the kilt is special

**CMcG** · 4th July 10, 07:25 AM

The other day, I had a bit of an epiphany regarding my own approach to kilting. I was at the Utilikilts flagship store in Seattle and I told the salesman that I wear traditional kilts. He said "a traditional kilt is great for special occasions but a UK is made for everyday use."

Ironically, his suggestion convinced me not to spend the cash on a UK!

Now, to be sure, I love wearing my Sportkilt around the house in the same way someone might wear sweatpants or pajamas. My Sportkilt is also great for hiking... it is designed for sport after all! Similarly, I could see myself wearing a UK (or other modern kilt of similar construction) in the same way someone might wear a pair of jeans to mow the lawn or putter in the garage... if I had a yard or a garage, which I don't.

I have worn the kilt (a traditional kilt with hose, sporran, etc) out and about a few times. To be honest, I wasn't that into it for a variety of reasons. I don't think I'd feel any different about a wearing a modern kilt in the same situation.

What I've come to realize is that, when it comes to work, school, errands, and social events, I prefer to reserve the kilt for special occasions. I like how the kilt marks weddings, Burns Night, St. Pat's, etc as different from the everyday grind. Not to take anything away from people who choose to wear the kilt as part of their everyday wardrobe; good for them and I think it's great! At this point though, it's not for me.

So, for me, the kilt is special. Or very mundane (Sportkilt around the house). But not so much an everyday piece of clothing.

Your thoughts? Has the position of the kilt in your wardrobe changed over time?

**Nighthawk** · 4th July 10, 07:31 AM

Kilts are no different from pants to me. I have nice ones (my MacLoed double box pleated, my Albannach and Clergy from USA Kilts) and those are for special occasions. I have my less formal ones for less formal occasions. I don't see how wearing a modern kilt for hiking makes my double box pleated kilt any less special. In fact, I think it makes it even more special!

**MassiveMorrison** · 4th July 10, 07:35 AM

If I had a kilt for every day of the week, I'd probably wear it every day of the week.

A true Tartan kilt is a bit formal to me, but a UK, AK, NK, XK, they are just like another pair of shorts, or jeans. Granted, they are not work attire, but if I'm doing my own thing, then I'd rather be in a Casual Kilt.

To each his own really, it's up to the wearer, as it should be.

**Mike_Oettle** · 4th July 10, 08:23 AM

MassiveMorrison wrote: “If I had a kilt for every day of the week, I'd probably wear it every day of the week.”

My thoughts exactly.
Regards,
Mike

**Tobus** · 4th July 10, 11:16 AM

What I've come to realize is that, when it comes to work, school, errands, and social events, I prefer to reserve the kilt for special occasions. I like how the kilt marks weddings, Burns Night, St. Pat's, etc as different from the everyday grind. Not to take anything away from people who choose to wear the kilt as part of their everyday wardrobe; good for them and I think it's great! At this point though, it's not for me.

I would love to wear the kilt for everyday activities. I think it's perfectly suited for it. It's just not very well accepted around here (or I don't have enough self-confidence).

What makes it different for special occasions, though, is the choice of shoes, hose, sporran, belt, shirt, tie, waistcoat, jacket, etc. The kilt is versatile enough, IMHO, that it can suit any occasion, depending on how you accessorize it. It can be dressed-down for casual wear or dressed-up all the way to formal wear.

I can't speak from experience on it, but I wouldn't think that wearing the kilt would be "less special" if I wore it all the time. I'd feel completely different in a formal kilted outfit than a casual kilted outfit.

People do the same thing with pants. Yet they still feel that pants can suit all occasions. To me, the kilt is every bit as versatile, or perhaps more so.

**dutchy kilted** · 4th July 10, 11:25 AM

I have found that I am wearing my tartan kilts with a sporran for special occasions, but my UK's and similar kilts for general wear (like most people would wear pants and shorts.) I consider this the best of both worlds. I just like to wear my kilts because they are comfortable.

**Bugbear** · 4th July 10, 11:45 AM

Originally Posted by CMcG

Your thoughts? Has the position of the kilt in your wardrobe changed over time?

Absolutely. It was a change in the way I perceive the kilt, I suppose, but also myself. That's my two cents of psycho babble.

**Woot22** · 4th July 10, 01:02 PM

Originally Posted by CMcG

What I've come to realize is that, when it comes to work, school, errands, and social events, I prefer to reserve the kilt for special occasions. I like how the kilt marks weddings, Burns Night, St. Pat's, etc as different from the everyday grind. Not to take anything away from people who choose to wear the kilt as part of their everyday wardrobe; good for them and I think it's great! At this point though, it's not for me.
So, for me, the kilt is special. Or very mundane (Sportkilt around the house). But not so much an everyday piece of clothing.

Well put, this has been and always will be my opinion on the matter. Having said that I do like seeing the kilt out and about on a normal day, knowing there's lots of people out there that choose to do otherwise. This also is what makes it special.

**dutchy kilted** · 4th July 10, 02:59 PM

Well put, this has been and always will be my opinion on the matter. Having said that I do like seeing the kilt out and about on a normal day, knowing there's lots of people out there that choose to do otherwise. This also is what makes it special.

And that is of course what makes this whole forum special.

**Howard Clark** · 4th July 10, 04:18 PM

I will wear trousers only if I have to. Since I am self-employed, that situation is rare. Certain types of my work require protection of the lower leg, and climbing around on ladders doing repairs, or under vehicles. But, since the majority of my work is in the blacksmith shop, and that is how I started wearing kilts in the first place...

I do confess to preferring traditional style for the waist and tailoring, and tartan for wearing out and about. I do wear a hemp RKilt for paintball (thanks Robert!), and some non-tartan kilts for work (that I made myself). I do work in the shop in a tartan kilt when it is cool enough (ones I made, from MoD surplus cloth scored on e-bay).

If I never had to wear trousers again, except for hunting and extreme cold weather, that would suit me fine. I do get some funny looks in Iowa, but more often than not if people comment, it is positive.