Kilt Pin - Optional?

[SMcKinlay]

As a new kilt wearer, I am curious about the kilt pin. Is it pretty universally worn? Is being without one a glaring omission, particularly in a formal setting?


Scott

[Nile]

Scott,

The kilt pin, theoretically, serves a practical function of weighing the outer apron of the kilt down, helping to prevent inadvertent lifting of the apron; it is not intended to attache the apron to the kilt. I would not say that it is universally worn but rather, that it is traditional worn and by a high percentage of kilt wearers.

I believe that it's not really required to ware one but it is quite acceptable to wear one. Now, the kind you wear is another story... from a simple blanket pin to a gaudy jeweled Victorian or perhaps an animal part (horn, claw etc.), there are many, many choices.

Nile

[Dale Seago]

In my experience, people will often notice if you're wearing one, and some pins may attract more interest than others.

On the other hand, again in my experience so far, no one has ever noted the absence of a kilt pin.

My own usual preference is to not wear one.

[McElmurry]

Here is a recent discussion.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...ilt-pin-78717/

[SMcKinlay]

Thank you for the answers, gentlemen!

@McElmurry: Great thread! Thanks for the link. I think I have a pretty good idea on it now.


Scott

[TheOfficialBren]

In my experience, people will often notice if you're wearing one, and some pins may attract more interest than others.

On the other hand, again in my experience so far, no one has ever noted the absence of a kilt pin.

My own usual preference is to not wear one.

***

A nice kilt pin may or may not illicit a nice comment but the absence of one is never chided. I so very rarely wear one that I may as well say that I don't wear them.

from Southern California!!!

Hey! I recognise that thread!

[MacGumerait]

Scott ,

I agree with others here , most do wear a kilt pin ... but... it's not required nor frowned upon if one doesn't . If you choose not to wear one , I doubt that anyone would pay much notice or comment about it .

If you do choose to wear one , there are many types and tastes .

Here is a thread by English Bloke on kilt pins that was started back in 2011 that is still recieving posts today . It will kind of give you an idea of what the members here use as kilt pins . Some traditional , some not . Enjoy .

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...lt-pins-64703/

Best , Mike

[Jock Scot]

The choice is yours and either choice will not be wrong.

[Heartbeat2k9]

It's definately a personal choice, along with what to use as one, should you chose to wear one.

I've played in pipebands where everyone wore their own, those where we were NOT allowed to wear any, I've also seen bands where each wore a band issued so they all had the same kilt pin.

As an Individual, it's All up to You!

[Katia]

I never used to, until my former partner gave me his (and all of his Highland kit-- he bought the kilt et al for his cousin's wedding but never wore it again; I appropriated the sporran years ago but just... never considered the pin until recently, I suppose). Now I wear it because of him, even though it's a "clan" pin and of course I am-- GASP!!!-- not of that clan.

I don't wear it all the time, obviously-- can't while dancing. Any other time, I usually have it on. My only concern is that because it can't be a permanent fixture on my kilt, am I doing damage to the kilt by regularly removing and re-inserting it? (I try to always put it back in the same place, as one thread there has a very tiny pull already.)

When my drumming is up to snuff to join a pipe band, if we are allowed to wear pins and allowed to wear our own pins, it will probably take up residence on that kilt instead.