vintage kilt with drawers on Ebay

[OC Richard]

Many of you may recall that I've posted various vintage Highland Dress catalogues from the 1930s here on this forum from time to time.

It strikes us today as something of a curiosity that kilts, back then, were sold with "kilt drawers" of matching tartan wool.

Well, here's just such a set up on Ebay, a vintage kilt by the firm of Forsyth. The tartan is listed wrongly as you veteran tartan-watchers well know; it's not Cameron of Erracht, but rather the tartan given in The Setts of the Scottish Tartans as "Logan and MacLennan".

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BESPOKE-VINT...item2574fe26d7

For those interested, here are a few pages from a vintage Forsyth catalogue

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...talogue-67397/

And here's a page from an Anderson catalogue of similar vintage showing the "kilt drawers" listing

[Jock Scot]

Many of you may recall that I've posted various vintage Highland Dress catalogues from the 1930s here on this forum from time to time.

It strikes us today as something of a curiosity that kilts, back then, were sold with "kilt drawers" of matching tartan wool.

Not just the 1930's, the last kilt that I had made in the mid 1990's came with a silk pair of "kilt drawers". They were not ordered specifically, they just came with the kilt and raised not a comment. I have no idea if the "gift" arrives with the new kilt these days.

[Tobus]

It strikes us today as something of a curiosity that kilts, back then, were sold with "kilt drawers" of matching tartan wool.

In seeing references to "kilt drawers" in the past, I've always assumed these were similar to boxer shorts. But seeing the one in the auction, it looks like they are more substantial than that. They have a liner, as well as buttons for attaching braces (suspenders) to. Are these really meant to be worn under the kilt, and if so, how on earth is one supposed to wear it with braces under the kilt? Would the braces be worn under the shirt?

[creagdhubh]

Very interesting indeed. I have never seen anything quite like this before.

[Friday]

At least with tartan drawers if you flashed anyone it would not be clear if you were regimental or they just got the sight of the kilt.

[freddie]

The braces/suspenders issue is confusing me too. I think all men wore them at that time, but on your underpants???!!!!!

[Chas]

We are making some assumptions that might not hold true.

The Duke of Windsor's underwear used to button into his trousers. He put the two on together and regardless of how strenuous the exercise he undertook, his underpants would never ride up.

It might very well be possible that the same goes for these kilt drawers. It was also quite standard at one time for men to tuck their T shirts or singlets into their underpants.

It wasn't that long ago when most clothing was individually tailored, so it is possible that these drawers were made to fit a particular set of braces (suspenders).

As it is the waist sizes are quite different, so I don't think that they originally went together.

Regards

Chas

[Elf]

The braces/suspenders issue is confusing me too. I think all men wore them at that time, but on your underpants???!!!!!

Pardon me for a minute, comparing this to saxon wear. Historically underdrawers with trousers had loops or holes to catch into the braces/suspenders and thereby hold them up along with the trousers. The shirt remember was knee lenght and considered underwear. It would be tucked up between the legs and held there by the trousers. Obviously the shirt had to go under the underdrawers. Oftimes habits continue long after the reason for them is moot. Sorry if this is revealing too much.

[Laird_M]

Personally, I find it quite bizare myself, but maybe the gent cycled in his kilt and didn't want to offend?

[Tobus]

I find it odd that some people claim these were "common", yet no one can explain how they work or how they're worn!

And when I try to work it out in my own head, I can't help but think it's like a tartan version of this: