A gentleman should wear

[Tobus]

Sorry for the long-winded post... TL/DR: some band members and soloists don't like wearing the clothes but still want to play the music.

Ladies and gents of XMarks, believe it or not there are those in the piping community - soloists and band members - who love the music (playing and listening) but really dislike the hassle of the wardrobe requirements. Those folks would just as soon wear their shorts/jeans and polo/tee shirts like they do at home or at band rehearsal when practicing than have to put on this awkward, uncomfortable - hot, itchy, ill-fitted, etc. - "costume" (fancy dress for those on the east side of the big water) when playing their instrument. (The attitude affects both pipers and drummers.)

I can understand the discomfort of putting on all the kit, and certainly appreciate their desire to be comfortable when performing. But this is part and parcel of performing. Again, I'm not a piper, but I can think back some 30 years ago when I was in high school marching band. Nobody liked putting on the hot ill-fitting polyester uniforms and fur hats. But a marching band wears uniforms if they want to look proper; this is a tradition based on military bands. Without uniforms, it's just a motley bunch of people in their shorts and T-shirts. Presentation is just as important as the precision of marching and playing. If any one of these elements is subpar, it ruins the rest.

Of course, a solo piper has a bit more leeway when separated from the band. But presentation and decorum remain equally important. I don't know how we got to the point in society where personal comfort trumps everything else, but it's disappointing when good traditions start to erode because people just can't be bothered to suffer a little for their craft.