what to wear with kilt ?

[Hamilton pride]

I am wondering what to wear with my kilt to a all weekend Scottish festival, especially footwear. Every time I have worn my kilt before it was with a doublet, ghillies, etc. because it was usually a funeral. My ghillies are fine for short periods of time , but not all day. I was thinking about a Jacobite shirt and some type of tall (soft) leather boots, but not sure if this is appropriate.

[California Highlander]

For some great ideas, check this threat out. http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=46888

Boots are great, jacobite shirt better suited for a ren faire. Maybe just a polo or rugby shirt?

[English Bloke]

... I am wondering what to wear with my kilt ... I was thinking about a Jacobite shirt and some type of tall (soft) leather boots, but not sure if this is appropriate.

Bit costume like if you ask me. if you are going casual, you are best to wear stuff that you would normally wear with trousers/jeans only pull on kilt socks and your kilt instead.

No special footwear required. Shoes or walking boots will do. I wouldn't recommend white trainers and sports socks but... Just have a look at yourself before you leave the house. You'll know what's working and what isn't.

Have a look through various threads in the show us you pics section for ideas to have a think about.

[Downunder Kilt]

I would go with kilt, belt and sporran, a business shirt and tie, long hose and a comfortable pair of lace up business shoes, but I am a traditional type kilt wearer. If it is likely to be too hot for the tie, ditch it and go with the shirt open necked and sleeves rolled up.

[Spartan Tartan]

As for footwear, I might wear some hiking boots for a long weekend where I want good comfort and support for my feet. However, my usual brogues are real comfortable and I would more than likely just wear those.

For shirt...I would just wear a regular button down shirt. If it is going to be rather warm, I might go with a Polo.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I'll agree with English Bloke's advice. Wear sensible shoes. No need for anything costume-like. Take a look at these photos for ideas of what I often wear for a casual day out at the games.










You get the idea. Hiking boots also look good, and are a common look with hose scrunched down. Of course, weather is a consideration, and if I suspect the field may be wet and muddy during the day, there are usually a pair of wellies or muck boots in the back of my car, just in case.

As for shirts, again, a "Jabobite shirt" tends to be a bit costume-like. Unless you are wearing an actual Jacobite-era style and are doing an historical impression or living history demonstration, for your every day casual kilt wearing I'd suggest an every day casual shirt! Polo shirts look fine with the kilt, as do safari shirts, and just about any style of men's button shirts. Tattersal patterns are very traditional and look great with tartan kilts. And of course solid colors are just fine.

Chances are you will have shirt and shoes in your closet already that will satisfy your need. Here's one final picture of what I think looks just perfectly fine for a nice, warm day out at a Highland Games. (I noted you are in Texas and so probably wouldn't be needing a tweed jacket & waistcoat!)

[creagdhubh]

Matt has shown some very good examples for day wear - simple and smart.

Cheers,

[Joshua]

Agreed, Matt has the right idea.

Here in Florida, our highland games tend to happen during warm months, and I usually opt for the following:

If acting as an athletics judge, I wear kilt, sporran, hose with garters, ankle boots due to uneven fields (8-eye docs), a light-fabric "sport" polo (no logos, but made of "performance" wicking fabrics) or a short-sleeved button-up, and a broad-brimmed cap (bush/slouch cap or canvas fedora) to protect against the sun. I also will wear my UnderArmor compression shorts underneath as I've had to "tuck and roll" once or twice to avoid getting hit by a flying implement.

If I'm going to do anything Clan-tent related, I'll wear a tie, broadcloth shirt, and an optional vest with my kilt as to look much more traditional, paired with my brown leather oxfords. My only appropriate cap is a wool Mackie bonnet from Dunadd, so it doesn't get much wear outside the coolest winters.

If I'm just there in a spectator capacity, I might "slum" it a little and just go for polo/t-shirt, scrunched hose, boots with my kilt. Moreso the t-shirt and scrunched hose if the weather is more on the "hot" side.

The last games I attended, this is what I wore:

[David Thorpe]

Very nice array of hosiery, Matt. The grey and blue in the first pic would be just the thing for my Dunlop Ancient kilt. Can you tell me where I might find a pair like them?

Sorry for the hijack.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Very nice array of hosiery, Matt. The grey and blue in the first pic would be just the thing for my Dunlop Ancient kilt. Can you tell me where I might find a pair like them?

Sorry for the hijack.

That particular pair was hand knit for me by my wife. If you are interested, I can sweet talk her into knitting a pair just like them for you - or for a slightly more economic option, she can knit a top in that pattern (we call it the "Q" pattern) and sew it onto a machine knit House of Cheviot sock for you. Just PM or email me for details.