Two Telling comments? The Answer Perhaps?

[Calgacus]

I agree that this list should become a sticky, although I must say I lament that this is the all-encompassing list.

Now, about that last part:

I think that might be the real issue to tackle. When attending one of the events on the list, I think one can get away with being more elaborate with the kilt kit worn.

But if one is to be an everyday kilt wearer, then it would seem from the last comment (and I agree) that the person who does so pulls off a bit of a different "this was easy for me" vibe to the way they wear the kilt when not falling into one of the rigid categories on the list. I wonder if it would be possible to somehow capture how this is done and promote that both for Scots (born and raised and living in Scotland) AND for tourists. Because it seems that what bothers Scots about tourists in kilts is that they are garish and don't do it right. This may be a pipe dream, but what would be wrong with simply changing the mentality from "Look at that idiot tourist making a mockery of the kilt, lets roll our eyes and talk behind his back and think smug things..." to "Look at that tourist who has no clue what he is doing. We should set him straight." I know that changing mentalities is not easy, but it can be done if people care to make the change.

So is it possible to define exactly what makes one look like an eveyday kilt wearer? What differentiates this from the more typical outfit? Might be a worthwhile exercise, because a tourist (for instance) who can pull off that look might come across quite differently than one who behaves like the subject of the Aly MacRae song The Tartan Atrocity (If you haven't heard it and you are a member of this forum, it is worth a listen for the laugh).

Slàinte

Ok, I'll have a go.

Please bear in mind that these are just my thoughts, and they (like the Pirate Code) are not rules, more simply guidelines. They can be bent or broken, but if what you are trying to achieve is to blend in, then it might be best to aim for as many as possible. I don't want to come across in any way as a 'kilt kop', I'm simply stating what I believe is the best way to wear a kilt in Scotland and not stand out. Note that there are different 'rules' for 'youngsters' and 'oldies'. The cut-off is vague, but I'm going to say forty-something. I'm forty-something and find it a 'difficult age'. Too old for the Duncan MacKay look, yet too young for the full tweed look (arguably!). I'm also restricting this to day wear only.

Headgear- None! Simple as that. Yes, yes, I know Jock Scot regularly wears a Balmoral but as a tourist trying to blend in, a Balmoral or a Glengarry is not going to help you. As an 'oldie', you might get away with it, as a 'youngster', definitely not.

Upper body- There are a couple of options here, depending on weather, town/country, and age. The first is shirt, tie & tweed jacket. THCD if you like. The shirt should be Tattersall or plain, the tie striped, school, regimental or plain, and a tweed Argyll. Personally I think you'll only blend in with this look if you are an 'oldie'. The second option is the sweater. It can be worn over a shirt or a T-shirt. If worn over a shirt, you will have more leeway for taking it off and still blending in. Jackets of the Barbour type work well pretty much any time and anywhere for all ages.

Belt- Not too important, but probably best to keep it plain and broad.

Sporran- One of the many standard pattern day or 'hunting' varieties, in brown or black

Kilt- Traditional, clan or district tartan. Wear the lower edge somewhere between the top and middle of the kneecap. Kilt pins are just fine, and optional.

Hose- Plain, and coloured. There are some tartans which actually suit cream hose really well, but over the past few decades the rental industry has rather claimed cream hose as their own, so in order not to look like you rented your kilt, they are best avoided. Avoid white hose entirely, and also try to avoid socks which are not proper kilt hose. Some work just fine, but these are simple guidelines here, so I'm keeping it simple.

Flashes/garters- Stick to flashes in simple red, green or blue as appropriate. I'm going to suggest avoiding garter ties, as although they have a long pedigree, they were pretty much extinct until their relatively recent reintroduction, and so might draw some attention.

Sgian- Optional.

Shoes- Black brogues (wingtips) are by far the safest option. Maybe Caterpillar or Timberland style workboots, and just possibly subdued trainers (sneakers). No ghillie brogues, no sandals, no knee-length boots etc.

The secret here is keeping it plain and simple, but with attention to detail. Kilt at the right height, hose at the right height, flashes not too long, etc. All these things will add up to an outfit that looks just right. One or two deviations will probably look ok, but stray too far and the look will be lost.

JohntheBiker pretty much nailed it in post #32 of this thread-

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...19/index4.html



To my eye his kilt is a tiny fraction low, but not enough to draw attention. If I'd walked past him in the street I'd have assumed him to be a local.