Too Traditional?

[HenryT]

Too traditional is when it becomes "caricature". Just an opinion. Plus-fours are traditional golfing attire, go to your local club wearing a tweed jacket and plus-fours; you will be considered "too traditional"... also a bit odd.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Henry, just for the sake of conversation, could you give an example of traditional Highland attire (as opposed to historical Highland attire) that crosses the line from acceptable to caricature?

[HenryT]

Henry, just for the sake of conversation, could you give an example of traditional Highland attire (as opposed to historical Highland attire) that crosses the line from acceptable to caricature?

I, like, Justice Potter Stewart in Jacobellis v. Ohio, can only say, "I know it when I see it". Have you not ever seen one that has gone over the top?

[Nick the DSM]

I think it matters in the context of the situation or event.

In my opinion and observation, people on here seem to connect traditional with formal or super snazzy dressing. So there would be a degree of formality (that is a word, right? Feel like Harding...). If it's just a casual outing, being "too traditional" would mean dressing to the nines with doublet and all. That's what I understand at least.

Just trying to add to the discussion.

[MacMillans son]

I think I understand the concept of too traditional, at least in areas where there is not a tradition. Allow me to explain, here in California there is not a a tradition of kilt wearing (except at Scottish themed events). If I were to wear a kilt "outfit" that had mismatched patterns, with zero color coordination, coupled with a diced balmoral, and carrying a cromach I would consider that too traditional for typical daywear, because it would be interpreted here as someone in a Scottish costume who had really poor training on how to dress. It would not be appreciated as traditional, but rather, as weird because there would not be enough elements that were consistent with the typical American understanding of how clothing should look. The mismatched patterns, non-coordinated colors, impractical headwear, and a shepherd staff would be too far from the norm even for those who have seen, and appreciate, a man in a kilt.

However, if I were to dress in a traditional wool tartan kilt, with color coordinated tweed day wear jacket, solid light colored shirt, solid or quiet patterned tie with color coordinated hose, people, including myself, can appreciate the difference of a man in a kilt while not being shocked by fashion practices inconsistent with what they would typically expect to see on this side of the Atlantic.

So, I guess I disagree with some of my esteemed friends here, but I am comfortable wearing what I think looks best, even if it is not considered completely traditional.

And, I learned everything I know about kilt wearing right here, so if I'm doing it wrong it's all your fault!!!

[Dale Seago]

I think I understand the concept of too traditional, at least in areas where there is not a tradition. Allow me to explain. . .

***

[ThistleDown]

I think I understand the concept of too traditional, at least in areas where there is not a tradition. Allow me to explain, here in California there is not a a tradition of kilt wearing (except at Scottish themed events). If I were to wear a kilt "outfit" that had mismatched patterns, with zero color coordination, coupled with a diced balmoral, and carrying a cromach I would consider that too traditional for typical daywear, because it would be interpreted here as someone in a Scottish costume who had really poor training on how to dress. It would not be appreciated as traditional, but rather, as weird because there would not be enough elements that were consistent with the typical American understanding of how clothing should look. The mismatched patterns, non-coordinated colors, impractical headwear, and a shepherd staff would be too far from the norm even for those who have seen, and appreciate, a man in a kilt.

However, if I were to dress in a traditional wool tartan kilt, with color coordinated tweed day wear jacket, solid light colored shirt, solid or quiet patterned tie with color coordinated hose, people, including myself, can appreciate the difference of a man in a kilt while not being shocked by fashion practices inconsistent with what they would typically expect to see on this side of the Atlantic.

So, I guess I disagree with some of my esteemed friends here, but I am comfortable wearing what I think looks best, even if it is not considered completely traditional.

And, I learned everything I know about kilt wearing right here, so if I'm doing it wrong it's all your fault!!!

I'm going to expose a guinea pig here, but which of these is completely traditional in CA MacMillan's son?

[MacMillans son]

I'm going to expose a guinea pig here, but which of these is completely traditional in CA MacMillan's son?

Thanks ThistleDown, I was considering, what I assume is your point, while I was typing my original post. That is, as in America, there is a wide band of personal preference and style in wearing traditional clothes. As the photo you provided evidenced, although a certain style may be more acceptable to Highland eyes, there is no set rule about patterns, colors, accessories, that is considered traditional and another, within reason, that is considered non-traditional.

But in answer to your question, none of those would be completely traditional to CA as we have no tradition of the kilt, however, and in line with my point, save for the balmoral and the cromach, the gentleman on the far right may seem to be more in line with the more common practice here of colors and patterns being more subtly toned and, dare I say, "matched". Therefore, perceived as less costumey and more "well dressed man in a kilt"

I see my error in equating what is more acceptable there, relative to patterns, colors etc., to what is more traditional. Damn you Guinea Pig hunters !

ThistleDown, since day one you have been a gentle hand in my education, and I truly appreciate your help.

Best regards,

Brooke

[OC Richard]

Ah, some smartly-dressed gents there! Not so different from how I usually dress...



and if people object to the wearing of a hair sporran with tweed, so be it! I'm in good company anyhow

[CMcG]

To turn away from the (fascinating) subject of ninjas and reiterate the original question, with some photographic help: could any of the following images be too traditional for a non-Scot (by blood, by nationality, or both)? Too traditional for a younger person? Too traditional for a newbie kilt wearer?

These images are of clan chiefs, nobility and VIPs, who I figure have a lot of traditional experience. Leaving aside the feathers (of course), would these be good images for a young, new to kilts, non-Scot to follow as examples for how to dress for a Highland games in mild weather?