What makes a kilt pin a kilt pin?

[imbrius]

I was browsing the Show Us Your Kilt Pins thread and saw the amazing plethora of shapes and pin mechanisms people put on their kilts. So what makes a kilt pin something other than a pin that happens to be on a kilt? In other words, what are the "rules" for kilt pins?

When first kilted, I wore my former U.S. Civil Air Patrol senior member cover device as a kilt pin (it was windy at the Milwaukee Highland Games and the cap device fits the bill for heavy and decorative) but have since gotten a cheapie pewter Masonic sword-style pin I wear now. I do have a gigantic collection of hat, lapel, and misc. pins from folksmarching, beer festivals, Civil Air Patrol (no longer a member), Freemasonry, my wife buying me odd things, etc. What makes a good kilt pin, in your collective and several opinions?

Thanks!

[Taskr]

I suppose it is whatever one thinks looks handsome on the kilt apron.
Anything heavy enough to keep the apron from flapping is, IMO, likely going to damage the apron. There is an inner one to maintain modesty anyway. I have only a few kilt pins - including a recently acquired blanket pin - but don't care much if a pin is on or off. I will sometimes place one when bringing the kilt up to business or formal.

One thing that might be considered making a good kilt pin is the fastener. Regardless of the "jewelry", any pin and closure that might damage the cloth is worth avoiding.

[bodhran4me]

"A Pin that is on a kilt."
In my mind you pretty much already nailed it, with a few additional caveats...


You do not want it to distort the drape of the apron or be so heavy as to damage the cloth

It should have a secure method of fastening to prevent loss, without damaging the cloth

The finish on the pin back may also be quite rough with sharp bits that could snag


I have been considering the 'Illegitimi non carborundum' cap badge but want to see it in real life first to make sure it is a suitable size and weight. Also looking at various maple leaf pins/brooches for my maple leaf kilt. With the maple leaf pin I am wary of the sharp edges on the vertical sides as when sitting this is the area that drapes down. I know many wear sword pins but the point is not where the kilt tends to get folded onto itself. Maybe it is just rampant paranoia on my part.

[kiltedsawyer]

Perhaps a better question would be "what makes a good kilt pin?" I think the answer for me is something that has some relation to highland culture but more importantly means something to the wearer. They are often good conversation starters amongst the kilted and the curious non-kilted.

Cheers,

David

[CollinMacD]

Really have to ask this, is a kilt pin necessary or is it an ornament? I think I read it here; kilt pins are a more recent accessory and really only serves the purpose of jewelry. Really has little to no function as a weight to hold the kilt down from winds. I would like to learn more.

[Tobus]

Really have to ask this, is a kilt pin necessary or is it an ornament? I think I read it here; kilt pins are a more recent accessory and really only serves the purpose of jewelry. Really has little to no function as a weight to hold the kilt down from winds. I would like to learn more.

On modern kilts, they are mere ornament.

Originally, before buckles and straps were added, a simple safety pin or blanket pin was used as a closure, plus a belt. Older military kilts used this method, for example. But its purpose was never about weight to keep the apron down. I'm pretty sure that's a myth.

[PatrickHughes123]

I'm in love with the kilt so I pretty much love all things Highland Dress, so take my views as a grain of salt. For me, anything that is a kilt pin is a kilt pin. Anything marketed as a kilt pin by shops and Scottish websites. I love all kilt pins from basic safety kilt pins to very expensive ones, and the ones in-between including Clan pins, contemporary pins and so on. I have two safety pins, and two off-the-rack sword pins.

[GrymJack]

"A Pin that is on a kilt."
In my mind you pretty much already nailed it, with a few additional caveats...


You do not want it to distort the drape of the apron or be so heavy as to damage the cloth

It should have a secure method of fastening to prevent loss, without damaging the cloth

The finish on the pin back may also be quite rough with sharp bits that could snag


I have been considering the 'Illegitimi non carborundum' cap badge but want to see it in real life first to make sure it is a suitable size and weight. Also looking at various maple leaf pins/brooches for my maple leaf kilt. With the maple leaf pin I am wary of the sharp edges on the vertical sides as when sitting this is the area that drapes down. I know many wear sword pins but the point is not where the kilt tends to get folded onto itself. Maybe it is just rampant paranoia on my part.

I have the badge you mentioned and it is available from various Kilt sites. I feel that it is a trifle too heavy for a kilt pin on the lighter weight kilts I have. Suspect it would work fine on a heavier kilt.