Just my two cents on this; it's not discussed because the topic of discussion is the kilted attire. Although I have read accounts of men working in forges, in kilts, and that is how the present day traditional kilt came to be, I am sure there were all sorts of attire, just as there is today.

These days we may wear a suit to a wedding, funeral, gathering and such, I am sure the same can be said of that time. I have also read tht the whole stylized "ideal" was a tradition started by the well to do, because of the Queen's fancy for all things Scottish.

My other quandry is and concerns all the portraits, and sketches. Sitting for a portrait in those days was a huge deal! wouldn't one trot out every bit of the finest stuff he had, to immortalize himself as a grand fop? Wouldn't sketches, and such, romantize and idealize, the "ideal" highland look. Like a fashion model today? But, who really dresses like that!

Brian's pics are excellent examples of reality, in a historical sense anyway!