An honest question

[Domehead]

There is a thread on XMTS which discussed at length the orthography (spec: etymology, semantics & pragmatics) of Traditional v. Historic Highland Dress.

In that thread, the primary example used to set the foundation was the Roman Toga.

[MacKenzie]

Thanks for the replies.

[MacLowlife]

Walking is usually more convenient and less complicated than maintaining a jet airplane- and cheaper than using someone else's. All I have to do to walk is to stand up and stir my stumps. No costly fuel, no safety checks, no elaborate runway clearance procedures. But if you want to get from Edinburgh to Charlotte with a half dozen bottles of Whisky, you will probably absorb the expense and inconvenience and buy a plane ticket.

Here are some things to consider, not all of them consistent with each other:

1) As has been noted, the Great Kilt is cumbersome
2) People like simplicity and even with drawstrings, sewn pleats, etc., putting on the Great Kilt is not that simple.
3) Actually WEARING the Great Kilt requires more active management than most garments- if you intend to look smart.
4) At some level, people like the idea of having their garments tailored for them- actually sewn to fit- and there is little or no sewing in the short bolt of fabric that is a Great Kilt.
5) Tartan fabric is expensive and a great hunk of it, as you will need to have a Great Kilt, is too costly for many.

It is interesting that you mention weddings, because Saxon formal wear is generally a little anachronistic. too ( score one for the Great Kilt and you). There are archaic elements there that do not appear elsewhere, particularly if one adds in military and other ceremonial garments. But look at who really does the heavy lifting in popularizing the kilt today- football fans and rental shops. A hard-drinking football fan doesn't want to mess with a Great Kilt, not if he wants to avoid getting arrested or otherwise entangled. And the rental shop clerk can't come to your house and supervise you pleating the thing- he wants convenience and reliability. And he wants to hand it to you and walk away. Preferably with a pair of white hose and a large receipt.

If you want to wear a Great Kilt for some ceremonial occasion, have at it. I think you will find it offers all of the svelte convenience of an academic gown, combined with the ease of use of a tailcoat or a dress with a train. It may be wise to have a few extended dress rehearsals so that you will be familiar with the need for occasional adjustment, etc. Mind that elevator door.

But wearing it will get you past the people who disdain the fly plaid.

[Guinness>water]

Mackenzie,
I think Nathan has about the best answer. It looks funny(to others).

Have you worn a belted plaid? If not, try it. I also am very interested in the history, practicality, and I guess "romance" of the great kilt. I have owned two of them and wore them on several occasions. Out in the sticks while camping, hiking or hunting, it is great. In town, you get a whole lot of bad looks, laughs, and finger pointing. Imagine the attention you get with a little kilt x 10.

One of the guys on here(he left) was really big into 1700 era Highland reenactemnts. He had it down pat, the history, styles, how to wear it, everything. I talked with him a few times and we decided that anytime you wear the small kilt you could wear the great kilt. The only thing you change is the kilt. We thought it would be cool to reintroduce the world to the great kilt and I started wearing it pretty often. To tell you the truth, I couldnt handle the attention it brought. I had mall Security Officers following me around thinking I was a homeless guy, even though I was wearing proper highland day wear, or trying to steal stuff because of the baggyness of the kilt.

If you can handle the attention and dont mind being the town "weirdo", more power to you!

[Jock Scot]

Guinness>water.

"----------proper highland day wear------------". Hummm, I am really not at all sure about that. The great kilt may be historically correct , but I think not in a modern day context. These days I think most would think of the great kilt as more theatrical than anything else.

[Guinness>water]

Guinness>water.

"----------proper highland day wear------------". Hummm, I am really not at all sure about that. The great kilt may be historically correct , but I think not in a modern day context. I think most would think the great kilt as more theatrical than anything else.

Hi Jock!

I was talking about all of the other parts of Highland day wear(accounterments) such as solid color hose(pulled up and gartered), brown brogues(not ghillie), tweed kilt jacket, ABF tie, brown sporran, and blue bonnet.

Only thing that wasnt THCD was the belted plaid.

[Jock Scot]

Hi Caleb!

I have to say the two styles do not gell comfortably together, in any way whatsoever. Sorry.

[Guinness>water]

Hi Caleb!

I have to say the two styles do not gell comfortably together, in an way whatsoever. Sorry.

Yeah Jock, I kinda have to agree with you. It felt good and I like wearing the belted plaid but it is just too different for today I guess.

Maybe I'm just the wrong style kinda guy. The fellow above looks pretty good to me except the pirate boots. Maybe some can pull it off, just not me.

[BCAC]

Hi Jock!

I was talking about all of the other parts of Highland day wear(accounterments) such as solid color hose(pulled up and gartered), brown brogues(not ghillie), tweed kilt jacket, ABF tie, brown sporran, and blue bonnet.

Only thing that wasnt THCD was the belted plaid.

ABF tie??????

[Jock Scot]

ABF tie??????

Well spotted, that man!