Matching tie to the kilt

[Jock Scot]

Oh dear Richard, here we go again with pictures proving everything and nothing. There are pictures available and seen on this website, where it is clear for all to see that the Atholl Highlanders wear about three different styles(hues) of plaid and the last time I actually saw them live(2011) I think I counted more. Some, I grant you, do match! So it does depend, more than a bit, on which picture we choose to look at.

I know it is a hobby horse of mine ,but one needs to be careful when drawing conclusions from pictures, regardless of the point of view we are trying to express. I do agree with you though, that these differences of tartans when worn together do often, but not always, add to the overall look rather than diminish it.

The Atholl Highlanders.

[Downunder Kilt]

Getting back to the OP's tie question, I am of the opinion that the ABF tie is the most versatile tie to wear with a kilt and from my observations complements at least one colour in most of the tartans I have seen.

[OC Richard]

Thanks for posting that photo of the Atholl Highlanders!

Yes I see the huge variety in their plaids, some appearing to have "ancient" colouring, some "weathered", some "modern".

The only photos I had to hand were of Atholl Highlanders pipers, and those photos happen to show the plaids matching the kilts, both in what I suppose would be called "modern" colours.

BTW I never claim that photos "prove" anything; what they do is record what was worn at one particular time and place. What they don't do is record what is worn in OTHER times and places.

[creagdhubh]

I concur with Jock in regards to the plaids of the Atholl Highlanders, as I have seen them on parade and in person several times at Blair Castle in Perthshire. I also posted a thread on XMTS several months ago containing many of my own photographs in which I took of the Atholl Highlanders a couple of years ago. Many of these photos are prime examples of the varying shades and hues of the tartan in their plaids. Much of their kit is obviously pretty old, re-issued and reused.

Cheers,

[ForresterModern]

But here's a pipe band where the kilt and plaid do not match. I really like this look.

I find it interesting to note that the pipers all have kilts and plaids that match with dark jackets, while the pipe major and what I assume to be the drummers in the rear (basically all those wearing the red jackets) have the same plaid as the pipers, but a different tartan for their kilts, although I cannot tell if it is simply a color variant of the same tartan. An interesting look, indeed.

[Zardoz]

I propose that from now on when we feel like we're going to say 'matching' concerning anything in Highland dress, type in 'coordinating' instead, gives you a little leeway....

[MacGumerait]

The gentleman in front of the pipe band is the Drum Major . As pointed out his doublet is red and so are the drummers . You will also notice the drummers wear his same kilt tartan . The piper on the front row to the far left is the Pipe Major as you can see the insignia on his sleeve .

The Black Watch also have a similar tradition . Their pipers wear the Royal Stewart tartan and the Drum Major and the drummers wear the Black Watch tartan .

[ForresterModern]

The gentleman in front of the pipe band is the Drum Major . As pointed out his doublet is red and so are the drummers . You will also notice the drummers wear his same kilt tartan . The piper on the front row to the far left is the Pipe Major as you can see the insignia on his sleeve .

I thank you , sir, for the gentle and informative correction. As a former marching band member myself we had a drum major as the on field director, but not being a pipe band we obviously did not have a pipe major. I guess I just assumed the leader of the pipe and drum band would be the pipe major and am now smarter for your assistance in helping me to recognize him instead as the drum major and his counterpart pipe major by his hashmarked right sleeve. Learn something new every day. Thanks again.

[creagdhubh]

My feeling on it is that you can do it if you want, but it's not necessary. Wear whatever tie you like. If it suits the occasion and doesn't absolutely clash with what you're wearing, it'll be fine.

Many of us here in America were raised to think that a sharp-dressed man should always have his entire ensemble perfectly colour-coordinated. And indeed, it can look very nice when everything matches perfectly. But there's a certain liberty and sense of style that comes from intentionally not matching everything together. It adds a bit of complexity, interest, and personal flair to an outfit when they all seem to go together, but nothing actually matches.

For me, wearing a matching tartan tie with a kilt would be too "cookie-cutter" and unimaginative.

Precisely, and I whole-heartedly agree with you Tobus. 'Undertstated elegance' and 'understated style' is the ethos in which I always strive for whilst wearing Highland attire, and Saxon clothing as well.

Cheers,

[MacGumerait]

Forrester ,

Thank you for the kind words . After I submitted the post , I thought about how it was worded and wondered if it came across as " lecturing " as that was certainly not my intent . I didn't want it to come across as one of those "smartest guy in the room" posts because I am certainly not that and I know I'm not ! ( just ask my friends )

Just wanted to share the info . Also on a side note , there are several pipe bands that wear different tartans between their pipers and drummers depending on their traditions or their particular customs . I found it to be confusing at first especially when watching a group of massed bands together !

Best Regards , Mike