Great Kilt worn as formal attire

[Woodsheal]

As I said earlier, the OP did a great job pleating and draping his plaid. And to David's points, I get it that the belted-plaid is not generally worn these days, but my point is: why shouldn't it be? It's only less "modern" than the 8 yd knife-pleat kilt by about 2 decades. In it's last incarnation, the belted-plaid was considered a very formal garment. I see no reason why it can't fill such a role today. It's no more "archaic" than the kilts we wear every day. If imitating the belted-plaid with fly plaids is okay, then why not the real thing?

[davidlpope]

If imitating the belted-plaid with fly plaids is okay, then why not the real thing?

Fly plaids are not okay!

[Dale Seago]

Fly plaids are not okay!

Aye, but pipers do it with what's pretty much indistinguishable from -- and actually looks pretty ridiculous compared to -- the belted plaid it's intended to mimic.

So. . .Seriously: Why not use the original recipe/real thing instead of some silly-**** modern romantic interpretation of it?

[English Bloke]

I appreciate the Nova Scotia / Gaelic music argument, it's a compelling one. I think the Great Kilt has a place and the Small Kilt has a place but as stated they are from different historical periods. My issue in this instance is the PC Jacket and Great Kilt combo look a little incongruous to my eye. It's a bit like wearing Tudor pantaloons with an Armarni jacket.

[Nick the DSM]

Like the concept, details need working.

Carry on!

[tartanartist]

I appreciate the Nova Scotia / Gaelic music argument, it's a compelling one. I think the Great Kilt has a place and the Small Kilt has a place but as stated they are from different historical periods. My issue in this instance is the PC Jacket and Great Kilt combo look a little incongruous to my eye. It's a bit like wearing Tudor pantaloons with an Armarni jacket.

A point that I have readily conceded even in my original post. I am not a fan of the PC in this instance either, but it was my only option. My request was for information regarding better pleating draping and belting of the plaid. Thank you to those of you who have offered these tips and critiques they have been invaluable.

[Dale Seago]

I think the Great Kilt has a place and the Small Kilt has a place but as stated they are from different historical periods.

Woodsheal's point, with which I agree, is that both forms are contemporaneous, from the same historic period. My further point is that the latter survived in more-or-less continual usage in some degree to become "traditional" while the former did not. The only thing "wrong" with the Great Kilt is "Well, it's no longer fashionable and we don't do it anymore".

Even though some elements of traditional/contemporary dress are intended to "remind us" of things from the 16-1700s. You know, like short-waisted doublets; epaulettes and gauntlet cuffs on Argyle jackets; "ghillie brogues" recalling the hillmens' pampooties; fly plaids and pipers' plaids; and so on.

We want to recall those modes of dress, but we would never DREAM of actually allowing them to REMAIN acceptable in their original forms.

[Orvis]

For a first try, it's not bad. A little practice donning and draping your plaid will give you the look you want - something that doesn't create a bum-roll around your waist. To handle the problem of the PC's tails being curled up by the plaid, you might consider the solution adopted by the Chief of Clan MacGregor in 1822, as described in a paper by Figheadair (http://www.scottishtartans.co.uk/A_H..._MacGregor.pdf). MacGregor also wore a PC-like jacket with abbreviated tails, but his joined belted plaid had a section in the middle that was un-joined so that the tails could poke through and keep the plaid looking neater. The plaid was also equipped with drawstrings to aid in donning it - which would result in neat pleats/folds every time with a bit of practice. You might also check out J. Charles Thompson's little book, So You're Going to Wear the Kilt, which contains some thoughts on wearing a great kilt/belted plaid as full formal dress. I also recommend Bob Martin's book, All About Your Kilt, to get his ideas about kilts and plaids.

[Bugbear]

I've been following this thread because of some similar things that came up in one of my threads:
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...ey-book-73383/

The formal Highland attire part doesn't matter to me, I'm just wondering how well the belt goes up under the jacket, or PC in this case?

I'm also reminded of Matt Newsome's plaid with a belt from a time back, but I think that went around the outside, bottom of a doublet.

[tartanartist]

Does any one know any good sources for doublets?

Is the montrose my only option here or are there other alternatives?