Pirate Kilts?

[TechBear]

There is a tradition in Seattle, going all the way back to the mid 50's, of a summer festival called SeaFair. One of the customs for SeaFair is the SeaFair Pirates. And yes, I have seen several of the pirates in kilts (and usually wishing I hadn't.)

Therefore, it must be true that pirates wore kilts. Certainly the Seattle business and tourist industry wouldn't lie like that. :rolleyes:

[davedove]

I'm sure that somewhere along the line, a highlander or two probably took to piracy. Whether or not they wore a kilt is anyone's guess. Based on the time frame of the classical pirate age (late 16th to early 18th century), it would have been the time of the great kilt in Scotland. I can almost guarantee they would not have worn that garment though, at least not often. The areas of the greatest piracy tended to be pretty warm (for example, the Caribbean). Not to mention all the cloth that could get caught in rigging, etc.

My guess is IF they wore a kilt at all, it was the phillabeg, or in other words, the bottom half of the great kilt.

[Woodsheal]

A number of Scottish pirates from the "Golden Age of Piracy" (1695-1725) are documented, including one Captain Gow, alias Smith. Since 90%+ of pirates were ex-merchant or naval seamen, the wearing of kilts was unlikely. Seamen had their own distinctive garb in that period, and stuck to it for practical reasons: shipboard work!

[MacWage]

A number of Scottish pirates from the "Golden Age of Piracy" (1695-1725) are documented, including one Captain Gow, alias Smith. Since 90%+ of pirates were ex-merchant or naval seamen, the wearing of kilts was unlikely. Seamen had their own distinctive garb in that period, and stuck to it for practical reasons: shipboard work!

THAT is PRECISELY why it struck me odd when I first read it!!!

The reference was NOT to highlanders, but regular sailors. The canvas "apron" (over knee britches) is MUCH more likely.

P1M!!!!!!!!

I KNEW that was coming into this thread sooner or later.

You COULD NOT resist.
Why?
Resistance is FUTILE!!!!


You MUST join us

The Kilted Pirates!!!

[highlandcelt]

It's been awhile since I have watched it, but, on disc 2 of the Pirates of the Carribean, under the option of Below Deck, there is an interpretive history of pirates. I think it has some info on the clothing that pirates wore in that time. But don't quote me. I'll watch it again to see, just incase.
Aaaargh! Avast, ya scurvy dogs!

[Colin]

There is a tradition in Seattle, going all the way back to the mid 50's, of a summer festival called SeaFair. One of the customs for SeaFair is the SeaFair Pirates. And yes, I have seen several of the pirates in kilts (and usually wishing I hadn't.)

Therefore, it must be true that pirates wore kilts. Certainly the Seattle business and tourist industry wouldn't lie like that. :rolleyes:

They come and join in the Hyack parade in BC every May. This year two of the "pirates" wer ein UKs.