Why aren't tartan trews as popular as kilts when it comes to highland dress?

[Johnny Selkie]

Why aren't tartan trews as popular as kilts when it comes to highland dress?


Johnny Selkie

[Cygnus]

I'd say it's because the kilt has really become an internationally-recognized icon of Scottishness and, for myriad reasons, is seen as a very "sexy" garment. Trews, on the other hand, seem to conjure images of golfers and elderly men, if for no other reason than the fact that tartan trousers are generally shown in those context by the media.

I'm a fan of both kilts and trews, so I find the general perception of trews to be a bit unfortunate, but that is my experience with them.

[sydnie7]

It's been said on this forum that trews look their best on a certain body type ("in shape" for lack of better term) whereas the kilt is more forgiving. . . I know one fellow who owns both, and I'd have to concur that this rather portly gentleman looks better kilted!

[Jock Scot]

Why aren't tartan trews as popular as kilts when it comes to highland dress?


Johnny Selkie

The simple answer is that trews are not Highland attire. They are the attire of lowland Scots.

[McClef]

I had tartan trews as a child and didn't like them.

I still would not wear them myself but each to his own!

[Zardoz]

In the U.S. anyway, most people recognize kilts. Outside of groups knowledgable about Scots dress trews just just seem like weird plaid slacks

[Ozark Ridge Rider]

If anyone is interested, there are some real bargains on surplus trews on ebay now.

[Johnny Selkie]

I'd say it's because the kilt has really become an internationally-recognized icon of Scottishness and, for myriad reasons, is seen as a very "sexy" garment. Trews, on the other hand, seem to conjure images of golfers and elderly men, if for no other reason than the fact that tartan trousers are generally shown in those context by the media.

I'm a fan of both kilts and trews, so I find the general perception of trews to be a bit unfortunate, but that is my experience with them.

Ok, that was the impression I got after searching the web as well, thanks for the advice.

It's been said on this forum that trews look their best on a certain body type ("in shape" for lack of better term) whereas the kilt is more forgiving. . . I know one fellow who owns both, and I'd have to concur that this rather portly gentleman looks better kilted!

I happen to have a rather slim figure, but thanks for the advice.

The simple answer is that trews are not Highland attire. They are the attire of lowland Scots.

That was what I thought as well until I read an article on Malcolm Sinclair, Chief Sinclair in a Local Newspaper where he said that the Sinclairs of Caithness used to wear trews, not kilts. How is it nowadays up in the Caithness area and the Islands ? Do most people wear kilts or are trews worn as well?

I had tartan trews as a child and didn't like them.

I still would not wear them myself but each to his own!

I see you have your reasons, but as you just said each man to his own.

In the U.S. anyway, most people recognize kilts. Outside of groups knowledgable about Scots dress trews just just seem like weird plaid slacks

I'm not sure how people feel about trews here in Norway either, but as McClef said earlier in this thread each man to his own.

If anyone is interested, there are some real bargains on surplus trews on ebay now.

Thanks for the advice, but if I'm gonna buy myself a pair I think I'll get some made to measure trews as I think they look smarter and suitable to wear at more formal events.

[Jock Scot]

Johnny S..

I did say "the simple answer"! In truth I know not what and when the Sinclairs of Caithness wore whatever but I can imagine the the Caithness breeze(rarely less than 30MPH, well OK, I exaggerate a tadd) might have influenced the clothing choice. Malcolm is often seen wearing the kilt at functions. Kilts are indeed worn up there these days, but as per usual they normally come out for special occasions. I am a fairly regular visitor to Caithness and I cannot recall seeing a propper set of trews there, I have seen those things that golfers wear from time to time though.

[Tobus]

Even if trews had been a well-established Highland item (or just plain Scottish item), the main reason they didn't catch on in most places is because the 1970s happened.