So Your Going to Wear The Kilt

[OC Richard]

I remember many years ago, I suppose it was back in the 1980s, reading through So You're Going To Wear The Kilt and being unimpressed. I recall having issues with a couple of the things he asserted, but now for the life of me I can't remember what they were. And I don't seem to have a copy. Well when I get a chance I'll look through it and see.

I seem to vaguely recall that he changed some of his stances in later editions... is this true?

Maybe it was wearing belts under waistcoats- for a long time a pet peeve of mine. I didn't like the look of it in the 1970s and I don't like it now.

[creagdhubh]

I remember many years ago, I suppose it was back in the 1980s, reading through So You're Going To Wear The Kilt and being unimpressed. I recall having issues with a couple of the things he asserted, but now for the life of me I can't remember what they were. And I don't seem to have a copy. Well when I get a chance I'll look through it and see.

I seem to vaguely recall that he changed some of his stances in later editions... is this true?

Maybe it was wearing belts under waistcoats- for a long time a pet peeve of mine. I didn't like the look of it in the 1970s and I don't like it now.

***

[David Thorpe]

Maybe it was wearing belts under waistcoats- for a long time a pet peeve of mine. I didn't like the look of it in the 1970s and I don't like it now.

That wasn't it. He agreed with you.

[TheOfficialBren]

I ave a later edition, OCR. The chapters are divided differently than the OP has indicated. It's very possible that there were other revisions.

[AJBryant]

Maybe it was wearing belts under waistcoats- for a long time a pet peeve of mine. I didn't like the look of it in the 1970s and I don't like it now.

There are some rules that should never go away.

Sadly, just as the concept of "formality" and specific clothing being appropriate for different venues and occasions, people are losing a sense of what is *correct* in how to dress. Harrumph.

(And I'm only slightly kidding at the harrumph.)

Tony

[Father Bill]

Gee, with some of the criticisms of the book, I start to wonder why I spent my money - my copy has been shipped!

Is it good for anything other than a doorstop?

[David Thorpe]

Gee, with some of the criticisms of the book, I start to wonder why I spent my money - my copy has been shipped!

Is it good for anything other than a doorstop?

My third copy is sitting on my bedside table. I have "loaned" two copies, but they didn't return.
I have already posted my review earlier in this thread. If it were required reading before posting on this forum, I suspect that around half or better newbie questions would be answered before they were asked.

[creagdhubh]

I have a copy that I'm more than willing to part with. Haven't looked at it since 1995.

[TheOfficialBren]

I am completely with you, Tony. Formality is not always a bad thing to be thrown aside. Sometimes it's nice to tie one on for a posh to-do.

Father Bill, read it for entertainment and keep in mind that some stylistic elements have evolved since the book was published.

[Nile]

I own and have read both Scotty Thompson's book and Matt's. Both are quite helpful, but So You're Going to Wear the Kilt is the one I like the best. If a new kilt wearer reads it and follows the advice, he is not likely to embarrass himself in public or shame the family. Even Thompson says that, with experience, one will begin to journey outside the confines of the advice found in his book, but his book is intended for the novice.
While Matt's book is good (excellent actually) and offers great advice and information, Thompson's is just a really good read and I re-read it every year or two just because I enjoy it and like to. Matt's, I only graze through occasionally..

I quite agree Jim, Scotty Thompson's book is a good read and it's good solid advice from a particular point of view (and for me, it's my "go-to"). The reality is that you will get a variety of advice about Highland dress from various sources such as books and/or individuals on this forum; much of it conforms and some of it varies so you have to evaluate it all from your own perspective or center of interest.
I view all of these resources not as an end all answer but more as a guide that showes me the possibilities or options available as I build a modiste wardrobe that reflects my interest in Highland dress. And this forum is perhaps the best overall resource.
Mat's book is good in that it's succinct; good for someone who quickly, needs to know how to dress traditionally. No frills, it just gets to the point and... that's Ok.
I just recently read another interesting book called "Scottish Tartan and Highland Dress, A Very Peculiar History" by Fiona MacDonald. A refreshing, historical point of view.
There are several more books out there and I believe that they are best taken as guides from a point of view rather than strict rules.
Beware the strict rules thing but, be aware of what is right and what may... be... wrong.
Just MHO
Nile