Too Traditional?

[David Thorpe]

I can't speak to the practicality of the stick, but in theory at least if a jacket is impractical, so is a wool hat.

I would rather suffer unsolicited criticism for wearing traditional headgear without a jacket under the summer sun than suffer blisters on my barren pate. ith:

[Bugbear]

I would rather suffer unsolicited criticism for wearing traditional headgear without a jacket under the summer sun than suffer blisters on my barren pate. ith:

You are taking the kilt out of it's native environment, so sometimes "traditional" isn't going to be possible. I think the issue that rubs the wrong way, might be then calling the adaptation "traditional." It comes across as telling the Scots how they should dress or something along that line, as best as I can tell.

There's a fine line being walked, though, because the Highland Games and Scottish events over here in the US are also out of their native environment and sometimes open to the "unwashed American public."

[Tobus]

You are taking the kilt out of it's native environment, so sometimes "traditional" isn't going to be possible.

Another fine point, Bugbear. For those of us in warmer (OK, hotter!) climes, sometimes it's even a stretch to wear wool kilts at all. Much less tweed jackets and all the rest. So in many cases, the American adaptations of Highland dress will, at best, be a nod towards traditional, while remaining firmly on the side of practical.

A wool bonnet isn't something I'd ever consider wearing purely for warmth, since it doesn't offer much protection for the ears or neck. It may have marginal value as a barrier against rain, but not much. I figured it was worn more for the sake of tradition and simply to cover one's head outdoors, rather than being considered purely a cold-weather hat. So that's why I'm a little surprised to hear Rex say that they usually take it off when it's warm enough not to need a jacket. Here in South Texas where I live, it's foolishness to stand outside all day without at least something on one's head. Heh, I made that mistake in early April at our local Highland Games, and got a nice sunburn on my forehead and the crown of my head as punishment (and I do have a full head of hair). So this is probably one of those areas where I would probably have to decide to hover in the general vicinity of tradition, knowing that I might make a native Highlander gasp in horror as I continue to wear my Balmoral without a jacket. I'm sure if any native Highlanders were here, they'd make the same practical decision. The important thing, though, is that I would be at least trying to follow THCD, rather than being "too practical" and wearing a Stetson.

[Jock Scot]

Another fine point, Bugbear. For those of us in warmer (OK, hotter!) climes, sometimes it's even a stretch to wear wool kilts at all. Much less tweed jackets and all the rest. So in many cases, the American adaptations of Highland dress will, at best, be a nod towards traditional, while remaining firmly on the side of practical.

A wool bonnet isn't something I'd ever consider wearing purely for warmth, since it doesn't offer much protection for the ears or neck. It may have marginal value as a barrier against rain, but not much. I figured it was worn more for the sake of tradition and simply to cover one's head outdoors, rather than being considered purely a cold-weather hat. So that's why I'm a little surprised to hear Rex say that they usually take it off when it's warm enough not to need a jacket. Here in South Texas where I live, it's foolishness to stand outside all day without at least something on one's head. Heh, I made that mistake in early April at our local Highland Games, and got a nice sunburn on my forehead and the crown of my head as punishment (and I do have a full head of hair). So this is probably one of those areas where I would probably have to decide to hover in the general vicinity of tradition, knowing that I might make a native Highlander gasp in horror as I continue to wear my Balmoral without a jacket. I'm sure if any native Highlanders were here, they'd make the same practical decision. The important thing, though, is that I would be at least trying to follow THCD, rather than being "too practical" and wearing a Stetson.

In the circumstance above the THCD has the answer. Common sense!

A panama seems to be the option, if F4T2 is anything to go by.

[Tobus]

In the circumstance above the THCD has the answer. Common sense!

A panama seems to be the option, if F4T2 is anything to go by.

Panama hat? I'm disappointed. Surely a pith helmet is the right answer. I'm sure I've seen photos of Scots wearing them! It MUST be traditional!

[David Thorpe]

It comes across as telling the Scots how they should dress or something along that line, as best as I can tell.

Certainly not my intention. I would not presume to tell anyone how they should dress, Scot or otherwise.