Curious about the "rules"

[kiltedwolfman]

I have read many a mention to the "rules" of Highland attire as to what should be worn with what, and when etc etc. Out of reading and trying to digest all of this information I began to wonder, how did all of the rules become rules? To be clear I am not thinking about statements about what makes decent fashion sence, or how some things just look nicer than others, but moreover the steadfast "this is how it must be done!" kind of rules. I would ask those who choose to respond to the best of thier ability cite the varying authorites as I assume there must be more than one, who made the rules, and of course how these rules are currently maintained.

*Disclaimer* It is not my objective to anger anyone with these questions, or to offend anyones sence of tradition. I simply want to understand better how the rules of dress ( outside of the military ) can and apparently in some situations must be applied.

[auld argonian]

I dunno about them rules...I have to think that the only real rules are the dress regs for military units and the standards used to judge the appearance of pipe bands in competition. Everything else sort of seems to fall into the "if it looks good, it's okay" category IMHO. I'm always leery of anyone who gets into the obsessive codification of minutia...

Best,

AA

[Tartan Tess]

I agree, the "follow you heart" rule is number 1 in my book

[Schiehallion]

Start with a kilt and dress accordingly with the rest as to where you are going...and what you are doing.

eg boots and sweater to go hiking in summer..... and not a formal coatee.

To a formal dinner and dance an Argyll jacket or coatee, hose and brogues... and not boots and sweater.

to a wedding a Crail or Argyll.

to a rugby/football match, sports shirt to support your team .

Just don't go over the top and look like the Hollywood idea of a Scottish warrior...or of a costume fancy dress party. Remember,
less is more! otherwise the term "Brigadoonery" might be said of you.

Best of all.... feel comfortable in your skin and in your highland dress.

Get the idea? There are many alternatives but go with the occasion.

Simple!

[Richard]

Pleats at the back......after that anything goes, life to short for rules

[MacLowlife]

Banks lend money most eagerly to people who do not need it. And having just one good rule ( follow your good judgment) is great, so long as you have informed good judgment. I believe the best rules are made for people who do not necessarily have an innate sense of how to do it. Once the rules have been internalized, it is much easier to go by the seat of one's kilt. Some will suggest that these rules are outmoded, but that is the nature of tradition- it follows the past.

Without further ado, here are a few good rules:
1) Do not be overdressed or underdressed.
2) Be completely dressed
3) Be consistently dressed
4) Be comfortably dressed

Again, these rules are probably best understood by those who have followed them so long that they don't need them, but I will go a little further.

Rule 1 means to wear a tie most of the time, but to match your formality to the occasion. Within reason, it means to dress like everybody else.

Rule 2 means to wear socks and shoes and a belt or waistcoat and a sporran - and a tie if most people there will be wearing one.

Rule 3 means to wear formal clothes throughout or casual clothes throughout and don't wear a casual garment with formal ones or vice versa.

Rule 4 means to avoid being self conscious, but also to wear clothes that fit your body. And remember who is in charge ( you, not your clothing). And wear it like it is clothing, not a costume...

You will notice I didn't say anything about colors or collars or matching or ruche ties. Oops, until now.

Sure, just follow your heart, but make sure your heart knows where it is going. As irritating or frustrating as it may be, the source of these rules is simple- it is how it was done before you noticed. Nobody is going to MAKE you follow the rules and if you dislike them, you are welcome to ignore them, but the rules (aka tradition) are the rules and you can't play the game without them. If you try, you are playing another game. And of course, that is your business.

[MacLowlife]

Pleats definitely at the back.

[CMcG]

I don't think there is a universally agreed upon, published set of rules governing THCD because. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong?

That being said, tradition often carries the weight of rules. It's a sort ontological imperative: "that's how it is."

This is the work of time and culture producing a set of mores that function to create a sense of identity. Insiders dress and act one way, while outsiders dress and act another.

The result is that people who are acculturated or enculturated into the tradition come to view these markers as being correct and normal. Transgression against the norms therefor has the effect of breaking a rule.

Please pardon the academic language!

[gary meakin]

I forget who said this.
"Rules are not heard.
If heard, they are not believed.
If believed, they are not thought to apply to the believer."
I've seen tartan kilts with flannel shirts.
Kilts worn WAY below the waist like the new pant style.
Kilts on backwards.
I saw a guy who apparently gained at least 50 lbs since he bought his kilt. His strap extensions were about 8" long and his front apron went about half way across his front.
This is why we have rules.
Unfortunately...(see above quote.)

[kiltedwolfman]

Some very good posts so far, and I give thanks to those who have posted. I am not asking these things for myself as I do have a habit of dressing decently ( at least to me I do hehe )
I am thinking of times when I've heard; or read, that on this type of occasion, or that type of occasion one MUST wear this, or obversely one MUST NOT wear that. And again that makes me beg the question why? Or why not? For example on another thread there is discussion about wearing a dirk. Many replies have stated quite certainly that there are times is must not be worn, and there are times it is acceptable. The same is said about fly plaids, or miniature medals etc. Why do these rules, guidelines, whatever you would call them exist? Is a person sporting a nice well turned out casual set completely out of sorts is he wears a dirk? Ifso why? Or is a person under dressed if they attend a white tie affair and neglect a fly plaid or his/her miniatures? Again ifso why?
It appears to me so far that many ideas on what should be worn and when are a matter of past precedent and insomuch are maintained by the simplest of justifications, it's just the way it's always been done.
I wonder if it isn't time for an onverhaul on convention? Or perhaps an upgrade of the apparatus so to speak since when you look at some highland fashion it often looks like something pulled from antiquity.

* Disclaimer* I thank everyone for their patience, and thoughtful responces. My goal is active and quality discussion, as well as clarification. There are many a newcomer that certainly enjoy a decent exchange of ideas on topics like this.