Critique my summer wear IV/show your own

[CMcG]

Michael, I think you look quite sharp. It took me a bit of convincing to try a tattersal shirt with the kilt but it really does work, as does your gingham.

I'll echo what others have said about the sporran chain because I've seen pictures of the wear and tear it can make on the kilt. As for the tucked in tie, I've seen other traditionalists do it but I prefer to knot it to a better length and tuck the skinny end into my shirt.

If ghillie brogues are what you have, then that's what you go with, especially if those are heavy piper's soles and you're intending to tromp around a Highland games. Personally, I prefer to replace the long laces with regular length ones because they look a bit more civilian to me and less like a pipe band. But you ARE a piper, right?

[saxandpipes]

Michael, I think you look quite sharp. It took me a bit of convincing to try a tattersal shirt with the kilt but it really does work, as does your gingham.

I'll echo what others have said about the sporran chain because I've seen pictures of the wear and tear it can make on the kilt. As for the tucked in tie, I've seen other traditionalists do it but I prefer to knot it to a better length and tuck the skinny end into my shirt.

If ghillie brogues are what you have, then that's what you go with, especially if those are heavy piper's soles and you're intending to tromp around a Highland games. Personally, I prefer to replace the long laces with regular length ones because they look a bit more civilian to me and less like a pipe band. But you ARE a piper, right?

Thanks for the feedback CMcG,

I'm definitely going to look into the strap as opposed to the chain.

I am a piper, and in fact my ghillie brogues don't have clunky rubber soles, but rather half-decent leather ones. (They are still somewhat more "expendable" than my other shoes...) Well, let's say: tromping around in a field is a fair occupation for them!

I am a piper, but with the exception of a few (and the 2 obvious notables), pipers are not particularly known for their fashion sense! ;) I don't feel it especially important to be spotted as piper.

Cheers!

Michael

[iustus]

Many great comments.

I think in these pics I am perhaps at the lower end of the THD casual.
The first is perhaps a public casual.




Sandals are usually essential for me for a number of reasons... and they even find themselves in less casual settings. The second pic here is what I would call "T-Shirt" casual. Many of the THD gents might not wear a T-shirt in public at all... it has been considered underwear for many and I suppose since M. Brando its become more and more an article unto itself. This can be done well and poorly like most things. I can't say I do it well, though growing up where and when I did, the summer time was T-shirt time. So I bring you this.



No shoes in the house of course, but then no hats in the house either. Not sure how the Balmoral got added to the mix here, but for me, this is an example of "T-Shirt" casual in the heat of summer (sans Balmoral).

T-Shirt
Hose Tops & Sandals
Leather Strap

My highland wear generally parallels my saxon wear. Though much anymore I am in and out of "choir dress" and "house dress". The later having a bit of room for highland wear.

peace,
justin+

ps: this might put me outside the THD though it is essentially THD principles at work, even with T-Shirt and Htops/sandlas.

[creagdhubh]

Thanks for sharing Justin, I do love to see you wearing your clan's plant badge...wonderful!

Cheers,

[Woodsheal]

I know it's traditional/acceptable and all, but I just can't go for the beltless look with a tucked-in shirt. To my eyes it makes the kilt look more "skirty" and less masculine. Of course, I skip the belt, too, when wearing a waistcoat, untucked sweater, etc. - but otherwise I don't feel right without one.

[creagdhubh]

I know it's traditional/acceptable and all, but I just can't go for the beltless look with a tucked-in shirt. To my eyes it makes the kilt look more "skirty" and less masculine. Of course, I skip the belt, too, when wearing a waistcoat, untucked sweater, etc. - but otherwise I don't feel right without one.

I respectfully disagree with the first part of your comment(s), but that is precisely why this forum is such a wonderful place to discuss Highland dress!

Kind regards,

[Dale Seago]

I know it's traditional/acceptable and all, but I just can't go for the beltless look with a tucked-in shirt. To my eyes it makes the kilt look more "skirty" and less masculine.

I don't know how "traditional" it is, but visually/aesthetically it strikes me the same way.

Of course, I skip the belt, too, when wearing a waistcoat, untucked sweater, etc. - but otherwise I don't feel right without one.

Same here.

[Grae]

Deledted

[saxandpipes]

Many great comments.

I think in these pics I am perhaps at the lower end of the THD casual.
The first is perhaps a public casual.




Sandals are usually essential for me for a number of reasons... and they even find themselves in less casual settings. The second pic here is what I would call "T-Shirt" casual. Many of the THD gents might not wear a T-shirt in public at all... it has been considered underwear for many and I suppose since M. Brando its become more and more an article unto itself. This can be done well and poorly like most things. I can't say I do it well, though growing up where and when I did, the summer time was T-shirt time. So I bring you this.



No shoes in the house of course, but then no hats in the house either. Not sure how the Balmoral got added to the mix here, but for me, this is an example of "T-Shirt" casual in the heat of summer (sans Balmoral).

T-Shirt
Hose Tops & Sandals
Leather Strap

My highland wear generally parallels my saxon wear. Though much anymore I am in and out of "choir dress" and "house dress". The later having a bit of room for highland wear.

peace,
justin+

ps: this might put me outside the THD though it is essentially THD principles at work, even with T-Shirt and Htops/sandlas.

I don't know if it really counts as "traditional" but what I like about your dress is the way that it looks very natural on you. I think that's one of the most important things! You've got to feel comfortable in you own skin!

Cheers

Michael

[creagdhubh]

Originally Posted by Woodsheal
I know it's traditional/acceptable and all, but I just can't go for the beltless look with a tucked-in shirt. To my eyes it makes the kilt look more "skirty" and less masculine.

I respectfuly disagree with you there , and ask you to consider why a shirt tucked into trousers does not elicit the same response from you. It has been said that for clothes to look good ( as opposed to wearing a sack) they should fall from the frame and have a "break". With men emphaising the shoulders and waist ( achieved with the tucked in shirt and kilt here) gives the appearance of a powerful and defined frame, as can been seen from the Iustus's photos posted above, the break is achieved at the "tucked in" waistline. Same effect happens with the trousers and shirt tucked in. When shirt is not tucked in the break is lower at bottom line of the shirt -still works but the definition line is lower and not as defined. As for the kilt not being a skirt , well we know it is a type of skirt a mens garment, however the concern that others may feel one is wearing female garb can be dispelled by wearing the sporran, and also I would say by a belt without a sporran.

But you know each to his own! As I have said before this is really about fashion gentlemen and fashion evolves( I post a photo as an example and do not say this is an example of a powerful masculine frame!)

I agree with you. Check out the photos below of Sandy (JSFMACLJR) when we were at the 2011 Kenrucky Scottish Weekend. No belt with his kilt and he looks very traditional and quite smart. He did have a beautiful tweed Argyll jacket with him, but decided to take it off as it did get a wee bit warm (I took mine off later that day!)

There's no need for a belt if your kilt fits properly - now I know this is purely subjective, and "to each is own," and that is totally fine, I am not disputing that or even arguing that fact. I think many of us can agree that the kilt belt is purely decorative, since the kilt should be falling down once a belt is removed, if one is indeed worn in the first place. I only wear a belt now with the kilt if I am wearing a dirk with my evening attire. The only other time I would indeed wear a kilt belt, would be if I ever decided to have a specific evening doublet, such as the Montrose or Kenmore styles, made - which require a belt. Of course, all of this is purely my personal taste and opinion.




Cheers!