Should I join the Kilt Kops?

**KennethSime** · 10th December 21, 09:36 PM

When I was a kid, my dad would consistently tell me: "pull up your pants kid, you look stupid." That definitely didn't resonate well with me, though he was correct.

As an adult, if there was something about my manor of dress which made me look foolish, and a friend went out of their way to inform me of my error in confidence, I hope that I would be be more grateful than scornful.

**Jock Scot** · 11th December 21, 06:07 AM

We/I see kilts worn in all sorts of ways here in Scotland, some look fine whilst not necessarily fitting the Highland mould. Some look completely outwith of the traditional mould, as per the Tartan Army and some kilt outfits, look absolutely atrocious and out of place. Some, outfits even fit the Highland mould perfectly and some just try too hard and appear wanting to be be more Scots than the Scots. I think most Scots see these things, perhaps form an opinion if they are interested--------most probably aren't-------- and say nothing. Why make life difficult for oneself?

On the other hand, out in the wild so to speak, if one is asked --------a very rare event--------- then an opinion may be given but the answer would generally be fairly broad brush and short. I think on this website we can get mired in the minute details that from a day to day point of view really matter little. On the other hand, these matters can from a theoretical point of view grow into unnecessarily detailed proportions. I do recognise though that discussions about details are the lifeblood of a website such as this, but I have found in real life details about attire(unless one is discussing uniforms) is not really that important and is certainly not worth falling out over with a friend. However, one can possibly influence things by dressing by example.

**Ivor** · 11th December 21, 12:30 PM

I couldn’t agree more and what a good synopsis of kilt- wearing. I don't know about Glaswegians but am happy to defer to Jock there but it seems that they have their own attitudes. I do know that Glasgow was a destination for many highlanders so perhaps their opinion is valuable but maybe kilts were not so important to those dispossessed and seeking a living in Glasgow in those times.

**Jock Scot** · 12th December 21, 05:23 AM

Originally Posted by Ivor

I couldn’t agree more and what a good synopsis of kilt- wearing. I don't know about Glaswegians but am happy to defer to Jock there but it seems that they have their own attitudes. I do know that Glasgow was a destination for many highlanders so perhaps their opinion is valuable but maybe kilts were not so important to those dispossessed and seeking a living in Glasgow in those times.

In my experience in my youth, 1940's/50's, civilian kilt wearers in Glasgow were a fairly rare sight. I and my brother experienced a fairly hostile reception when we visited Glasgow more than a few times in our kilts. An experience shared by others too. "Kilty kilty cold bum" was the regular taunt and much, much worse on occasion. In recent times the kilt has become a more regular occurrence in Glasgow and it causes me and others huge amusement to hear the Glaswegian kilt experts pontificating about how to wear the kilt. Particularly as one sees the err, ummm, "interesting" results of their new found kilt attire knowledge!

**DunRovinStation** · 12th December 21, 10:07 AM

I am sorry for your friend's passing. It was good of you to honor his request.

Maybe it is the correct length and he's wearing it lower than he should or wants to.
I know my husband's legs seem to be shrinking as he ages as his belt buckle rides lower and lower.

I'm with the crew that would only offer advice or help if asked.
(I deal enough with the local "bunad police" in the next village. She's a Swede and has NO idea how things in my home Norwegian island are worn, but she 'read it in a book', so I get lectured.) Same deal, different country.