Two Telling comments? The Answer Perhaps?

**CeilidhDoc** · 14th July 14, 09:21 AM

Originally Posted by Calgacus

They are attending an event such as a wedding, Burns supper, ceilidh, Highland Gathering, formal dinner, etc.
They are a member of a pipe band.
They are celebrating a sporting event.
They are making a cultural/political statement ("I'm a proud Scot").
They are mildly eccentric.

I have seen the very occasional highlander in a kilt who looked genuinely like he was an everyday wearer

I agree that this list should become a sticky, although I must say I lament that this is the all-encompassing list.

Now, about that last part:

I think that might be the real issue to tackle. When attending one of the events on the list, I think one can get away with being more elaborate with the kilt kit worn.

But if one is to be an everyday kilt wearer, then it would seem from the last comment (and I agree) that the person who does so pulls off a bit of a different "this was easy for me" vibe to the way they wear the kilt when not falling into one of the rigid categories on the list. I wonder if it would be possible to somehow capture how this is done and promote that both for Scots (born and raised and living in Scotland) AND for tourists. Because it seems that what bothers Scots about tourists in kilts is that they are garish and don't do it right. This may be a pipe dream, but what would be wrong with simply changing the mentality from "Look at that idiot tourist making a mockery of the kilt, lets roll our eyes and talk behind his back and think smug things..." to "Look at that tourist who has no clue what he is doing. We should set him straight." I know that changing mentalities is not easy, but it can be done if people care to make the change.

So is it possible to define exactly what makes one look like an eveyday kilt wearer? What differentiates this from the more typical outfit? Might be a worthwhile exercise, because a tourist (for instance) who can pull off that look might come across quite differently than one who behaves like the subject of the Aly MacRae song The Tartan Atrocity (If you haven't heard it and you are a member of this forum, it is worth a listen for the laugh).

Slàinte

**S Mitchell** · 14th July 14, 09:47 AM

I can understand why locals, in any location, wouldn't want to be taken for tourists; although, there isn't anything intrinsically wrong with being a tourist.

It's kind of a Catch-22 situation, but, were Scots to wear the kilt more frequently, it wouldn't take long for a recognizable local style to emerge - an authentic, local, daily mode of wear, and you'd still be able to tell the locals from the tourists, kilted and otherwise.

In the US, it's usually easy to spot tourists from abroad, even when they're not wearing tourist bric-a-brac, because there are subtle differences in the their clothing and mannerisms. Plus, people on vacation have a different energy about them.

Here in Arizona, in the more touristy areas, it's even often possible to spot tourists from the midwest or the east coast for the same reasons.

I like the previously mentioned suggestion of Scots taking to wearing the kilt to "Show them how it's done."

**Lodrorigdzin** · 14th July 14, 09:51 AM

That IMO is also the resistance against non-Scots wearing kilts: because it's seen out-scotting the true Scots, so to speak.

**Jock Scot** · 14th July 14, 09:55 AM

Interesting posts everyone, I still have not got my mind on an even keel over this new, for me, aspect.

Anyway CD, some time ago in a long running thread, there was a picture posted by someone and I used it for purely educational purposes. I can't remember exactly how many "faults" that I could spot in a blink of an eye, five I think, but then I asked the forum, well the ones reading the thread, to see if they could see what I could see. Again my imperfect memory is letting me down, but I don't think many spotted even one observation . Therein lies the problem I fear.

I quite accept that some "faults" are entirely a personal perception thing, but the exercise did illustrate pretty well that what we might see over here, is not what might be seen over there. It was a fun and useful exercise though! By the way, can anyone remember the thread that I am talking about?

**S Mitchell** · 14th July 14, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by CeilidhDoc

. . . But if one is to be an everyday kilt wearer, then it would seem from the last comment (and I agree) that the person who does so pulls off a bit of a different "this was easy for me" vibe to the way they wear the kilt ...

I was going to bring up a similar point in the other thread (I'm getting my threads confused!)

In OC Richard's Western wear example, which is a pretty good analogy, there's an obvious difference between someone who wears that attire all the time and someone who dudes up with crisp, new jeans and a fancy, big hat and a chunky, bolo tie, trying to look the part while seeing the sights.

Either person might seem out of place, but the daily wearer, will at least have an air of authenticity.

**CeilidhDoc** · 14th July 14, 10:03 AM

I would love to see that thread Jock!

And if we don't see it, teach us!

I know some students are unteachable, but this forum has lots of open eyes to read your comments and they are very much appreciated!

Slàinte!

**CeilidhDoc** · 14th July 14, 10:07 AM

It is also interesting to me that most seem to think that the Western / Cowboy wear example is a good one. I have to say it may be the closest readily recognizable analogy from American culture, but I still don't think it is a very good one.

The reason I say this is because there are no family pattern cowboy boots, as just one important difference. To me, that is a big difference. Of course, JMHO.

Slàinte!

And PS--I lived in Phoenix for 4 years, so I know what you mean!!

**McMurdo** · 14th July 14, 10:13 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

By the way, can anyone remember the thread that I am talking about?

I do remember that thread it was a photo of a piper if I'm remembering correctly, and from what I remember there were some of us on this side of the pond who saw the same faults that you did, I am thinking of fellows like @creagdhubh specifically.
I do think the difference comes from educating yourself as to what is proper and how it would be worn in Scotland and emulating that instead of wearing what you want because you want to.

**CeilidhDoc** · 14th July 14, 10:16 AM

I think Creagdhubh has a very unique perspective being both an American and so closely involved with his family and clan in Scotland which is often very helpful to guys like me.

Slàinte!

**S Mitchell** · 14th July 14, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by CeilidhDoc

It is also interesting to me that most seem to think that the Western / Cowboy wear example is a good one. I have to say it may be the closest readily recognizable analogy from American culture, but I still don't think it is a very good one.

The reason I say this is because there are no family pattern cowboy boots, as just one important difference. To me, that is a big difference. Of course, JMHO.

Slàinte!

And PS--I lived in Phoenix for 4 years, so I know what you mean!!

You're right, especially about the family patterns. It might be more correct to say it's 'the closest' analogy.

I think it's a useful analogy, though, primarily from the angle of Western attire being immediately recognizable as American. Although, other nations with traditions of ranching have their own versions of cowboy attire, of course.