I didn't expect this thread to take on a traditionalist vs. non-traditionalist discussion which it has in some cases. Although looking back at my original post, I can see were it could fuel such dialog. Please be respectful of each others points of view.

One thing I would like to point out is that I have great respect for the kilt. I will be making a presentation about the kilt to a first grade class on St. Patrick's Day. I'll will be wearing my 5 yd, 16 oz wool, Ireland's National. I'll use my Kennedy clan crest pin as my kilt pin. Along with this will be a light weight, black, v-neck sweater, white shirt, solid green tie, dress sporran, cream hose with solid green flashes, black kilt belt, well-shined black dress shoes, and a black sgian dubh. I'll be taking some examples of other kilts both traditional and non-traditional with me.

In part, when I wear a kilt less traditionally in the summer it's due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy. It's destroyed the sweat glands in my legs, arms,and hands. It's also destroyed some nerve functions to my heart so that my pulse rate does not ramp up and down like it should. I literally have a spreadsheet that lists my kilts by temperature endurance and check the temperature forecast to see what kilts I can wear. Wool kilts are out for me above 75 F. Stillwater standards are out above 80 F. Pulled up wool kilt hose are out above 70 F on a sunny day. I have to resort to light weight socker socks if I'm going to go "socks up" in the summer. Even then "socks up" is out much above 80 F. So for most of the summer it's Stillwater economies, thrifties, and Amerikilts with socks down. Even so, I wear solid t-shirts and socks that compliment the kilt. My white tennis shoes are always polished with white polish. If it's black shoes, they are well shined. My kilts are always clean and pressed. I also make it a point to study clan history if I'm wearing a tartan that is not universal.

From my viewpoint you can look very good and be respectful of the kilt in a t-shirt and tennis shoes if you coordinate what you wear. Since my condition is progressive and has no cure I have about 2-4 years left. I cherish every day that I can still wear this most masculine and comfortable of garments and the history it represents.

Darrell