Two Telling comments? The Answer Perhaps?

[Jock Scot]

The question shouldn't be "why don't the Scots wear the kilt daily?" but maybe "why do so many Scots wear the kilt daily?", or at least, "why is the kilt worn so often?". I know of no other European country where the national dress is so commonly seen. I also know of no other country where the folk dress of a non-elite group was adopted by the whole country as the national dress. Scotland, it seems to me, is an anomaly. Mind you I'm no expert on these things.

I am not at all sure that the kilt is "commonly seen" in Scotland. I suppose it depends how you define " commonly seen" when compared to other forms of national attire from other European Countries and I am unable to make any sensible comparison there.

However, your comments do imply that the kilt, being worn( by the Scots) in Scotland is a common sight. A slight exaggeration perhaps?

[MacEanruig]

I’ve perused all 24 pages of this extensive thread with some interest, and at times wondered existentially what it means to an American of Scottish blood. I suppose we of that ilk live in an illusion that runs the gamut from the simple pride of being Caledonia’s long forgotten children to changing our entire lives to some degree by immersing ourselves in the totality of what we perceive a Scot should be.

In the United States, the road to immersion in Scottish culture and dress becomes vaudevillian in the minds of others even of the same heritage. I see various levels of “Brigadoonery” at games, gatherings, and events. For some people, wearing the kilt is a form of cosplay, but for others it’s a serious fashion statement; however, both are derived from a perceived heritage.

Short story long, don’t draw undeserved attention from the locals by wearing the stereotypical advertised Scottish outfit. Understood! That being said, if you are overly worried about being perceived as a tourist, then perhaps you’ve got psychological issues of insecurity. This applies to both Scots and those visiting Scotland.

If my choices are: 1) Don’t wear a kilt because I will be mistaken for a tourist; and 2) my beautiful partner wishes I would wear a kilt more often, then my mind is already made up.

I’m wearing the Kilt!

[Livonian]

I am not at all sure that the kilt is "commonly seen" in Scotland. I suppose it depends how you define " commonly seen" when compared to other forms of national attire from other European Countries and I am unable to make any sensible comparison there.

However, your comments do imply that the kilt, being worn( by the Scots) in Scotland is a common sight. A slight exaggeration perhaps?

I was once reading a comment thread about the wearing of Tracht (German national dress) at Oktoberfest in Munich. Someone replied that it's really quite concerning and that all this talk of national dress usually precedes the sound of jackboots marching in unison. That seems to be the attitude towards national dress in most of Europe... they don't want to see or think or hear about it because it carries connotations of old-fashioned ideas like "pride in one's heritage" and "pride in one's homeland". Funny thing is before the imposition of cosmopolitan dress, the same Tracht that is now thought to signal jackboots marching in unison was common leisure attire, worn when "city clothes" (aka Saxon dress) were not specifically required.

So, while the kilt might be rare in Scotland in this day and age, most other Europeans seem to want nothing to do with national dress, much less their own traditions and culture. Hence, the comments about the kilt being so common a sight in comparison to national dress in the rest of Europe.

Mind you, these are just the observations of an attentive American who values such things as tradition and laments that the cultural revolution of the 60's made tradition the object of scorn, and national dress into a tawdry costume.

[Jock Scot]

I think saying that the kilt is "rare" in Scotland is misunderstanding the situation a tad. It's probably better to say that for day to day wear the kilt is certainly not a common sight in Scotland. However, there are special occasions, such as a wedding, international rugby/football match then amongst the Scottish spectators, then the kilt will be a common sight.

I reject any connection with the jackboot to the kilt out of hand. That is not to say that the Scots as a nation, are not immensely proud of their kilt and is very much connected to " Harry and Sally's" comments.

[Livonian]

I reject any connection with the jackboot to the kilt out of hand.

As do I... I reject any connection between jackboots and national dress out of hand, but, alas, many folks connect the two quite intimately, thinking national pride equals nationalism, which is simply not the case.

[Jock Scot]

As do I... I reject any connection between jackboots and national dress out of hand, but, alas, many folks connect the two quite intimately, thinking national pride equals nationalism, which is simply not the case.

Exactly so.

[bwat]

However, there are special occasions, such as a wedding, international rugby/football match then amongst the Scottish spectators, then the kilt will be a common sight.

This is what I meant by common: I just don't see other Eurpoean countries showing off their national dress like Scots do at international sporting events, weddings, gala days/common ridings, etc. So is the kilt a common sight? Absolutely - no; relatively - yes. To be honest I can only really speak for Sweden and some of the cantons around Zurich. I know there are members here in other countries who can give us an authoritative answer.

they don't want to see or think or hear about it because it carries connotations of old-fashioned ideas like "pride in one's heritage" and "pride in one's homeland".

When FIFA cancels the world cup due to a lack of interest then we can say that national pride has gone out of style.

[Peter Lowe]

We seem to have got to the bottom of this. For a variety of reasons Scots in Scotland do not wear the kilt on a daily basis. However they do wear it when, in their eyes, the occasion demands it. I would suggest that it makes the kilt the most worn National Dress in the Western World (Not sure about Africa, the far east or Japan!). My self I wear my kilt about once a week. The occasion varies from "because I want to" to a "black tie event".

[Livonian]

However they do wear it when, in their eyes, the occasion demands it.

Much like how most folks approach the suit or any of its variants... I suppose frequency of wear would have to do with how much one values the traditions surrounding it.

[Father Bill]

Much like how most folks approach the suit or any of its variants... I suppose frequency of wear would have to do with how much one values the traditions surrounding it.

An interesting assessment. I wear a suit most days, but I only wear a kilt for a "special" or specifically Scottish occasion.

Bill+