TRADITION: let's (re)define it.

[CMcG]

but I still think that people seeing "Traditional Kilt Wear (in accordance with the traditional practices of Highland Scotland)" right next to "Modern Kilt Wear" will wonder whether the brand-new, modernly-made, but otherwise traditional clothing and the related questions should be posted. <snip>

There is bound to be grey area, regardless of whether the definition of the sub-forums stays the same or not.

For example, let us take 4 yard box pleated kilts. This style of kilt was basically non-existent by the time of Edward VII and was revived in America by Bob Martin in 1980s. It doesn't fit the current definition of the Traditional Highland Dress sub-forum, remains little known in the Scotland, and has therefor previously been deemed historical (as opposed to traditional) by some of the Auld Crabbits. Nonetheless, one of our most ardent traditionalists says:

Who wants to make the case that the four yard box pleated kilt is not traditional because it was not worn or seen for years?

On the other hand, our forum owner posted the following picture of himself in the Modern Kilt Wear section. This looks rather traditional to me, especially if we compare it to something like a Utilikilt or a punk tartan kilt. But his "contemporary" kilt has a bunch of modern details that aren't visible in the picture, including machine sewing, stabilizers in the waistband, and side slash pockets.

In response to this picture, the former forum manager (Panache) said:
"I think there is a difference between traditional looking kilts that are mass produced, machine sewn, and/or of synthetic materials and a true “Modern/Contemporary” kilt. These traditional looking kilts follow the same fashion guidelines as a hand sewn wool tartan one."