Great Kilt worn as formal attire

**Woodsheal** · 16th April 12, 10:02 AM

I agree that a shorter style jacket would work better, but don't quite get the other negative comments. The young fellow has pleated his plaid quite nicely, and the drape of it across his back is done well (NOT sloppily), too. It's weird that those who accept fly-plaids (meant to imitate the belted plaid) disparage the belted-plaid itself.

**davidlpope** · 16th April 12, 10:24 AM

I think it's the incongruity between the belted plaid and what otherwise would be a "modern-ish" ensemble (black shirt, black hose). The only person that I've seen really pull off the belted plaid for formal wear is Lamar Britt. His ensemble is very historically-inspired and it seems to work for him, although I think it unlikely to be as successful for anyone else.

**Jock Scot** · 16th April 12, 10:39 AM

In truth it all looks rather inappropriate. Just too theatrical for the event, for me.

**Woodsheal** · 16th April 12, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by davidlpope

I think it's the incongruity between the belted plaid and what otherwise would be a "modern-ish" ensemble (black shirt, black hose). The only person that I've seen really pull off the belted plaid for formal wear is Lamar Britt. His ensemble is very historically-inspired and it seems to work for him, although I think it unlikely to be as successful for anyone else.

Again, I find this an odd attitude. The kilts we wear today are hardly more "modern" than the belted-plaid. Both forms of the kilt were worn in the days of knee-breeches and tricorns! Only the stuff worn with them (particularly shirts and coats) have "evolved" since then, but the kilts have fundamentally remained the same. One is not more anachronistic than the other, if you really think about it.
I truly feel an elegantly - and neatly! - worn plaid can work well with "modern" formal dress, and the notion that only one person can successfully pull it off is bizarre, at best....

**davidlpope** · 16th April 12, 01:04 PM

The kilts we wear today are hardly more "modern" than the belted-plaid. Both forms of the kilt were worn in the days of knee-breeches and tricorns! Only the stuff worn with them (particularly shirts and coats) have "evolved" since then, but the kilts have fundamentally remained the same. One is not more anachronistic than the other, if you really think about it.

I have to disagree. The 8yd knife-pleated kilt is currently worn by Highlanders in the Highlands for day and evening events. I don't know of any example where the breacan feile is currently worn by Highlanders in the Highlands for evening events, unless in the context of "historical dress-up".

**tartanartist** · 16th April 12, 06:42 PM

Ask and you shall receive.

I appreciate your comments and critiques.

I agree entirely that a doublet would have been better than the PC, but all I had on hand was the PC and going with no jacket at all would have been much worse. I am saving the pennies and dimes for the doublet as I write this.

As far as the comments about the great kilt and the modern elements not meshing well, that is great that you feel that way. Many people (if not most) feel that way about kilts as a whole group. If I followed their advice I would never have discovered the joy of wearing an 8 yard knife pleat kilt, or the pleasure of donning a well made modern utility kilt. I once attended a formal kilted event where most were wearing kilts with fly plaids, but one gentleman was wearing a great kilt. Next to the great kilt the fly plaids lost their luster and looked a little phony to me. Ever since then I have wanted to master a modern formal look with the great kilt. I know that it will not be pleasing to some and may offend a few, and for that I apologize, but to me the look is fantastic and I love it. Maybe its just the eccentric artist in me.

Now my real question is to the masters of the great kilt like Woodsheal who have been a great inspiration to me. This was one of my first attempts at pleating and belting on the plaid. How did I do? any tips for draping the fabric? Good alternative ways to wear the upper fabric?

Thanks in advance!