Too Traditional?

[Arnot]

You look quite smart, Arnot! Thank you for your service as well.

Thanks Kyle. Thanks for your service as well.

Troy.

[creagdhubh]

Thanks Kyle. Thanks for your service as well.

Troy.

Cheers Troy!

[David Thorpe]

...to my eyes "White Hose Man" shouts "American" and is too traditional.

I have no objection to being labeled as an American. It is after all who I am, albeit one of largely Scottish lineage, both Highland and Lowland.
Being labeled as “too traditional”, “trying too hard” or any other form indicative of disrespect, ignorance, negligence or disregard for THCD is an entirely different kettle of fish which would cause me considerable consternation. That is one of the major reasons for my participation here.
In short, I am trying (too hard?) to do it right and appreciate the help.

[Jock Scot]

I have no objection to being labeled as an American. It is after all who I am, albeit one of largely Scottish lineage, both Highland and Lowland.
Being labeled as “too traditional”, “trying too hard” or any other form indicative of disrespect, ignorance, negligence or disregard for THCD is an entirely different kettle of fish which would cause me considerable consternation. That is one of the major reasons for my participation here.
In short, I am trying (too hard?) to do it right and appreciate the help.

I am quite sure that no one on this thread has shown any disrespect at all. On the contrary there has been a genuine willingness to want to learn.

I can only advise on what I see and do and others "in the know" will have their own slant on all this, but as you have probably noticed that we are only talking about variations on a theme, where hard and fast rules are absent, perhaps confusingly so. I have very much enjoyed this thread and I do very much enjoy trying to explain the often unfathomable mystries of kilt attire to others. For the first time with my time on this website I think the message is actually getting through! I am delighted.

I have said enough now and I will take a back seat on this thread.

[ForresterModern]

RE: tartan flashes I have two suggestions that may make them a bit less ostentatious when worn by those who may choose to do so (myself includedd in that category from time to time). First, I try not to wear the chevron cut ones as to me that just makes them look like pennants that should be flying from a yacht sheet, rather I prefer the square bottom ones that are frayed a half inch or so. Second, when I do wear them I usually fold the garters over them once or even twice under the hose top turnover so only a short section, usually an inch or less, is visible out from under the hose top turnover, making them in effect minimal flashes with very little tartan actually showing but enough to be a contrast to the hose themselves, and even then I only wear them with solid colored hose and preferably medium to dark shade hose at that.

RE: bonnet colors, I think any particular color could get you into some potential trouble with somebody around the world, as virtually all the colors offered by Mackey and others are or have been in use by one or the other armed forces units somewhere in the civilized world (on some web sites the colors are actually described as being those of a specific military unit-----airborne maroon, United Nations blue, etc...). At least in the US the toorie is a dead giveaway that one is not trying to emulate any US military forces, as to the best of my knowledge all in recent past used standard berets rather than Balmorals with toories, and none with dicing as well I believe. Obviously things are different in the UK where Balmorals and tam's with or without dicing and toories have been parts of various military units for centuries, as well as the more commonly seen military beret in the last 25 years or so.

[Zardoz]

to my eyes "White Hose Man" shouts "American"

perception is everything, but this reminds me of the last Burns supper I attended. There were two fellows at our table that where basically poster children for the stuff that's frowned on here at X-Marks; white hose, belt with vest, tartan flashes, fly plaids, etc. And they were the only native Scottish guys at the table.....

[auld argonian]

perception is everything, but this reminds me of the last Burns supper I attended. There were two fellows at our table that where basically poster children for the stuff that's frowned on here at X-Marks; white hose, belt with vest, tartan flashes, fly plaids, etc. And they were the only native Scottish guys at the table.....

Maybe they left their regular gear at home...because WHY wold they ever need it in the States?...got the unexpected invitation and found themselves having to rent....

Best

AA

[Peter Crowe]

perception is everything, but this reminds me of the last Burns supper I attended. There were two fellows at our table that where basically poster children for the stuff that's frowned on here at X-Marks; white hose, belt with vest, tartan flashes, fly plaids, etc. And they were the only native Scottish guys at the table.....

I have seen the same phenomena when I lived in Scotland, and when I was younger the cream hose were pretty ubiquitous for evening wear, at least in the Central-Belt and Borders. The belt with waistcoat thing I associate with guys who weren't brought up with the kilt buying a Kilt and PC inclusive package for evening wear as adults and being sold an evening belt by the vendor, regardless of whether it is necessary or appropriate.

[creagdhubh]

perception is everything, but this reminds me of the last Burns supper I attended. There were two fellows at our table that where basically poster children for the stuff that's frowned on here at X-Marks; white hose, belt with vest, tartan flashes, fly plaids, etc. And they were the only native Scottish guys at the table.....

That happens sometimes!

[creagdhubh]

For the first time with my time on this website I think the message is actually getting through! I am delighted.

Indeed Jock...indeed.

Slainte,