It seems that everyone here has their own definition of what kilt really means, threads going astray because of it.

I propose the following set of definitions, with which one might hope can bring unity to the masses. Or at least leave my mark on the range of arguments.

Kilt: (Capitalized) The family of male garment with the characteristics of a kilt, such as pleating, worn at or around the knees.

kilt: A male garment traditionally made of tartan fabric and pleated on the sides and back, with a flat apron in the front.

This is to be considered a living definition, as innovations of all sorts leave their mark on evolution. Any such change would still be part of the Kilt family, but may or may not be accepted as a kilt by the population at large.

kilt, traditional: understood to be tartan, pleated, and to stop at the knee.

kilt, modern: understood to be inspired by a traditional kilt, but with a more modern spin. This may include exotic design or materials, such as leather, pleather, or similar, narrower aprons, lower waist, etc.

kilt, hybrid: a more modern kilt designed to emulate a traditional kilt, but with modern features not considered to be on a normal kilt. Most hybrid kilts could pass as traditional kilts in most situations, as the differences range from imperceptible to somewhat obvious. The line between hybrid/traditional and hybrid/modern can be difficult to determine, and as such is subjective. Items that may make a kilt a hybrid vs a traditional may include construction such as lack of a stabilizer, non wool material, pockets, tweed or other non tartan material, snaps for closing, or even being machine sewn instead of hand sewn.

kilt, archaic: While by nature a traditional kilt, it is of a design that is no longer the normal or commonly accepted nature. These are still real kilts, though they vary from what most people would think of. This includes features such as box pleats, pleats in the front, or similar. this is also a living definition. As time marches on, some change may take off, and the categories will shift. 100 years from now, there may be a different fastening system, and leather straps will not be easy to come by. After all, early on, some people did use blanket pins to keep their kilts on.

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I realized that many try to force kilts into a very tight category, and give it an all or nothing for the definition. Look at other things, do you consider Dungarees and Overalls to be blue jeans? What about black jeans? Jean shorts? What about sandals. Do you count flip flops, or just 'thong' sandals, or the kind that lace onto the foot and onto the leg. Is a pith a hat? is a helmet a hat? Does a welders mask count as a mask in general? Do the double saloon doors count as doors? Bead curtains between rooms, are they doors?

My point is that we count all sorts of things as general classes of items. Except the kilt. Why is that? (Rhetorical!)