Wearing the Kilt Pin

[ThistleDown]

Perhaps I don't understand this issue, although I've read every post. I know there are Highland outfitters in the cities of the world who wish to sell every bit of regalia they can to every neophyte who enters their shop doors, and justify their pitches with dexterity and assurances of knowledge and integrity, but on a site such as this we know better or are willing to learn from those who do.

The kilt is, first and foremost, a country garment. It was never something historically worn in cities, where brisk breezes are the extreme (except in Aberdeen ).

Gales can be extreme in the Highlands of Scotland.

My latest experience. I was in the Orkneys in the Caroline of last December. Exhilarating to say the least! Pleats flailing this way and that, bum no doubt exposed for seconds at a time, legs and torso straining into it. Boots holding fast. Hair and clothing whipping this way and that. But I can't recall any worry about my 'privates' being exposed to view by those who might have turned -- for a mere moment -- to face away from the storm and in my direction.

It's my experience, of roughly 70 years, that the kilt pin is a lovely bit of jewelry. I have a great collection from over three+ generations. But that other than as bling, it has no functional purpose in Traditional Highland Civilian Dress (THCD).

[neloon]

Serves you right, Jock, for trying to kill poor innocent ptarmigan.
I believe that Thistledown was a student at Aberdeen University and I concur about the breezes around Old Aberdeen. Is a lecturer's dignity more easily damaged than a student's?
Alan

[PatrickHughes123]

Perhaps I don't understand this issue, although I've read every post. I know there are Highland outfitters in the cities of the world who wish to sell every bit of regalia they can to every neophyte who enters their shop doors, and justify their pitches with dexterity and assurances of knowledge and integrity, but on a site such as this we know better or are willing to learn from those who do.

The kilt is, first and foremost, a country garment. It was never something historically worn in cities, where brisk breezes are the extreme (except in Aberdeen ).

Gales can be extreme in the Highlands of Scotland.

My latest experience. I was in the Orkneys in the Caroline of last December. Exhilarating to say the least! Pleats flailing this way and that, bum no doubt exposed for seconds at a time, legs and torso straining into it. Boots holding fast. Hair and clothing whipping this way and that. But I can't recall any worry about my 'privates' being exposed to view by those who might have turned -- for a mere moment -- to face away from the storm and in my direction.

It's my experience, of roughly 70 years, that the kilt pin is a lovely bit of jewelry. I have a great collection from over three+ generations. But that other than as bling, it has no functional purpose in Traditional Highland Civilian Dress (THCD).

I wear the kilt down in Glasgow, where I am from. All the way down here, you get the occasional blow up at the back, but it never so extreme to the point where people will see all of your anus. In all my time of wearing a kilt, it has only happened about twice.

Winter time is the worst for this kind of thing.

[kingandrew]

I have to second Tobus's observation that the sporran is a much more effective tool for keeping your apron down than any kilt pin I've seen.

It also helps to prevent unintended exposure when you're sitting, Sharon Stone style.

Andrew

[tokareva]

I stopped wearing a kilt pin after finding out it wasn't mandatory. It was creating holes in the apron and was a constant cause of concern about snagging it on something and ripping the kilt. I was glad to find out it wasn't a requirement, it's a lot more comfortable without it banging and wobbling around all the time. It's just a cheap one with lots of sharp edges.

s-l1000.jpg

Here it is in action a while back.

P1030548_kindlephoto-840233700.jpg

[Terry Searl]

It is a lovely kilt pin to be sure, and your kilt is lovely as well ......it would be a shame if either was damaged just for the wearing of the pin .....better the kilt remains kilt pin free and the kilt pin brought out occasionally and admired and the moment you found it remembered......just my opinion though