Clericals with Kilts

**Sir Didymous** · 7th June 15, 08:15 PM

So, even though I am of an inter-denominational faith and considered, for the most part "plain clothes" clergy; I have found there to be some occasions where clericals work better than shirt and tie. That being said, my few clerical shirts are due to be replaced. I bought them originally back in the BKE (Before Kilted Era) and gave no real consideration to how they looked.

Now, I was wondering if anyone has an opinion on whether or not there was any one style that looks better than another when worn with a kilt and jacket.

My current line for consideration are these. Any thoughts are welcome.

**Jock Scot** · 7th June 15, 09:33 PM

I am no expert on these matters, but we used to have a long serving(and long suffering ) vicar who wore the shirt and collar(picture 3) and kilt almost all the time. From memory it was the Mar tartan and as far as I know he had only the one kilt and I can well remember the kilt in later life was almost see through and much repaired and patched. I don't recall anyone commenting on the kilt, but then, no one does here!

**Tarheel** · 8th June 15, 01:09 AM

I, like Jock, am only used to the third photo-type collar. In his case it was on particular vicar. Here in Oxford, it is the Catholic and Episcopal clergy that wear that same collar.
I like the subtle reminder of the front being white and the remaining collar black. This feels more respectful of the position and yet allows for approachability. This would be my choice with a kilt, were I in your shoes.

All that from a Quaker (not a prude) that had to explain the difference between prankish fun (kilt related checking of undergarments) and sexual assault. I hope others will offer what I am yet to learn when I am in need.

**plaid preacher** · 8th June 15, 11:30 AM

Originally Posted by Sir Didymous

So, even though I am of an inter-denominational faith and considered, for the most part "plain clothes" clergy; I have found there to be some occasions where clericals work better than shirt and tie. That being said, my few clerical shirts are due to be replaced. I bought them originally back in the BKE (Before Kilted Era) and gave no real consideration to how they looked.

Now, I was wondering if anyone has an opinion on whether or not there was any one style that looks better than another when worn with a kilt and jacket.

Hey Didy! Funny you should post this today .... I am just home from a shopping trip to purchase some new collars. My suggestion would be for you to get the tab collar (#3). If you are not used to wearing a full collar you will find the tab much more comfortable. For day-to-day pastoral wear I normally wear a tab collar or shirt and tie. I do, however, wear a full collar in worship. If you were to venture to wear the full collar, I would suggest the plain black shirt. (oh..and the tab collar with a white fabric collar is just an abomination.) I do find that clergy wear from the states can be somewhat well... abominable ... from time to time.

I think the collar is worn more frequently here in Canada (& the UK) than in the states. As a Presbyterian, many of my colleagues wear a collar from time to time here, but in the US the collar is the exception.

Good luck with you shopping. If you do decide on a full collar don't forget to order the collar and studs or make sure they are included - two studs are required to secure the collar to the neckband of the shirt.

Here is a photo of myself just home from preaching at a Kirkin' of the Tartan last fall. notice the full neckband collar.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-jacket-86353/

**MacRobert's Reply** · 8th June 15, 12:39 PM

I would go for the tab collar. Here in Scotland the full collar is becoming increasingly rare and is seen as rather old fashioned. If you plan to wear it with formal Highland dress (Morning dress and black tie equivalent), you might also consider a tonsure collar.

**Sir Didymous** · 12th June 15, 04:21 PM

Thanks for the input. Comfort isn't much of an issue though. After a few years of Victorian era reenactment, you can wear anything. Those collar stiffeners and starched cravats really test your dedication. But the basic tab does seem a bit easier to wear.

Looking old fashioned doesn't bother me much and I don't plan on wearing it for formal occasions. Typically speaking, I wear my clergy tartan for such occasions. In either case, that tonsure collar is a handsome alternative that I hadn't considered before.

**plaid preacher** · 12th June 15, 05:09 PM

Originally Posted by Sir Didymous

Thanks for the input. Comfort isn't much of an issue though. After a few years of Victorian era reenactment, you can wear anything. Those collar stiffeners and starched cravats really test your dedication. But the basic tab does seem a bit easier to wear.

Looking old fashioned doesn't bother me much and I don't plan on wearing it for formal occasions. Typically speaking, I wear my clergy tartan for such occasions. In either case, that tonsure collar is a handsome alternative that I hadn't considered before.

Didymous, just a note ... I have never seem the tonsure collar shirt this side of the Atlantic. The closest I have seen is the neckband shirt with a rabbat or vestock into which the full collar fits. It is what I normally wear.

Like you, I like the look. IF the Canadian dollar ever gets closer to parity with the greenback again I may order some of those shirts from the UK

**Father Bill** · 12th June 15, 05:34 PM

If this is what you mean by the "tonsure" style (a name I've never heard before) then they're very common here:

The brown one on the other hand is nothing I've ever seen in my life.

**Lady Grey** · 13th June 15, 04:12 AM

As an extremely lapsed catholic I didn't realise there were even different styles of collar. A quick google search taught me that there are even colours! Who'd have thunk?
Anyway I like the idea of colours to complement and blend with your kilts
http://www.suitavenue.com/clergy-shirts
I like a tab collar for simplicity and a classic look.

**Sir Didymous** · 13th June 15, 05:00 PM

Originally Posted by Lady Grey

As an extremely lapsed catholic I didn't realise there were even different styles of collar. A quick google search taught me that there are even colours! Who'd have thunk?
Anyway I like the idea of colours to complement and blend with your kilts
http://www.suitavenue.com/clergy-shirts
I like a tab collar for simplicity and a classic look.

I might be more open to colors if I wore them more frequently. I've been in the ministry since late 2002 and have only needed three clerical shirts. So I'm looking for something in basic black. It goes with everything.