Kilt Etiquette

**Jock Scot** · 2nd February 13, 01:06 PM

[QUOTE=flairball;1148635]Where what you like. A kilt is just a garment, and tartan just a design. Besides, this is a free country. There are no tartan police, and there is even a sticky to let everyone know this. There are no more clans, only clan societies. No one is going to recognize the tartan and ask you if you're their long lost cousin, or expect an explanation. Is it nice to have a kilt to which you have a connection? Yes. Is it nessecary? No.

You should, however, be prepared for lots of questions like;

Valid points of view from your angle and no doubt for many non Scots points of view too. However on some points, some Scots will differ and differ rather strongly. ---------------Just so you know.

**McElmurry** · 2nd February 13, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by HighlandMike

Evening all,

Finally buying my first kilt soon, but I'm facing a bit of a dilemma. Is it poor form to sport the tartan of a clan other than one's own? If so, I'll go with Black Watch, because frankly, I can't at the moment afford my clan (£600 being a wee bit difficult).

Also, I'm looking to buy from Stillwater; any feedback on them?

Cheers,

Mike

I took the conservative approach, joined a clan association, and saved for a tank in my clan tartan. It has served me well from hiking in snow at 20F to Highland games at 95F and various dressier occasions day and evening. I am not usually a joiner but I do get a certain comfort knowing I belong in my kilt.

Do whatever is right for you.

**Father Bill** · 2nd February 13, 03:03 PM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Valid points of view from your angle and no doubt for many non Scots points of view too. However on some points, some Scots will differ and differ rather strongly. ---------------Just so you know.

And a few outside of Scotland as well. If you throw your lot in with your clan... stick with them!

**TheOfficialBren** · 2nd February 13, 03:43 PM

Originally Posted by David Thorpe

To you. Others feel much differently.

Not true at all. The clans are far different than they were 300 years ago, to be sure, but the Standing Council of Chiefs should be evidence enough that clans, at least in the hearts and minds of many people are alive and well in their present form.

Again, not true at all. It has evidently not happened to you. That does not qualify a statement implied to be universal.

I fully understand that many people have little or no regard or respect for the clans and their tartans. I accept this as an unfortunate, sad fact over which neither I nor anyone else has any control. That will not, however, stop me from voicing my sentiments on the matter whenever such a cavalier attitude is stated - especially in the context of a reply to a question from someone seeking honest advice.

+***!!!

**TheOfficialBren** · 2nd February 13, 03:45 PM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

And a few outside of Scotland as well. If you throw your lot in with your clan... stick with them!

***

**piperdbh** · 2nd February 13, 05:37 PM

It seems to me that 600GBP is a bit steep for a kilt price, even for a special weave. Surely our kiltmakers here could produce the desired kilt much less inexpensively.

**HighlandMike** · 2nd February 13, 07:31 PM

Jamie,

Thank you, the posted link was good to read. I have to ask: are those the perc ponds off of San Tomas Expressway, near Campbell? SJ native here!

**HighlandMike** · 2nd February 13, 07:34 PM

Guys,

Thank you all for the great advice and info; it seems I'll be able to get a economy-priced kilt in my wife's tartan after all, which came as a very welcome surprise! I appreciate the spirited discussion and look forward to becoming more active here.

Mike

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 2nd February 13, 08:00 PM

Originally Posted by HighlandMike

Evening all,

Finally buying my first kilt soon, but I'm facing a bit of a dilemma. Is it poor form to sport the tartan of a clan other than one's own? If so, I'll go with Black Watch, because frankly, I can't at the moment afford my clan (£600 being a wee bit difficult).

Also, I'm looking to buy from Stillwater; any feedback on them?

Cheers,

Mike

Baird tartan is, in my opinion, and extremely handsome tartan. I suspect that a quality kilt, made in the USA, shouldn't set you back anything near £600. Since you are located in California, might I suggest that you contact Matt Newsome and inquire as to the cost of a four yard kilt in Baird (knife or box pleat). It's been my experience that in hot climates a heavy weight, four yard kilt is vastly cooler to wear.

There is certainly nothing wrong with wearing a non-clan tartan, and I would suggest that Black Watch, being somewhat similar to your own tartan, is a good choice. That said, were it me, I'd just save up a bit more cash and invest in the tartan of my clan.