questions about Highland games kilt wearing

**Kerri** · 12th September 15, 04:27 PM

First off I am sure this has been answered but I couldn't find it, and if it has I apologize for the repeat.

I am off to compete in my first heavy athletics in a few weeks and my wife and father are coming to support me. I have my family tartan I am wearing for the comp and other than that pretty much dressing like any other strength competition or gym session. I bought a thrifty kilt to train in and workout in and was going to let my dad wear it at the games and my wife is looking at buying a kilt for herself. We are pretty much a go at the how to wear the kilt itself but have no idea what they should wear with it. Is a kilt and sporran and normal gym shoes and a t-shirt the right thing to do for my father and what should the wife wear with her kilt to not look totally out of place and crazy at the games? They will be there with my two wild kids chasing them around all day in the NC heat so comfort would be a plus just didn't want to look like a goof.

Thank you all in advance for any help, I am really glad I found you guys.

**McMurdo** · 12th September 15, 05:19 PM

It all depends on the weather. A few years ago I was at the Loch Norman games in NC I wore a jacket, tie and an 8 yard kilt. I had to change into a tshirt and 4 yard kilt part way through the day. I say wear whats comfortable.

**California Highlander** · 12th September 15, 07:24 PM

You'll probably see a wide range of kilt-wearing styles at the games in the USA.

Here's some photos from Pleasanton and Dixon Scottish games in Northern California. Generally hot events in Aug/Sept. Tees, polos, short sleeve shirts, and the occasional long sleeve "safari" type shirts. Mainly tee shirts. People in kilts generally wearing hiking boots, tennis shoes, or brogues. Some guys in flip flops and sandals.

2015 Pleasanton Scottish Games day 2 Musicians

Dixon Scottish Games 2014 084

Dixon Scottish Games 2014 083
Gotta love the kid's batman shirt and the Buchanan kilt.

**Kerri** · 13th September 15, 03:59 AM

Awesome, thanks for the help.

**Blupiper** · 14th September 15, 04:13 PM

Kerri:

My local games is early August and this year's temps were in the mid- to upper-90's F. I was a Games official and so, wore a shirt, tie and tweed vest with my kilt. The other accouterments (sporran, hose, sgian dubh, etc.) were there as well. I feel a nice polo shirt would have sufficed. You see plenty of t-shirts, sandals, utilikilts, sagged kilts (worn around the hips, not the waist) and hose either up or scrunched down. I say, be comfortable enough to enjoy yourself and don't even try to explain yourself to any kilt police that are about. You can't win with them. Games are to be enjoyed and how you feel is a big part of it. Have a fun day--sometimes proper doesn't have to be on the menu.

JMB

**Reiver** · 14th September 15, 05:38 PM

Since you are competing a sport kilt is a norm with running shorts beneath.
A T shirt with/without sleeves commonly seen for freedom of movement.
Often a support style of stocking with extra support at the knees for heavy lifting.
The appropriate sport shoes...cleated or with blades depending upon the event.
Luck to you.

**Tasty Rabbit** · 14th September 15, 10:09 PM

If you are competing I would suggest a t-shirt & sneakers & whatever braces or such you need . Don't compete in the sporran . Function over fashion in this case . Also make sure you wear something under it - your kilt will flip up . As for your family there are endless combinations that can be put together with a kilt . Go through some of the threads on this board & you'll be amazed !