Wearing a kilt in a hot climate

[Peter Ruffell]

Good evening all,
I am moving to Africa, obviously I am taking my kilts with me. I would like to what would be considered suitable for smart day wear in such a climate?
Thanks in advance

[Tarheel]

Well met Peter. I see you've been a member for a while without posting before. No foul in that, so welcome just the same.

We have members in Africa, but we might need more information on the area of your move, to get an idea of the type of climate you will endure. If you are moving to an area like my home in Mississippi, I can help you with humidity and heat issues while kilting. A drier area could be answered by some Australian or Arizona members for example. Let us help you will more specific information. Either way, I hope it is a good move for you.

[Peter Ruffell]

Initially I'll be in Kenya, the Maasai Mara, then South Africa.
My thoughts are, short-sleeved, smart bush shirt.

[Tarheel]

I see you will be in more of a temperate climate than my "Deep South" oppressive humidity. The shirt you named will be great. I would consider lighter weight hose to fight off the insects, look stylish and give you comfort if the temperatures drop.

I believe the public slant is toward brighter colors. You may have a greater range of colors (hose, vests and ties) to mix with your kilts. That, I envy over the tendency of my community to stick to the local University color scheme.

Give us your thoughts and ideas past the style of clothes you are thinking you'll need.

[dcommini]

I would consider lighter weight hose to fight off the insects, look stylish and give you comfort if the temperatures drop.

After having been hiking in Tennessee with just regular socks on (and even hiking in the desert) I have to recommend light weight hose as well. The wool will help to wick moisture - keeping your legs cool - as well as keep the bugs and possible dirt off your legs, and after the sun sets and the temperature drops the same wool will help keep your legs warm.

[Riverkilt]

I live in Arizona. If I were doing Africa I'd lose the kilt hose and wear sandals. Works in Arizona.

Don't know that there are many "kilt police" in Africa. Comfort is the key.

[Peter Ruffell]

I was wondering what the proper etiquette is, as in a Debretts style "If you are in the tropics you can wear..."
I'm afraid sandals will never be appropriate.

[Taskr]

There's the rub, Peter, methinks, we are the result of our past and upbringing. You might likely arrive at what you are comfortable with regardless of external opinion; and so be it. We are each our own.
That said, there has been some good advice, IMO, with regard to some assurance of health and wellness in the wearing of hose and such. Gauge the environment and attire appropriately.
Happy kilting

[tpa]

I was wondering what the proper etiquette is, as in a Debretts style "If you are in the tropics you can wear..."
I'm afraid sandals will never be appropriate.

You'll be more outside the norm wearing a kilt than wearing sandals, I would guess. I wear sandals, year round, with and without (in summer) kilt hose more time than not. They stop feet overheating in hose, especially indoors.

[Peter Ruffell]

It's apparent that not only has my post been misunderstood but that I have misunderstood what this forum is about.
My question is in reference to official/formal functions. Footwear does not come into the equation, you wear brogues during the day and oxfords in the evening.
What I wanted to know was whether I could wear a short-sleeved shirt, during the day, without a jacket or tie.
I will find my answer elsewhere as it appears this site is about dressing up...sandals...f*$kin' sandals!