So Your Going to Wear The Kilt

[Nile]

"So Your Going to Wear The Kilt" by J. Charles Thompson with a foreword by Andrew MacThomas of Finegand is published by Heraldic Art of Arlington, VA. Charles Thompson is also co-author with D. C. Stewart, of the book "Scotland's Forged Tartans"


I am surprised that this book has not been reviewed previously in this forum. (perhaps it was but, I couldn't find a post.) The first American version was in 1979 and the first Scottish version was in 1981. I have a copy of the third American version of 1989.


"So Your Going to Wear The Kilt" is not only a good read but, also a great reference book for kilt wearers. Having read the full thread called "Too Traditional" (Whew! 500 + postings) in the "Traditional Kilt" section of the board, I realized that many of the concerns expressed by a number of members in that thread are specifically addressed in this book. It discusses not just the kilt and how to wear it but, all the accessories associated with wearing the kilt starting, top down, with the Bonnet.


Thompson's audience is the new, inexperienced kilt wearer who was not brought up in a kilted tradition as found in Scotland and other Scottish/Celtic communities around the world. His point of view is primarily the traditional Scottish approach to wearing the kilt but, he discusses a variety of options for day wear through formal. Written with some degree of humor, the author periodically infuses his own opinions in the text (and identifies them as such), especially concerning tartans (of which he is an expert).


The following is a list of the chapters:
The Bonnet / Sporrans
The Clansman's Crest Badge / Plaids
Tartans / In Cold Weather
Which Tartan? / Footwear
Color Schemes / Dirks and Skene Dhus
What about the Purists? / The Cromach
And the Ladies / Weapons
How to Address Your Chief / Jewelry
The Kilt / Medals and Decorations
Jackets / The Final Question
Belts and Waistcoats / Some Final Cautions
Shirt and Tie


One of the gems of the book is the interesting information found in the index. The author shows how to shape a Balmoral and how to make a toorie and a two color cockade for it. There's a section on shortening a kilt and converting a regular jacket into a kilt jacket. How about, making your own sporran or flashes! Do you know how to tie a garter knot? And… he ends it with how to make a rosette of the lady's evening sash.


And finally, inspired by the question so many have asked and what all newbies wonder, is the next to the last chapter, "The Final Question". Let's just say it's not about hose and brogues.