Quote Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome
I think another factor is how the kilts are worn at festivals. I'll give an example.

The typical man you see in a kilt at a festival (and let's for the sake of argument just assume we are talking about a standard traditional kilt here) will have a kilt, a black kilt belt with a nickel plated buckle, a Highland or "Jacobite" shirt, some type of bonnet on his head with a clan badge, maybe a sprig of their plant badge pinned behind. His sporran may run the gambit from a simple day wear to a full mask sporran. I've seen some around here that are made from bear claws, fox masks, skunk tails, and all sorts of things. He may have a dirk, a sgian dubh, and/or a sword. And, of course, hose and some kind of shoes -- possibly those knee-high Indian moccasins that are so popular to wear with kilts.

In other words, just about everything he is wearing screams "this is a costume that I just wear once or twice a year!"
Matt,

That is what it screams to you, and that's what it screams to me.............. but, it additionally screams to me: "....in the USA!"

We just do not dress like that back here in 'the old country' - even at our Highland Gatherings and Highland Games. We do, however, dress as you go on to describe......

A simple shirt, either button down or pull-over.
A plain brown leather belt, about 2.25" wide.
A plain brown day sporran.
solid hose with flashes
A simple and unassuming sgian dubh
Sensible shoes.

That's it. I might wear a vest. If it's cold, I'll wear a sweater or a tweed jacket. In other words, I'm just wearing clothing.

The problem arises in that the vast majority of people only see men wearing the kilt at these festivals, and when 9 guysout of 10 are dressed as Number 1 above, this is the "vision" they have of how the kilt is worn.

I'll be the first to confess, that when I go to a festival, though I don't strap on an arsenal of weapons and the like, I do pull out my Jacobite shirt and I'll tend to "costume" up the kilt a bit, just because I see the festivals as venues where these accessories are more appropriate than for usual daily wear.

Aye,
Matt
I suppose it might be fun to climb into a fancy costume and parade around with others doing much the same, but I think I am happier staying with my boring old everyday kilt wearing 'gear' of the present day - whether it's simple and informal or elaborate and formal.

{{The above is written somewhat with tongue in cheek and is not intended, in any way, as an insult to my American brothers.}}