Can any kilt fiends identify this uniform's age and origin? (Photo heavy.)

[artificer]

Is it a uniform?
Seems to be a Montroe Doublet to me...

Tom

It's cut as a Montrose, but it opens from the left rather than the right, as if it was made for a woman (or, I suppose, a chap who's had his left hand badly damaged).

The kilt/skirt is fringed on the right like a man's kilt, but is VERY long, even for the high rise of a military kilt. And I don't know if I've ever seen a plaid sewn into a separate waistband/belt before.

It's definitely not a military uniform, but might be either some dancer's kit or even an odd fancy-dress costume (although it looks too well made for that).

I don't think I've ever seen a woman wear a jabot, either.

I hope someone with more experience comes along, I'm fascinated to see what this truly is.

ith:

[RockyR]

It's cut as a Montrose, but it opens from the left rather than the right, as if it was made for a woman (or, I suppose, a chap who's had his left hand badly damaged).

The kilt/skirt is fringed on the right like a man's kilt, but is VERY long, even for the high rise of a military kilt. And I don't know if I've ever seen a plaid sewn into a separate waistband/belt before.

It's definitely not a military uniform, but might be either some dancer's kit or even an odd fancy-dress costume (although it looks too well made for that).

I don't think I've ever seen a woman wear a jabot, either.

I hope someone with more experience comes along, I'm fascinated to see what this truly is.

ith:

Agreed with most of what Artificer said.

The plaid is a BELTED plaid (aka a Drummers Plaid), typically used by drummers in pipe bands.

The kilt DOES seem a bit long. Also, the proportions (waist / hip ratio) seem to be pretty extreme based on the shaping of the apron, so I would guess it was made for a woman, if I had to take a guess based on the photos.

[artificer]

Agreed with most of what Artificer said.

The plaid is a BELTED plaid (aka a Drummers Plaid), typically used by drummers in pipe bands.

The kilt DOES seem a bit long. Also, the proportions (waist / hip ratio) seem to be pretty extreme based on the shaping of the apron, so I would guess it was made for a woman, if I had to take a guess based on the photos.

Y'see, I've been here over three years and I learn something new every day. I love this place.

ith:

[Hopper250]

Well, if it is a woman's kilt it may have been cut like a man's kilt. I found this image, which is far to large to do more than link to.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7Se7iswAan...regon_pipe.jpg

On this blog, http://incakolanews.blogspot.com/201...9_archive.html where there is a quote to go with the picture. They picture is c.1965 of the Clan McClay Pipe Band in Portland, OR. The photo looks like it has been flipped as every member of the band is carrying their pipes in their right arms. And their kilt pins are on the left side.

Unfortunately it doesn't say who the woman in front is or her position, however if her position was common it could have been from another woman doing the same. The kilt in the picture is cut exactly the same as all the men's kilts.

[bluebonnet]

This outfit also looks like the dance outfits worn by women in the mid 60s - early 70s. I think I was about 6 or 7 and my parents had a Montrose Jacket (with a Jabot) made up for me (along with the same tartan - ancient hunting Fraser). The buttons are similar to the ones I had on my dance jackets. My first kilt outfit for dancing was a Royal Stewart Kilt and plaid, Argyll jacket and a feathered balmoral.

[WillowEstate]

Well, if it is a woman's kilt it may have been cut like a man's kilt. I found this image, which is far to large to do more than link to.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7Se7iswAan...regon_pipe.jpg

picture is c.1965 of the Clan McClay Pipe Band in Portland, OR. The photo looks like it has been flipped as every member of the band is carrying their pipes in their right arms. And their kilt pins are on the left side.

I flipped over the picture and reduced its size to more reasonable proportions - does that look better? The woman does seem to be wearing a regular man's kilt, as you say, not the same proportions as the OP's.

Flipped.jpg

As to the OP's original pictures, Bluebonnet's suggestion seems very reasonable, except that the kilt looks a bit long for dancing. What are the actual measurements, waist, length, sleeve length on the jacket and maybe sock size? The proportions still look rather odd, though.

I'm wondering if it might be an outfit made for a movie of some sort - the anomalies could be put down to "artistic license"?

[bluebonnet]

I flipped over the picture and reduced its size to more reasonable proportions - does that look better? The woman does seem to be wearing a regular man's kilt, as you say, not the same proportions as the OP's.

Flipped.jpg

As to the OP's original pictures, Bluebonnet's suggestion seems very reasonable, except that the kilt looks a bit long for dancing. What are the actual measurements, waist, length, sleeve length on the jacket and maybe sock size? The proportions still look rather odd, though.

I'm wondering if it might be an outfit made for a movie of some sort - the anomalies could be put down to "artistic license"?

If it is a dance kilt, it was probably made to have a higher rise so that it would fit for a longer time and not show the blouse when the dancer's arms are raised above their head or pulled out when dancing a reel. Wee girls tend grow up not out - waist and hips are pretty much remain the same from 8-12 yo - not much changes in the fell. They do tend to grow up until they are past their puberty. Many of my dancing kilts had it tucked under my armpits and held up with a set of braces to allow for growth - just drop the kilt down. (the trend back then was also to sew an undershirt onto the kilt to keep it in place - could be removed easily if the girl grew.)

Just have a look at any of the old Scottish Board books on dancing dress regs and you'll see where this outfit fit in and the time era.

[jhockin]

Brings to mind the logo of MacDonald's Export A ( and others) cigarettes:
http://www.jimsburntofferings.com/ad...aldlassie.html