evolution of the kilt

[CMcG]

I came across an interesting visual history of the traditional kilt. If I'm reading it right, it is emphasizing the important influence of the uniforms of Highland regiments on civilian, formalwear kilting. Comments?

[Tobus]

If I'm reading it right, it is emphasizing the important influence of the uniforms of Highland regiments on civilian, formalwear kilting. Comments?

Well, sure, there's no doubt that military uniforms have influenced the kilt. Especially when one considers that for a time the only kilt allowed to be worn was a military one. Not only did the kilted outfit become militarized, it also became Anglicized. Had tartan and kilts never been banned, I imagine what we wear today would look different than it does.

That pictorial history leaves a lot to be desired, though.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

This is one of those "chicken and egg" situations-- did civilian attire influence military uniforms, or did military uniforms morph into civilian wear? I think it is very much the case that since uniforms by and large are based on the civilian clothing of the period, that the two modes of dress (civilian Highland attire and Scottish regimental uniforms) really developed more-or-less simultaneously, with civilian attire generally a decade or so in advance of the military.

Had proscription never occurred, it is likely that today's Highland attire would look much as it does-- seeing as how civilian Highland attire (the kilt aside) is really nothing more than slightly modified "ordinary" civilian dress.

[Tobus]

I think it is very much the case that since uniforms by and large are based on the civilian clothing of the period

I don't see that at all.

[Nick the DSM]

You forgot the leine.

[CMcG]

You forgot the leine.

I didn't create the picture in the OP but I posted it here because I thought it was interesting...

Here's some leine pics for you

[BEEDEE]

It would help if you were to reference the source.

Brian

[MacLowlife]

I am not so sure about the math in the illustration, neat as it may be. Is that really how the Great Kilt is worn? I wore mine over the other shoulder. I am not so certain about the sequence of the diced hose giving way to leggings, though I suppose one uniform ran that way. And finally, I prefer a different evolution / variation of the final outfit...

Still, it is a handy graphic.

*(The Reese's peanut butter cup- Chocolate + Peanut Butter = Reese's)

[CMcG]

It would help if you were to reference the source.

Brian

Good idea. I found the picture through Google image search and hadn't actually looked at the source page till now. A cursory scan shows a history of the kilt that may have some contentious points in it...

http://www.caffrey.no/pages/l4_history_of_the_kilt.htm

[QdBrown]

Good idea. I found the picture through Google image search and hadn't actually looked at the source page till now. A cursory scan shows a history of the kilt that may have some contentious points in it...

http://www.caffrey.no/pages/l4_history_of_the_kilt.htm

Yeah, that site has a lot of weird statements. It kind of looks like a book report from someone who is either very new to Kilts, or is operating under a lot of assumptions much like the ones I use to have.

I also tend to frown on those who refer to the kilts as costume, especially for the contemporary kilt wearer. Some people wear kilts daily, so to make it sound like they are in fantasy ranch or celebrating Halloween everyday is a bit of an insult.

I also like the conclusion about how the Irish were not reported to be wearing kilts. I am sure if you could find a Dolorean Time Machine and went back to ancient Ireland, they would all be impressed that their future ancestors would be building that kind of car, but if asked about the kilts, they would probably give you some blank stares. So yes, the Irish did not wear kilts, some wore the Leine instead. His statements are not well researched. Again, a book report...