The Rules and Exceptions Thereunto.

[macwilkin]

It was the English that created rules for it. I wear my kilts in the same spirit the old highlanders did, to protect the body from the elements and in modern terms to avoid arrest for indecent exposure. I'm old. I don't have to care about rules.

It's easy to blame the English for everything, yet the "rules", customs and traditions of kilt wearing come from so many other sources than just the English -- The Highland Regiments, general fashion trends, Sir Walter Scott, adaptions of practial garments into "formal" or national dress, even Scottish expats living in other countries who adopted "traditional" Highland attire (even Lowlanders) to symbolize their homeland.

I must say that as a "traditionalist" myself, I really get tired of the "traditionalist bashing" around here. I am a traditionalist for myself, and no one else. I have certain standards in dress that I hold myself to, and no one else. I do not judge others for their choices, and ask only that I not be judged for mine. If one likes to dress in the "traditional" Highland way, then that's just as legimate as those who are dressing in more "nontraditional" ways.

Respect and tolerance is a two-way street...perhaps the reason why some of us traditionalists are grumpy is because some make the assumption that we are intolerant of all change, and anything that deviates from the norm -- we are judged before we get a chance to speak our minds. Sure, some traditionalists are jerks -- but so are some non-traditionalists. You can't judge a book by its cover.

I view the way I wear my kilt the same way I view my faith -- I only know what is right for me, I cannot condemn others because they are different from me.

I'm sorry to be a wee bit grumpy on this point. It just gets really old sometimes.

Regards,

Todd

[bubba]

Todd, I'm not trashing the guys that like the formality, but that isn't for an old country boy like me. The truth is most of the rules of dress did originate with the English and those closely associated with them. That isn't blame, it just is. I never went for suits either so the way I wear my kilts is just part and parcel of the way I've always dressed.

[macwilkin]

Todd, I'm not trashing the guys that like the formality, but that isn't for an old country boy like me. The truth is most of the rules of dress did originate with the English and those closely associated with them. That isn't blame, it just is. I never went for suits either so the way I wear my kilts is just part and parcel of the way I've always dressed.

Bubba, my grandfather was an Iowa farmer who had no problems wearing "formal attire" (a suit & tie) to lodge or church -- he dressed for the event he was attending -- same with most of my Iowa ancestors (of Scottish heritage), so I just can't buy the argument that being from a "rural" area makes you somehow against "dressing up" -- just my opinion there, for what that's worth.

As far as the English making the rules, I just can't be that general when it comes to the history of Highland attire. If the kilt is an evolving garment, then why cannot not evolve from a practical piece of clothing to a "formal outfit" (for lack of a better term) -- look at the many elements of military dress which have evolved from "practical" pieces of clothing.

All I'm saying is that if "dressing up" isn't part of who you are, then that's great -- but for some like myself, it is part of who I am. Both POV's are valid and should respected -- and I'm not singling you out, just my observations.

I guess we'll just have to "agree to disagree". ;)

T.

[bubba]

Todd, if I dressed up lots of people would have heart attacks. Be kinda like putting a tux on a horse. That's just me, casual to the point of barbarity The fact is I never even learned to tie a necktie, I wear one so rarely I just use a clip-on, and I only have one and that only gets used for weddings and funerals. Guess I'll never be invited for tea with the Queen, huh. ;)

[Archangel]

I do appreciate suggestions and knowing the old ways....but I'd rather wallow in the anarchy of kilts with tank tops and sandals, contemporary kilts, and (gasp) Norwegian sporrans

Ron

I'm there too. I can wash up well too, but there's hardly an occasion for it.

Why was this thread started? I think we know by now that trads and mods are going to start rowing. There's no need to go head to head when the practical issues will come up in most other threads.

[Kilted Stuart]

I love the fact that a kilt is so versitile, it looks great with traditional compliments yet you can wear it with sandals and a t-shirt.
I'm sure we all agree that a person in a kilt with all the traditional fixings looks amaizing. I like that fully dressed up feeling it gives you. We all probably understand why some people stick with that all the time. There's just a few real staunch traditonalists that can't see it any other way.
Back in history the kilt was the only piece of cloth that you wore to keep you warm, dry and covered.
Some of us choose one way or the other or both. They all have a place here.

[Jerry]

Todd, if I dressed up lots of people would have heart attacks. Be kinda like putting a tux on a horse. That's just me, casual to the point of barbarity The fact is I never even learned to tie a necktie, I wear one so rarely I just use a clip-on, and I only have one and that only gets used for weddings and funerals. Guess I'll never be invited for tea with the Queen, huh. ;)

You sound a lot like me, Todd, I own only one suit, and it probably doesn't fit me anymore. I kind of hope no one I know dies or gets married, so I don't have to go out and buy another expensive set of clothes which will be stuck in the back of a closet until I need it again and discover it no longer fits. Of course, the whole problem could be solved by just wearing a kilt. But, that might make it necessary to but more expensive clothes at least an argyle jacket, shirt and tie, or depending on how formal the occasion, maybe a PC and accessories. I do own a few Jacobite shirts, so maybe I could wear them at an informal wedding. They would probably be okay for most funerals also, I regularly see people attend them in jeans with a nice shirt. If it happens to be my funeral, I'll be kilted with whatever else I express my desire to wear and won't care what anyone thinks

[macwilkin]

You sound a lot like me, Todd, I own only one suit, and it probably doesn't fit me anymore. I kind of hope no one I know dies or gets married, so I don't have to go out and buy another expensive set of clothes which will be stuck in the back of a closet until I need it again and discover it no longer fits. Of course, the whole problem could be solved by just wearing a kilt. But, that might make it necessary to but more expensive clothes at least an argyle jacket, shirt and tie, or depending on how formal the occasion, maybe a PC and accessories. I do own a few Jacobite shirts, so maybe I could wear them at an informal wedding. They would probably be okay for most funerals also, I regularly see people attend them in jeans with a nice shirt. If it happens to be my funeral, I'll be kilted with whatever else I express my desire to wear and won't care what anyone thinks

Jerry -- didn't you mean Bubba?

T.

[Sir Robert]

What a wonderfull number of pleasent replies, thank you all.

The way that I see kilts is in five basic flavors

1. The strange gothic cross dressers who miss-understand that kilts are menswear, accessories: goth-stuff, and crosses.

2. Punk Rockers and Metalheads who wear them to be anti-social, accessories: leather, combat boots, and Sex Pistols T-shirts.

3. Casual kilts for everyday wear, accessories: brown belt, brown sporran, oatmeal hose, T-shirts and hush-puppy shoes.

4. Semi-Formal for dinners, accessories: black shoes, white hose, black sporran, black belt with a chrome buckle, short jacket, dress shirt and four-in-hand tie.

5. Formal, accessories: gilly-brogues, tartan hose, skeen-dhu, fur sporran, vest, Prince Charley coat, black tie, and a fly plaid.

[Rob Wright]

Todd, your attitude as a traditionalist is the only one I respect. Why? Because it only applies to you. You know what is right for you is not neccessarily right for others. Too many traditionalists, and non-traditionalists get caught up in thinking that what they say goes for everyone. I can't stand that.

I'm trying to blend the two camps into something that works for me. I love the traditional look but it's not practical for my work.

BEing the rebel that I am, it was surprising that I bought two solid polo shirts today that go great with my modern Douglas kilt. I never thought I would ever own a polo shirt.

Rob