Kilt vs. Tartan?

[Chef]

For me, it's all about the tartan. I have no objection to solid colour kilts, such as a saffron or green kilt for Irish heritage, or a tweed kilt a la the Balmoral ghillies -- but when push comes to shove, I wear a kilt as a symbol of my heritage, not necessarily for "freedom". Modern kilts -- well, they're just not my thing, though I don't begrudge anyone wearing them.

I'll be quite honest: I like trousers -- trews, cords, plus fours, etc. I'm not ashamed of it. I know it's not a popular opinion around here, but I'm not going to hide it. There are sometimes I just don't want to wear a kilt, and trews would be a nice alternative on those occasions. A country gent's shooting attire complete with hose and plus fours -- that's a great look. Take a look at what the gents are wearing in The Quiet Man, or Hector's outfits in Monarch of the Glen -- that's what I like.

But again, that's just me. I wouldn't dare force it on anyone else. Just don't knock trews until you've tried them.

I think Todd has put it quite well. For me the kilt represents the fact that I am Scottish. I am proud of it and I make a good part of my living from it. I do think that the kilt and tartan go together, one is not quite the same without the other.

For me kilts are just some of the choices in my closet. I could go kilted all the time, but I don't for two reasons: first I happen to have other clothes I like and second a kilt just isn't the most sensible garment for every situation. Again other than in the kitchen, I wear a kilt more than anything else, but by no means exclusively.



By the way, I do own a pair of trews and they are fine, funny thing I think I get more looks in trews with a kilt jacket etc, than I do in a kilt.