My First Tartan

[roguefox89]

Because I promised in my review of said kilt, here are a few photos of me in my first tartan kilt, Jones of Wales, made by USA Kilts:



I apologize for any newbishness in my wearing methods so please critique away so I may learn from my mistakes ^_^

[Father Bill]

Looks really, really good. I think I might wear the different tartan pieces away from each other so it doesn't become a sea of the same tartan. That doesn't mean you shouldn't wear them all, just perhaps not all at once.

Marvellous kit there!

[Llama]

Very nice. That's a handsome tartan.

In addition to what Father Bill has said, don't be afraid to try some different colour (and pattern) combinations. You'll be surprised with what your tartan will compliment.

[Riverkilt]

I don't see any mistakes - its a sharp looking kilt worn well. Only suggestion would be to dump the metal chain for a leather sporran strap - your kilt will thank you.

[roguefox89]

I can understand that ^_^ I'm looking forward to seeing what all will match up with my tartan. These were mostly photos for my grandparents to exhibit everything I currently have all in one go!

[flairball]

That's a beautiful tartan.

As for dress advice, generally it is accepted that we follow the same standards of men's wear. To that end try to break up the top half a bit to not look so monochrome. Try a tattersall with a contrasting striped tie. It is also an accepted practice to wear hose that don't match any element of the outfit. There are some really good practitioners of highland dress here, so you will get some great advice.

[piperdbh]

I really like that tartan. I don't recall having seen it before. Like Llama says, feel free to experiment with other colors (hose, shirts, etc.). With this tartan, just about any color will look good.

[pbutts]

You look good.

Honestly, there's nothing wrong with having everything coordinated like this. It's good to see an example of someone doing it as an illustration of the pros and cons of wearing lots of tartan pieces.

The main critique seems to be that the monochrome look is "boring" (though I recall it being quite fashionable back in the '90s). You might try swapping out individual pieces --the flashes, the tie, etc. -- for a spot of contrasting color just to see what you like.

The other critique is that the tartans on ties, hats, and such are typically smaller and may not be the same colors, so that may look somewhat "off."

Enjoy your new kilt......some of us still have a few more weeks wait ;-)

[Cygnus]

That is a very nice kilt, and you really do look good!

Since you asked for criticism, I'll be as forward as I can - just keep in mind that all of this is opinion (sometimes not even my own), and you can and should do what you are most comfortable with.

As RiverKilt said, sporran chains are not ideal for daywear - not because they're unacceptable, per se, but because they can damage the kilt. It's best to go with a leather strap and save the chain for evening wear.

Flat caps are very controversial headgear with a kilt - I wouldn't wear one with a kilt just to avoid that whole debate.

Tartan tie/kilt combinations are often viewed as overkill - again, I'd wear the tie when not kilted but wanting to show some tartan.

While I have no qualms with large plate buckles and daywear, I know many are of the opinion that such accoutrements should be reserved for more formal dress. A broad belt with a more typical tang-style buckle is the less formal option.

In my experience, kilts are generally worn with lighter shirts - usually white, sometimes with a windowpane or tattersall pattern. I think your shirt looks quite good with your kilt, though.

Finally, belt loops are really not necessary on a well-fitting kilt and are viewed askance by some. You might consider wearing your belt and sporran strap over the belt loops or removing them completely.

Again, you cut quite a dashing figure, so please don't take those points too harshly - you really do look great!

[Alan H]

I think you look grand, and it's a wonderful tartan.