The matching of Kilts and accessories.

[super8mm]

Thanks OC, all is good information

btw great pictures, you could make up a online album of all of them, it would be very cool

[Tobus]

I, too, came into kilt-wearing with the preformed opinion that leather items had to match. I don't know why we Americans are so stuck on that, but it didn't take long to realize that it simply doesn't matter. The tradition, as excellently demonstrated above, is actually for the leather not to match for day wear (evening wear would call for all black leather, generally speaking). In fact, I have actually come to prefer the mixture of leather colours.

But it's important to "know your audience", I suppose. If you are going to be the sole kilt-wearer in a group of Americans who don't know anything about Highland tradition, and who are predisposed to think it looks funny, then you may actually want to match your leather items for the sake of minimizing any potential criticism. You can, of course, mix your leather colours and just explain to them that this is the way it's done if anyone asks. But if you're kilting up for a Highland Games or other distinctly Scottish themed event where there will be others wearing Highland clothing, then go with tradition.

For myself, I actually like the look of a two-tone leather sporran (black and brown). It makes it much easier to switch between black and brown in my shoes or belt, without needing to worry about what others think. The two-tone sporran makes it automatic to mix colours!

[creagdhubh]

I have some questions about Kilts and such

Should all the leather in the outfit be of the same color? Like kilt straps, chain straps on sporran chain, and shoes?

In my opinion, no. The only time that I may attempt to match leathers is with a brown leather sporran (to be worn with day attire) and its corresponding leather sporran strap. However, it doesn’t really matter if the browns do not match exactly; I simply like the look of the ensemble when they do match.

Should a Fly Plaid be the same weight as the kilt? I will have to have what I want woven.

It certainly doesn’t have to be the same weight as your kilt, but it does look smarter in my opinion to have the fly-plaid be made of the same tartan and from the same mill as your kilt.

What sort of Head gear is best worn with a Prince Charlie, if any?

In my opinion, no headwear with Highland evening attire is best. I like to see Highland evening attire as simple and straightforward as possible with the additional ornamentation left to the glittering metals of the accessories.

Is it proper for the stone in a plaid broach to be of similar colors, like ancient Lamont with emerald stone or is it better for them to be contrasting?

In my opinion, this doesn’t matter too much. Wear whatever stone type/colour choice you prefer. Traditionally, cairngorm (an amber coloured stone) is worn with Highland evening attire in various accessories such as brooches, doublet buttons, sgian dubh, kilt pin, sporran cantle, waist plates, dirks (if worn), etc.

Cheers,

[JohntheBiker]

I wouldn't bother with the fly-plaid. I have one that I have worn exactly once (as a groom). If you have the money and inclination, get yourself a tweed Argyll instead.

All of my leather accessories are black - requires no thought at all.

Consistent with everybody else, don't bother with the head gear. Can't remember anybody at a formal event with head gear unless they were military.

[super8mm]

Thanks Tobus, are you going to be at Salado Nov 9th thru 11th?

If I order this week I hope to have all my stuff by then

[super8mm]

Thanks creagdhubh for the advice, as my kilt will be more than the minimun for the weave the plaid may not be that much more so I will have everything from the same batch of material??

[super8mm]

Thanks John, I plan on wearing my Fly-plaid some even if it is to nice resturants with dress codes, as I would be the only one there no one would give it a second thought. It may enlighten folks that there is a formal dress for the kilt.

I have already figured out how to pack the kilt on the bike for my travels, just wont wear it while I am offroading my BMW Enduro

[Tobus]

Thanks Tobus, are you going to be at Salado Nov 9th thru 11th?

If I order this week I hope to have all my stuff by then

Indeed I will, barring any catastrophe. I've already booked a hotel and everything. We're going to make a weekend out of it. Keep an eye in the Events forums on this board. We'll probably assign a meet-up place and time for a group photo and general visiting. Usually there are about 8-10 of us that get together there (here is a photo thread from last year's meetup so you'll know who to look for). I'll look forward to meeting you there, if you're going!

[David Thorpe]

Thanks John, I plan on wearing my Fly-plaid some even if it is to nice resturants with dress codes, as I would be the only one there no one would give it a second thought.

You never know when or where you will bump into someone who does in fact know about proper THCD.

It may enlighten folks that there is a formal dress for the kilt.

As someone else already pointed out, "formal dress for the kilt" includes a fly plaid as an option for very formal and very special occasions, i.e. a groom at his wedding or a graduate at his graduation ceremony. They are worn here in the US much more than Highland tradition dictates and often when less than appropriate. It is decidedly not "enlightening". Many newcomers, especially we Americans, have a tendency to overdo it. THCD is very conservative by American standards.

[creagdhubh]

Indeed I will, barring any catastrophe. I've already booked a hotel and everything. We're going to make a weekend out of it. Keep an eye in the Events forums on this board. We'll probably assign a meet-up place and time for a group photo and general visiting. Usually there are about 8-10 of us that get together there (here is a photo thread from last year's meetup so you'll know who to look for). I'll look forward to meeting you there, if you're going!

Fantastic photos, Tobus! Somehow, I managed to miss these. I look forward to seeing you (photos of course) in your lovely, Tewksbury-made kilt again...this time in action!

Cheers,