Why you don't see Scots wearing their kilts often

[lukeyrobertson]

Thank you Jock for a great and contextual comment on the wearing of the kilt. It reminds me a lot of the practice of kilt wearing in Cape Breton where the kilt is hardly seen until there's a special community event, or sadly a funeral and then without notice the kilts appear. I appreciate the distinctions you make about traditions between the highland and the lowlands and I, having not been to Scotland, have learned a lot from this exchange. I think it's fair to say, that a similar practice is observed here in Canada...the well made, well fashioned "traditional" kilts appear most at special holidays/observances and community/family celebrations like weddings. It is not common to see the kilt in daily use, but I suspect that for many, the kilt is regarded as very special and donned for the occasions that merit it. That being said, I like the fact that those in the Xmarks community are finding the where-with-all to wear the kilt more frequently at home and about which has created the "casual" approach. But thanks again Jock for adding to the conversation from where you are.

[Spartan Tartan]

...the well made, well fashioned "traditional" kilts appear most at special holidays/observances and community/family celebrations like weddings.

Although, I enjoy my kilt as often as possible, it really is not practical for me to wear daily...given I'm in the military and it's certainly not a uniform item for me--but maybe I can write a point paper about it and get an approved kilt option within the Navy uniform regs

Even though I am relatively new to kilt wearing, my purpose for getting my kilt was to wear it for special occasions--not necessarily formal, but special. I do, however, consider a kilt night a special occasion

[GG]

Jock, I deeply respect your comments and contributions. And I see your points.

My point of view is different, however.

I think we are both in our ages, so probably we shall never find out, who was right, if any of us.

So, let's stop the discussion and live on in peace. I wish you a good weekend!

[Elf]

All Highland Scots and to a certain extent lowland Scots are aware that the kilt is regarded as our National Dress, and like all nations that have a national dress they reserve it for special occassions, as such they have high regard and great respect for the kilt, and many would pour scorn on cheaper alternatives, some see it as disrespectful to cheapen the national dress or wear alternatives to tartan, a vast majority see the alternative of wearing trousers/pants as a much more practical and easier option, couple that to the fact that they don't have to prove they are Scottish to the world, it's in the blood, it's in the heart.

The Scots are not alone in this. From my perspective here in North America, we see folk enthusiasts from many traditions wearing National Dress. However it seems only the formal form has survived because it is used for special occasions. For example, the Norewegians actually have two words for the two: Bunad=formal, Folkeklader=everday. Once in a while one will see folkeklader.

I would not attempt to say anything concerning Scots Bunad (if I may mash the terms). I do however support the revival of Scots Folkeklader in the from of causal kilts. Again by way of simile, cargo pants have not changed formal wear standards. Why should the formal use of the kilt feel threatened by their more casual use?

As for the high cost of kilts, remember that we are paying kiltmakers the working wage of the developed world. I believe it is worthwhile to support these folks. Granted, one may not be able to stuff one's closet as full with such products. The determination of "enough" is hard to live by.

Hopefully increased use will create more supply and thereby induce lower prices. Remember, it took nearly a century for ladies to bring pants from the gymnasium to the street. We are already on a faster time schedule.

[Jock Scot]

Worry not GG, after all you are not a Scot and I am not a Dane and we are, after all, talking about kilts being worn in Scotland. LOL

I wish you a very happy kilted weekend.

[Paul Henry]

I've been watching this thread for some time, and been fascinated about some of the comments, and the almost jingoist comments , which I feel despite protestations that he speaks for the whole country,he does not represent the nation. In many ways I can't help but feel that he shows himself as rather a poor ambassador for a great nation.
Instead of wishing to spread kilt wearing, he seems only too keen on restricting it to a very small number. That is such a shame, and I suggest while a valid viewpoint,it is hardly a supportive one in this,our community of kiltwearers.

[Nighthawk]

Very well said.
We wear various kinds of trousers, depending on circumstances and for every task. Most men wear only trousers.

Inexpensive tartan kilts and modern kilts in addition to high quality expensive kilts give us the possibilty of wearing the kilt every where and everywhen, should we so wish.

Exactly! That's the thing that I love most about the kilt- the versatility of it! (That is, aside from the fact that it's much more comfortable!!) And I grew up surrounded by kilt wearers. My grandmother thought it an important cultural icon, and wanted us to keep the tradition alive. There was a movie- I forget what it was now- where one of the characters said "Without tradition, we're nothing but savages." I always thought that way, myself.

[chrisupyonder]

Quoted by GG.
I think it is OK for them to wonder, and also that they almost per definition expect the kilt wearer to be a non Scot, but if they, as you say, take ownership of the kilt, shouldn't we foreigneres fear a hostile reaction from them, too, when wearing what they feel are their "property"?
After all tourists normally expect to be well received when visiting a foreign country and not be met with suspicion and contempt.

A lot of germans wear a kilt when on holiday in the highlands and I have spoken to a few. They usually are well received in tourist area's and have not had any problems. As far as the lowlands are concerned, Edinburgh, Stirling etc. no problem but leave ya kilt off in Glasgow unless it is a special occasion or a football match.
Most locals, I have found know their own tartan and perhaps a few others but show them a random tartan and they would not know what clan it is. I know most by first name only so the question of clan is something I have never encountered. There are a few clan meets up here, Sinclair's, Gunn's are the main one's so I would not turn up in another tartan (I was invited by John Sinclair (Lord Thurso) once (I used to look after his computers) But was not able to go.
I don't think foreigneres should fear a hostile reaction unless your wearing this...
http://www.englishkilt.co.uk/gallery...ry/image14.jpg
Oh dear I have no words!

[Jock Scot]

I've been watching this thread for some time, and been fascinated about some of the comments, and the almost jingoist comments , which I feel despite protestations that he speaks for the whole country,he does not represent the nation. In many ways I can't help but feel that he shows himself as rather a poor ambassador for a great nation.
Instead of wishing to spread kilt wearing, he seems only too keen on restricting it to a very small number. That is such a shame, and I suggest while a valid viewpoint,it is hardly a supportive one in this,our community of kiltwearers.

I am sorry you see it that way Paul particularly as some of the Scots replying here are one way or another all agreeing. I am all for more kilts in Scotland, but the fact is at the moment and for the last umpteen years the Scots have generally chosen to wear the kilt for special occasions. Things may change, who knows!

[Nighthawk]

GG.

I actually am happy with our choice and I have no problem with your choices either, but I do think the Scots are more than capable of making up their own minds when and where they wear the kilt, don't you?

And that, my friend, is one of the best things I think I have read from you! Aside from all the great advice on formal attire... of course!!