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**Roecastle** · 25th October 23, 01:17 PM

Hello all,

I've been a kilt enthusiast for some time now, but had no familial heritage to justify owning one. A few years ago I learned that each branch of th US Military has its own tartan, and I was still serving at the time, so I decided that was all the justification I needed, and I purchased my first Leatherneck Tartan for casual wear. I've come to enjoy wearing it so much that I had a custom dress sporan made (see avatar) and I'm in the process of completing a formal kilt package for a military ball in the coming weeks. As a newbie, I'd love to know of any tips or tricks to keeping your shirt tucked in. I've used various shirt stays in the past with my uniforms, but they attach to socks and aren't seen under trousers. I have seen versions that resemble garters around the thighs, and wonder if such a thing is customary or not. Any advice is welcomed. Thanks!

**kilted2000** · 25th October 23, 01:57 PM

Failte from the Home of the Blues!

Kilts are traditionally worn at or above the natural waist so keeping a shirt tucked in shouldn't be a problem. Good Luck and thank you for your service!

**Steve Ashton** · 25th October 23, 03:33 PM

If you are wearing the Leatherneck Tartan can I assume you are a Marine?
When I was in the Corps they taught us to tuck the tails of our blouse in a manner called blousing.

You first straightened the front. Some would tuck the front into the boxers.
You then straightened and tucked around the sides. Finally folding a pleat in the back. This pleat allowed you to sit and bend without the tails coming out of the trouser waistband.

I carry this technique over to my trousers and kilts today.

Yes, some Marines like DI's, or while on recruiter or ceremonial duty, did use stays of various types but blousing works very well at no cost.

**MacKenzie** · 25th October 23, 03:52 PM

When I was in ROTC our instructor (Ret. USMC MSgt and DI instructor) taught us to do exactly as Steve said.

And I also I still do it... 40 years later.

**Father Bill** · 25th October 23, 04:54 PM

Welcome to the "Great Rabble"!

**Kiltedjohn** · 26th October 23, 02:02 PM

Welcome from the English Midlands.

**Liam** · 27th October 23, 03:06 AM

Welcome to the forum from Western Canada!

**Roecastle** · 7th November 23, 12:49 PM

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Thanks for all the great advice and welcome messages. I managed to pull the entire look together in time for a Marine Corps ball I was attending, and I feel it turned out great! I did blouse the shirt (as I typically do) and had no problem keeping it tucked in. I wore my Leatherneck Tartan traditional kilt as part of the my Evening Dress uniform, a black tie equivalent which has a short jacket similar to a Prince Charlie. It's not authorized by any means, but I'm retired so I wasn't too worried about getting in trouble. I received nothing but positive feedback on the outfit/uniform and look forward to another reason to wear it.

Thanks again!

**PiperPadre** · 7th November 23, 08:43 PM

Originally Posted by Roecastle

Thanks for all the great advice and welcome messages. I managed to pull the entire look together in time for a Marine Corps ball I was attending, and I feel it turned out great! I did blouse the shirt (as I typically do) and had no problem keeping it tucked in. I wore my Leatherneck Tartan traditional kilt as part of the my Evening Dress uniform, a black tie equivalent which has a short jacket similar to a Prince Charlie. It's not authorized by any means, but I'm retired so I wasn't too worried about getting in trouble. I received nothing but positive feedback on the outfit/uniform and look forward to another reason to wear it.

Thanks again!

Very sharp, indeed!

Before the seminary I joined the Marines in ‘83. My nephew has been in for over a year. They want to make him a weapons instructor - quite the upgrade from Motor T!

Good to have you with us!