Panache Answers the "Big Kilt Questions"

**Panache** · 29th August 11, 02:19 PM

Question #8 Should one take offense at "are you a piper?” or "nice skirt" comments?

First off take in mind that kilts are not an altogether common fashion and people have a tendency to try to put what they see as a costume into some sort of a context. (i.e. “hmmm… the kilted guy must be a piper or something in a wedding”.) The word “kilt” can sometimes slip someone’s mind (or it may not be part of their vocabulary) and the reference to a “skirt” may not be malicious at all (and in truth let‘s face it, the kilt is a type of SKIRT!)

As for the lame insults thrown out by the uneducated and/or ignorant all I can say is that if you are going to be bothered by little stuff like that then don't bother wearing the kilt. A few good responses can be memorized to be used as needed. Sticks and stones folks, sticks and stones...

**Panache** · 29th August 11, 02:20 PM

Question #9 Are modern kilts like Utilikilts really kilts?

The word "kilt" is a Celtic word that has come to represent any masculine skirt. A Utilikilt is not a traditional Scottish Kilt. Nor is the garment the ancient Egyptians wore, nor is the Greek fusinella, nor the skirt the men of the Hopi tribe of native Americans wear for certain special dances. Yet they are kilts. Language is constantly being taken from one culture for use by others. There is something so powerful and masculine in the image of the kilted highlander that this garment's name has come to represent all masculine skirts.

If you are a staunch traditionalist (and Bully for you if you are!) then these things may not be a "kilt" to you, but please show respect to your fellow man and understand that these are worn as masculine attire. When people wear a modern kilt they almost always use the word “kilt” to describe their garment. There is enough unpleasantness in the world without you adding to it. Before you think about using the term “SKIRT” to deride modern kilts and those who wear them please take a moment and think about some of the nasty slang words that have been thrown at various peoples over the years. Does your own pride/identity/opinion require you to insult someone else or their masculinity? Just please take it that the widespread use of this word honors the iconic traditional Scottish Kilt. Plus it just makes for a nicer world!

**Panache** · 29th August 11, 02:22 PM

Question 10 Should I buy/wear one of those "Highlander/ Ghillie"shirts?

Well, the question here really is…

How much do you like Errol Flynn?

These shirts have far, far more to do with a romanticized Hollywood ideal of the dashing highlander than any authentic / realistic period attire. There are occasions when it is fun to don one of these shirts and let loose your inner swashbuckler such as Renaissance Faires, Piratefests, Celtic rock shows and whatnot. For my branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society they are standard attire for gentlemen at our monthly parties (but not our formal balls). They are comfortable and fun but do keep in mind that they really are more costume than clothing. Something to think about when/if you decide to wear them.

As for me, I enjoy Scottish Country Dance and like Errol Flynn a lot so...

" Then out swords and to work withall!"

**Panache** · 29th August 11, 02:22 PM

Question 11 Should I /can I wear a belt with a waistcoat?

It is a current fashion in highland attire to wear a belt with a fancy waist plate as well as a waistcoat with a Prince Charlie. Most likely this fashion originated from copying the look of a fancy kilt doublet where an additional weapon belt was worn by the gentleman to carry a dress dirk or a sword (though this belt would have been worn on the outside of the doublet).

Frankly it is not a look that I am personally in favor of, but as far as it being within the realm of acceptable dress it is not a fashion faux pas. However, that said, wearing a belt and waistcoat is tricky as you have to get a waistcoat small enough/cut high enough to show the belt while at the same time being big enough/cut low enough to meet the top of the kilt. An expanse of white shirt seen between the top of the kilt/belt and the bottom of the waistcoat is unappealing and makes one’s outfit seem ill fitting (because it is!)

Far better (and easier) to have a good fitting waistcoat and forgo the belt. Or to wear the dress belt sans the waistcoat.

**Panache** · 29th August 11, 02:23 PM

Question 12 Is the Kilt a “Pan-Celtic: garment?

The kilt is Scottish in its origins. The Scots created and wore the kilt. It is not a traditional Irish or any other Celtic cultures’ garment. However nowadays there are Welsh, Irish, Cornish, etc. tartans as well as variations on the traditional Scottish Kilt. So while it wasn’t a “Pan-Celtic” garment originally (the kilt is absolutely originally 100% Scottish.... Period....Has everyone got that? ) it is becoming one in our modern world

**Panache** · 29th August 11, 02:24 PM

Question 13 Do Modern Kilts follow the same rules as Traditional Highland Attire?

No. Modern kilts (such as Utilikilts, R Kilts, etc.) are their own thing. One can certainly take inspiration from traditional highland attire (like a simple styled modern jacket cut along the lines of a traditional Argyll one) but following it too closely doesn’t really work and creates an incongruous look with a modern kilt. If you really want to wear Argyll jackets with silver/chrome diamond buttons, flashes, fancy sporrans, etc. then please stick to traditional looking kilts. Being such a new fashion there really aren't any set rules for modern kilts but one should try to come up with an entire outfit where all elements all work together.

**Panache** · 29th August 11, 02:25 PM

Question 14 What is the relationship between ModernKilts and Traditional Scottish kilts?

While 21st Century Kilts started the modern kilt movement the Seatle based Utilikilts proved to be the most influential. In the late 1990’s Steven Villegas created a “MUG” (Male Unbifurcated Garment) for himself. Villegas was not of Scottish descent and he did not associate this garment he created with traditional Scottish Kilts. However the term kilt was marketable and the product was eventually offered as a “Utilikilt” and thus the first modern kilts were offered to the American public.

While the initial run of Utilikilts featured pleats all the way round and a zipper, the second run of Utilikilts obviously turned toward the traditional Scottish kilt for inspiration. The new model featured front aprons, that though narrower, still gave something of the impression of the traditional Scottish kilt. The traditional front apron with pleats behind arrangement struck a chord and the success of the Utilikilt company inspired a number of other entrepreneurs to try their own take at the modern kilt.

Quite a number of these companies offer wider front aprons, more and narrower pleats, and other features of traditional Scottish kilts. An unexpected benefit to traditionalists with the success of these modern kilts is that they have stirred an interest in traditional kilts. Those who may not have been willing to invest in the $1000+ for a traditional kilt and kit have been willing to try the less expensive modern kilts. Finding these modern kilts comfortable and handsome they began to consider the more expensive traditional ones.

While Steven Villegas wasn’t inspired by highland garb in his first creation it is obvious that virtually all modern kilts nowadays take at least some inspiration from the traditional Scottish kilt.So the answer is that modern kilts are not traditional Scottish kilts but it is obvious that they are a definitely influenced by them.

**xman** · 29th August 11, 04:26 PM

Excellent points, however ...

Originally Posted by Panache

The kilt is Scottish in its origins. The Scots created and wore the kilt. It is not a traditional Irish or any other Celtic cultures’ garment. ...

On a point of order, didn't the kilt technically originate as a Gaelic garment which would include some parts of Ireland? The Scots at the time were a separate people entirely, eventually to amalgamate with the Gaels (and others too I assume) so that now we think of the Scots having been the originators.