Let's talk full dress sporrans

**Grizzly** · 20th January 14, 09:57 AM

I don't think that anyone would tire of seeing that sporran John, it is a work of art, made by a genius and worn by a gentleman.

**TheOfficialBren** · 20th January 14, 09:57 AM

Nathan, excellent points. Lots of clarity added.

ASinclair, that actually makes a lot of sense...plus long hair getting in the way whilst tracking, squatting, and thrashing about on the hill.

Orionson, that sporran mollach is outstanding!!

I have learned a few new things here. Sorry for the hijack, Nathan.

This is what I meant: long haired sporrans as informal (smart) wear but not as casual wear (there is a distinction between "informal" and "casual" around here).

**Orionson** · 20th January 14, 10:14 AM

Thanks, Gentlemen. I hasten to add that I have never worn a hair sporran (I have another Artificer gem which is a rebuild of my boyhood 50 year old Piper's sporran that now has one of Scott's hand-tooled bespoke leather cantles and dark brown tassels) in a Stalking situation or engaged in any activity where it may be dangerous, or get tangled up. The leather one does work a treat on cold windy days while splitting logs with the axe I've had as long as the sporran. It (the axe) was my Grandfather's actually, so lord knows how old it may be. I know, I know... no pics, no proof. I'll work on it.

**Nathan** · 20th January 14, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by Orionson

With apologies to those who may have seen these pics on another thread. These pics were taken in Glasgow on Hogmanay. I've already posted this sporran here with White Tie Attire. I actually use it more for day wear with my tweeds here in Skye, and out and about in the cities when I find myself in the Central Belt for family/business events. Yes, it is silver on bronze, but the colours are "subdued" and straight from the Autumn Bracken, Silver Birch and auld Caledonian Pine covered Hills and, in my view, work as well with Tweed as with White Tie.
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The sporran is admired wherever I go and folks from all walks of life are forever stopping me to ask about it and offer their compliments.

See, to me this is proof that one can break the rules and still come off looking amazing. Here you are wearing tartan hose and a hair sporran during the day along with a belt under your waistcoat and somehow you look like a million bucks. You're also sporting brown shoes rather than black... Certainly not the standard trad uniform but indeed all choices that have historic precedent demonstrated in the MacLeay paintings etc...

So here I am contradicting my last message to Richard. I don't think you're going with the traditional norm here but I do think you have achieved a very smart and enviable result due to the materials and colour palette. It takes an expert hand to make something like this work and some may disagree with these bold choices on principle. As for me, I think it's fantastic.

Well done, John. Is math sinn!

**Tobus** · 21st January 14, 07:16 AM

I agree, Nathan. Orionson's look is simply fantastic, and I'd love to see it become the "new daywear". It's got a rustic quality to it that doesn't go overboard into the historical/reenactment zone. The modern jacket, waistcoat, and tie keep it looking smart and streamlined. It's a clean look, and you'll notice there's no "bling" in his outfit. This really goes a long way in making it appropriate for daywear, especially with a modern bent.

**TheOfficialBren** · 21st January 14, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

I agree, Nathan. Orionson's look is simply fantastic, and I'd love to see it become the "new daywear". It's got a rustic quality to it that doesn't go overboard into the historical/reenactment zone. The modern jacket, waistcoat, and tie keep it looking smart and streamlined. It's a clean look, and you'll notice there's no "bling" in his outfit. This really goes a long way in making it appropriate for daywear, especially with a modern bent.

You are preaching to the choir on this one.

**Orionson** · 21st January 14, 02:09 PM

Gentlemen, I am humbled by your most kind comments. The thought that such an august collection of individuals like yourselves - each with deep and admirable levels of scholarly knowledge of Highland Attire over Time, and each with your own well deserved reputations for good taste in Kilted elegance - does me great honour. Thank you, one and all.

**Nathan** · 21st January 14, 04:10 PM

Incidentally, I bet that MacDuff Hunting Modern tartan fits in nicely at Armadale. It looks a lot like Clan Donald modern at a glance.;)

**Ciuthrach** · 16th June 14, 08:42 PM

One of my favourite sporrans is the Argyll & Sutherlands. Growing up everyone always told me it wasn't appropriate to wear outside of pipe or parade settings but I've always thought that was rubbish. It isn't often worn but when I do pull it down off it's decorative spot on the wall (next to my wife's traditional Korean hat) there's definitely an extra confident bounce to my step.

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**gwynng** · 18th June 14, 12:16 PM

One of my favourite sporrans is the Argyll & Sutherlands. Growing up everyone always told me it wasn't appropriate to wear outside of pipe or parade settings but I've always thought that was rubbish. It isn't often worn...

I agree, my Argyll & Southern Highlanders is my favorite sporran for dress. I have a nice sealie that I wear for slightly less formal events (suit and tie type). And I too never get to wear it as often as I'd like.