Appropriate kilt wear

**Shay** · 15th September 05, 01:30 PM

I don't think you'll have a problem at all- I'd go for it.

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 15th September 05, 01:57 PM

Rich,

Also take a look at this thread http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=13259
where I had asked a similar questions. some great responses and also some very funny ones!

RJI

**Bil** · 15th September 05, 05:14 PM

Wear what you want man. Have fun and don't worry about what anyone else thinks. It is, after all, a festival event and not a formal or even a semi formal occassion. Sportkilts are meant for having fun in and are a great way for the unkilted to move out of the darkness and into the light ;)

While there are definate guidelines for being kilted in public, festival events are far more lenient than most other events. The important thing is that you are getting out and wearing your kilt.

**Archangel** · 15th September 05, 06:02 PM

yeah, crash and burn, live and learn.

Scottish festivals are a hoot and very few have any idea of what's appropriate. Those that do, don't look like they're having any fun. At the Fergus Games, which was a lot of fun, some people were walking around with big pink buffalo head hats on. No idea what that was about, but you know you're onto something when a bunch of kilties stop and stare at you.

Your plans sound good, my two comments are that I think sportkilts are too light but okay for what you have in mind and that I think kilts look better with a sporran, even, as somebody else suggested, a loose fitting fanny pack. It's a sort of separated the men's and women's thing but that's me.

If you get any offended tartan police types, tell them that we said it was okay for you to go dressed that way and they can take it up with us. Dread can do most of the talking.

**Bil** · 15th September 05, 06:17 PM

Originally Posted by Archangel

If you get any offended tartan police types, tell them that we said it was okay for you to go dressed that way and they can take it up with us. Dread can do most of the talking.

LOL!! Amen brother!

**Dreadbelly** · 15th September 05, 06:22 PM

Originally Posted by Archangel

If you get any offended tartan police types, tell them that we said it was okay for you to go dressed that way and they can take it up with us. Dread can do most of the talking.

And what are you implying? :mrgreen:

**auld argonian** · 15th September 05, 06:41 PM

I've only been to one Highland Games this past summer in Oak Brook, Illinois. I have to say that the kilted types varied radically. Those among the kilted brethren (and sistren) on this forum are quite correct in suggesting that you can feel comfortable in almost any kilt configuration that you can muster.

What to expect:

Pipe band types who are dressed very precisely because they are being judged not only on their piping but also on their appearance both individually and collectively.

The folks there with their clans who seem to go for the "full regalia" look...sort of like illustrations form a nineteenth century edition of Lorna Doone or Kidnapped...all the bells and whistles.

The sort-of-biker-types...this look is the dark kilts - tartan or canvas - and either the black t-shirt or a black jacobite shirt and the black cat boots or Doc's....these guys are usually rather on the large side and are usually situated near the beer tent.

The guys who are actually participating in the games...again, the t-shirt and a practical kind of kilt and the shoes with the knife blades taped to the toes so that they can throw the hammer (Rosa Kleb would be so proud!).

There's another group...the re-enactor/character folks...the ones that are dressed like Mary Queen of Scots or William Wallace...there was one guy dressed as a Viking roaming around the Games that I was at.

It's a mixed bag...as it has been observed before, go and enjoy. Anyone who acts as the "tartan police" is self-appointed and is full of it and should be smiled at and ignored.

best

argonian

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 15th September 05, 06:56 PM

I have to agree. There will be almost as many "attire styles" as there are people. If it is anything like the recent Renaissance Faire I attended, you will also have the equivalent of "medieval" bikers and their chicks. They tend to a lot of chain mail, but that only covers the breast area and not much more, which opens some huge questions as to how effective it is!

Dress as you like, have fun, and don't let anyone give you #$%*!!!

And BTW, I may not be as big as Dread, but I think we are close and I am wiliing to come to provide moral support.

RJI

**Dreadbelly** · 15th September 05, 07:11 PM

I am only five foot five... I am not big.

But I will start at the knees and work my way up!

**macwilkin** · 15th September 05, 07:29 PM

As someone who has been accused on a regular basis of being a member of the "tartan polis" -- and I have the membership card to prove it! ;) -- I feel that I must represent my ilk in this thread.

Not all of us act this way, gentlemen -- the majority of my "tartan polis" friends hold themselves accountable to tradition and custom (and we also know that the majority of them are not ancient customs), yet we would never dream of telling someone that they were wrong. To each his own, and as as it was pointed out before, there are all types at Highland games and festivals. Yet, those who choose to dress traditionally are being judged without due process on the basis of a few individuals, and I do not feel that is right.

Bottom line: I hold myself to certain standards, but do not expect anyone else to follow them -- but respect is mutual. Perhaps instead of trying to antagonize the "tartan polis", try to get to know them -- you might find that some of us might have a wee dram for a kilted brother and might just be more open-minded than we are preceived to be.

Awright, I'm off my soap-box now. ;)

Regards,

Todd