Dirk?

[Jock Scot]

Interesting. I thought that was a rather good example of a kilted equivelent of a nice suit. I didn't like the tie all that much but, other than that I thought this was a sterling example of highland dress. Thank you for that, I don't want to look like I don't know what I'm doing when I'm wearing a kilt, my heratige is far to important to me to not do it properly. Once again thanks!

Nick.

Well you have come to the right place for helpful advice, but there are various opinions that do not necessarily coincide! So it must take a wee bit of sorting out for a chap just starting with the kilt. As a guide, a tweed kilt jacket is a "suit equivalent" and your picture example ----without the tartan tie, same basic style though and not a bow tie, is "morning suit"(formal day wear) equivalent.

[spglenn]

So my own view is to leave my dirk at home unless I A. Might have a use for it (a bit scary to think about), or B. Am in historical costume.

As far as A above goes the two occasions I can think of having a use for the dirk are:

1) At a Burns Supper and you are giving the address to the Haggis
2) At the wedding for the cutting of the cake.

I'm not sure which you find the more scary

[Peter Crowe]

I think the advice you have received so far, is on the whole good. IMHO the dirk is only ever suitable for the most formal evening white tie equivalent dress (with Montrose/Regulation/Kenmore,/Sheriffmuir doublets) events. Personally speaking, however, I wouldn't bother with a dirk even at that level of formality.

[ANP3]

So, I think I understand now,
Dirk= "no," unless you want to look like you're in a costume, or you are at a VERY formal event, or it's part of an historically inspired kilt outfit.

Now, not to change the subject on here but...

How would I go about building a proper Highland out fit, keeping in mind my super tight budget. Here is what I'm going for the Highland dress equivelent of the super versitile suit, the one you could wear to weddings, funerals (God forbid), piping compititions, College Fraternity dances, and Highland Games. I know it's a lot to ask from one outfit, but it's simply what I'm going to have to do, my budget won't let me have multiple outfits, so I'm looking for something to fit, maybe not perfectly, but at leat blend, in any situation.

So here is what I'm looking at thus far:

Sporran:
http://www.usakilts.com/index.php/ki...s-sporran.html

Sgain Dubh ( i know it's a cheap-o, but I like the look, and I can't argue with the price):
http://www.kilts-n-stuff.com/sgian-d...gian-dubh.html

Everything other than the jacket and vest I have, any suggestions on where I can find a Nice looking "cheap" Argyle?

Thanks,

Nick

[EagleJCS]

As Jock said, the example you provided is on the formal side. It also looks somewhat like what most bandsmen - pipes and drums - wear (the main difference being the tartan tie - many bands wear solid-color ties, mostly black). The photo doesn't include the hose or shoes, but for bandsmen one might assume those to be white hose and the long-laced ghillie brogues. Outside of the full-on military "Number One's" with the big feather bonnet, etc., that's the look most folks in the U.S. are accustomed to seeing, as the kilt is not a common item of apparel outside the Highland Games.

A better starting point/goal for 'civilian' (non-bandsman) attire would be as Jock suggested: a good tweed waiscoat/jacket combo, with a striped or solid color tie and a tattersall shirt. Wear colored hose and regular shoes - one does not need to have the long-laced things for most occasions. The hose and tie do not necessarily have to match - or even coordinate - with your kilt. Leave the dirk for the most formal of occasions - and it's not really necessary even then.

In answer to your questions about how to get the stuff:

Acquire what you can to get started - the kilt (of course), hose, sporran and a belt are the very basics. Wear those with a collared shirt and regular lace-up shoes (not athletic shoes) and IMO you're pretty much at business casual (in the U.S.). Add a sweater (jumper for our British friends) and/or a short-waisted overcoat (bomber jacket, jeans jacket, etc.) and you're OK for colder weather. Work your way up from there.

For a versatile jacket to cover all of the events mentioned, a black or dark charcoal argyle would probably be your best bet. You might check with your local pipe bands to see if anyone has a jacket in your size they're wanting to part with. You can also check with some of the pipe band suppliers - they sometimes run specials on some merchandise - or check our own advertisers here on XMarks. Some may be willing to work out a payment plan that fits your budget.

You don't really have to have a sghian dhub. Depending on your local jurisdiction, it may not be legal to carry. That's something you'll have to determine for yourself.

For headgear, I'd suggest a Balmoral bonnet for a traditionalist look (the Glengarry is considered by many to be more of a military/band style look). Others here at XMarks also like flat caps (I can hear Jock cringe at that ), berets, and even baseball caps.

Check out the '1 kilt 10 looks' thread for visuals.

Good luck!

[Ryan Ross]

As far as A above goes the two occasions I can think of having a use for the dirk are:

1) At a Burns Supper and you are giving the address to the Haggis
2) At the wedding for the cutting of the cake.

I'm not sure which you find the more scary

...also, I've never seen someone cut a haggis with their dirk (though I'm sure it must sometimes be done), and when my best friend cut his wedding cake with my dirk, neither of us had it on our person, as we didn't think it in good taste.

Remember that a dirk was first and foremost a weapon, regardless of what some people say.


I understand the point you were trying to make. I hope that you understand mine now, as well.

P.S. Weddings and Burns Nights CAN be pretty scary, sometimes. ;)

[ANP3]

Right, thanks a ton, I think I have an even better I dea if where I'm going, thanks a bunch. If I figure out how I'll post a sketch of what I think my outfit should be.

Thanks,
Nick.

[longhuntr74]

So, I think I understand now,
Dirk= "no," unless you want to look like you're in a costume, or you are at a VERY formal event, or it's part of an historically inspired kilt outfit.

Now, not to change the subject on here but...

How would I go about building a proper Highland out fit, keeping in mind my super tight budget. Here is what I'm going for the Highland dress equivelent of the super versitile suit, the one you could wear to weddings, funerals (God forbid), piping compititions, College Fraternity dances, and Highland Games. I know it's a lot to ask from one outfit, but it's simply what I'm going to have to do, my budget won't let me have multiple outfits, so I'm looking for something to fit, maybe not perfectly, but at leat blend, in any situation.

So here is what I'm looking at thus far:

Sporran:
http://www.usakilts.com/index.php/ki...s-sporran.html

Sgain Dubh ( i know it's a cheap-o, but I like the look, and I can't argue with the price):
http://www.kilts-n-stuff.com/sgian-d...gian-dubh.html

Everything other than the jacket and vest I have, any suggestions on where I can find a Nice looking "cheap" Argyle?

Thanks,

Nick

Hi Nick,
I'll attempt to provide some clarity to your question. The bottom line of my advice is...don't waste your heard earned and limited budget on poor quality items. If you want to assemble a nice all purpose outfit, save up for the items and purchase acceptable quality. It will save you money in the long run!!

In regards to Jock Scot's criticism of the picture you posted...I think what he took the exception with was the type of sporran and the wear of a belt AND a vest. (He mentioned tweed...I will elaborate further on that below.) Belts are perfectly acceptable to wear with a kilt for day or dress wear (though the buckle styles will vary between the two usages). If no vest is worn, the belt helps to define the waist and break up the visual aesthetics of the entire outfit. If you are wearing a vest, however, you should not wear a belt also. The vest covers the waistband of the kilt and accomplishes that same aesthetic purpose. The belt is totally unnecessary with the vest and adds bulk which prevents the vest from hanging properly.

As far as your choices so far (keep in mind these are nothing more than my personal opinions and they are worth exactly what you've paid for them...and please don't take any of what I say as a personal insult...just trying to inform your thought process):

1. Skip the Sgian Dubh altogether...for now at least. I have a cheap one...wish I hadn't wasted money on it...and never wear it. If you want to wear one, wait until you can afford one that is functional with a decent quality blade. It is absolutely not necessary to have and wear one when kilted (my opinion...but I think you will find many here that agree...especially if it's an option between wearing none at all or wearing a cheap piece of costume knife).

2. If you want a fully functional sporran, get a black leather sporran. It will be appropriate for all the occasions that you have listed. Also...skip the sporran chain and get yourself a nice leather sporran strap instead. Having had a variety of flap type sporrans, I'm currently anxiously awaiting the arrival of a combination brown and black hunting sporran that will most likely become my go to sporran for most occasions. I think the open top of the hunting sporran is much more practical (only requires one hand to open and get what you need, rather than a hand to hold the flap up and the other to go digging). You can get cheaper hunting sporrans on ebay...but most are made from pressed leather board. They may be okay as a starter...but you'll probably want to upgrade at some point. The style of sporran that you've chosen...a "semi-dress" sporran...has been frequently ridiculed by those "in the know" on this forum as neither fish nor foul and totally unsuitable for all occasions. It's almost as if it's confused as to whether it wants to be a formal sporran or a leather daywear sporran. I think the best value in a hunting sporran I have seen is one of these. I know it's more than you want to spend right now...but if you truly want to get an all purpose sporran that will last you years, you're looking to spend $100-250. Many people recommend Buzz Kidder leather sporrans...they are great value for the money...but I find them to be more on the casual end of things and might not look as appropriate with the dressier end of the spectrum that you are looking to fulfill with your outfit.

3. Regarding Jacket and vest. Given your stated intent/uses...I would suggest a charcoal grey wool or tweed jacket and vest (five-button style). This jacket would be appropriate for any dressy day affair, date night, etc. The black argyll jacket (as you've shown in your picture) could also work for dressy daywear...and has the added value of being appropriate for black tie evening functions as well...but because of that it is commonly seen as a bit too dressy for many daytime functions. Best values in tweed jackets are here and here. Again...yes you can get jackets for cheaper on ebay and whatnot...but most times, you get what you pay for...as you encountered in your bagpipe purchase.

[McMurdo]

I have only worn my dirk on one occasion, it was a Burns night a few years ago and I was doing the address to a Haggis as the gent I had lined up to do it could not, and I was unable to get someone else to do it on short notice. Here are a couple of photos





I would only wear a dirk at this level of formaility, as I've said I've only done it the one time and only as I was going to use the dirk to cut into the haggis.

I do not think a dirk works well with anything else. I have seen people wear dirks at highland games and some other events but then I've also seen guys walking around highland games wearing a Prince Charlie, so you never know what you'll see.

[ANP3]

Okay so tweed is the way to go, but now that I look at tweed, which color? Here is what I have so far:
Dress shirts: Solid white, Solid blue ( 2 or 3 shades darker than the ones SFU has), Solid black, White with thin blue vertical stripes, Dark grey with thin pink stripes.

Hose: White, Green (I have blue, maroon, and grey hose being knit as I type for my Birthday)

Kilt: MacDonald modern, and tartan flashes to match.

Sporran: Plain black leather flap with three tassels, with a chain.

Black belt with chrome buckle.

Ties: Solid red, RAF colors regimental striped tie, several other regimental striped ties in similar colors to the RAF tie. Black watch tie.

and Ghillies, also regular black dress shoes.

Kilt pins: Antique pewter military style pin, passed down from my British grandmother. Brushed pewter celtic cross kilt pin.

Here is a not-so-great photo of the best I could do with what I had, for the "big-brother," ceremony for my fraternity.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=3&theater


Hope this helps give a better picture of where I'm at so far.