certainly harkening back to an earlier day (epaulets and military buttons etc).

It just seems to me that the GK could fit in with modern attire just as its smaller sister garment has. After all, the very wearing of a kilt is in itself somewhat anachronistic: solidarity with a largely defunct medieval social system. And I'm all for it! But why does the GK not equally fit with this expression of solidarity? Perhaps even more so as the more "modern" garment was largely a military adaptation and a convenience product. If you want to know what your ancestor really wore, it was probably the GK.

And all of this is just to say I love both garments. But why must one be relegated solely to the past and "anachronisms", while the other gets a somewhat arbitrary label as modern?

[Livonian]

And this was exactly my request on a previous thread about modern attire with a GK.

Is the GK an anachronism? Sure. But I would argue that many of the "modern" kilt attire are in fact somewhat anachronistic... updated a little perhaps, but certainly harkening back to an earlier day (epaulets and military buttons etc).

It just seems to me that the GK could fit in with modern attire just as its smaller sister garment has. After all, the very wearing of a kilt is in itself somewhat anachronistic: solidarity with a largely defunct medieval social system. And I'm all for it! But why does the GK not equally fit with this expression of solidarity? Perhaps even more so as the more "modern" garment was largely a military adaptation and a convenience product. If you want to know what your ancestor really wore, it was probably the GK.

And all of this is just to say I love both garments. But why must one be relegated solely to the past and "anachronisms", while the other gets a somewhat arbitrary label as modern?

The wee kilt follows the formula set by the monopoly of Saxon Dress: fussy tailoring and shaping to create the impression of a good figure. The GK does not. It seems to be more about familiarity than anything, as you correctly point out that most of what is worn today has zero cultural relevance to most of those who wear it... just look up the origin story on any given clothing item in your closet. Chances are that it was either A) Developed out of convenience by a well-to-do Brit or B) A working-class fashion adapted by the well-to-do for leisurewear or as a display of solidarity with the average citizen

[Sir Didymous]

With the greatest respect for individual autonomy, I don't think this attire is "modern" at all. Rather, I think it's a creatively anachronistic melange of attire from various eras and levels of formality. I also don't think this can rightly be called a guide to anyone but the OP who is maybe trying to start a one man revolution, but I fear his efforts may be in vain.

Just my reaction. Again, do what makes you happy.

With due respect to your opinion, which is just as valid as any other, but your a bit off the mark as to my intentions. If I were indeed trying to be a revolutionary, all I would wear is the great kilt. The truth is that my modern kilts see equal, if not more, use than my great kilts. The actual goal of this thread is to encourage persons new to kilting to develop their own style.

It has been my experience that many enter the kilt wearing world via this "anachronistic" garment. Upon making attempts to modernize (which often leads to adopting the modern kilt), these same people are often met with a certain level of snobbery. It is, in my eyes, not unlike wearing out of fashion clothing to middle school. It may not be considered fashionable to the eyes of many, but when personal pride is taken, one can own the look.

I know the great kilt will never be hanging on a rack in a clothing store (barring costume shops), but this is to show those who like the great kilt that their options are open. As with kilt wearing in general, there will be some negative reactions. That is the inescapable truth of doing one's own thing. But I think that the number of threads on this topic more than justify this thread. I suspect that for every new thread asking for advice on great kilting outside of historical contexts, there are a few who read the negative responses that are typical on here regarding the topic and do not post. There may even be a few who give up on this forum, or worse yet, on the idea of kilting a all.

I thought that for once it might be nice to answer the requests for advice on the topic with more than "buy a modern kilt". However, I do appreciate your live and let live attitude. That's how I feel bout the saggy pants look that seems to be here to stay. So long as the person is wearing what they like and are doing so in a way that honestly makes them feel good, then more power to them.

[Frigid Scot]

I thought that for once it might be nice to answer the requests for advice on the topic with more than "buy a modern kilt". However, I do appreciate your live and let live attitude.

And that is greatly appreciated!

Likewise I don't harbor ill thoughts nor do I feel judged by those who "don't quite see it" the way we do. It is their opinion given much in the way I would recommend against a particular tie a friend might be choosing to pair with his suit. I mean it is kindly meant and if queried would probably represent a majority opinion... I have never let that dissuade me before in anything I had a definite opinion on. Hence I, over the years, have developed my own style... and it works. Many people have told me so.

Frankly, many folks look dashing in their small kilts. God bless and preserve them. May they continue to choose to look so great, it is a true benefit to all. Also may many folks who own or would like to own a GK do so and also look equally fabulous, for the benefit of all. Further may they by conscientious donning, favorably change opinion toward the GK.

A side story. A pipe band I am acquainted with here in Alaska a few years back changed from the small kilt to the GK as their uniform. They went to Edinburgh a few years ago to compete in a piping competition. They received an undue amount of attention from the audience because of their attire. A short while later they got a call from the folks over in the UK. They were the ONLY band invited, BECAUSE of their GKs, to pipe the ceremonial remains of William Wallace on his first mile back from London to Scotland. They did and it was quite a display.

Maybe the question of small kilt vs great kilt is not the point. Perhaps there is room for both in a broad minded view of appropriate Scottish attire.

[dcommini]

I love how well your GK looks with your chosen attire in your pictures. I do have one question, though, and that pertains as to where you acquired that double breasted jacket? The jacket helps pull together the more formal looks quite well.