Wearing A Kilt On Halloween

[Tobinn]

I don't think the casual observer will make that distinction. They will just see kilt = silly costume.

Well, we'll just have to agree to disagree, then but...for the record...this will be totally awesome costume!

[DE Tommy]

I think that this is often a matter of personal preference. Personally Halloween is the one day I will not wear a kilt. I have several friends who feel this way. I feel that most people have enough difficulty understanding native dress vs. national costume and I have too much family history to regulate a kilt to the "costume" closet. That being said sometimes it can be used as an educational tool by encouraging conversation. The bottom line, be comfortable with you choice, be respectful, know what you're wearing and why, and have a great Halloween.

[inebrius]

kinda old, I hope you've worn it outside already.

I personally plan to be kilted on Halloween, but not in a costume-y, holiday way. The local town, (Sperryville. Yes, it's as small as it sounds), plans to close off main street for a sort of block party with the local merchants and artisans taking part for the kids in town. Since most of the locals have seen me kilted before, it's not that much of a stretch. The fact that this will be a NICER, and somewhat unique kilt, (USAK great kilt in Ulster Weathered), just means the conversation will probably start with "so you decided to dress up and wear a shirt with buttons tonight?".

Frankly it's just that to me; an opportunity to wear a nicer kilt than what I usually wear. YMMV.

[Allan Thomson]

The thing is there is a middle ground for respectfully wearing a kilt on Hoptunaa - for example if you as authentically as possible recreated (for example) an 18th Century Highland garb and said you were the ghost of a highlander. Of course you should behave in such a way as not to bring disgrace on thr garb, but I'd hope you do that normally anyway...

[Stan]

What is the kilted community's view of wearing a kilt on Halloween? I am considering making my first time wearing a kilt on Holloween but I do not want to degrade the historical and cultural significance of the kilt and present it as just a "costume". I suppose I could explain to people that what I was wearing is not just a costume but is a genuine, historical garment that represents a people and a society.
To put the question in a bit of context, I am a collegiate coach and would be wearing the kilt on campus among my athletes, many of whom would be wearing costumes of one sort or the other that day since dressing up is going to be a team activity that day. It is that which is fueling my concern of the kilt coming off is just a "costume".

I thought I'd get the opinion of the kilted community on people wearing the kilt on Halloween.

One year (at the local Scottish club) I went to the party as a werewolf that I named Bane MacWolf, and wore a black kilt and Prince Charlie outfit, and I (and all my club members) thought it was fine..

For me it's just about "intent".... If it's a character that isn't "degrading" then I'm good with it. I'm able to have a sense of humor about things.....

[Styckbow]

When I got my first kilts they were tactical kilts however, that's how my wife convinced me to wear them was as part of a costume of sorts, pirate, steam punk , etc. in Parades and murder mystery partys. and for Halloween and that's how I eased myself into wearing one. Up until this point in my life I didn't even own shorts or for that matter shoes. I was a cowboy boots and jeans guy my entire life. Wearing a kilt as a costume allowed me to gain the confidence to wear one more frequently and now I wear a kilt whenever the occasion allows (work does not allow) but to the bar, special occasions, Christmas partys, even to go hunting. I can now wear a kilt with confidence because of my experiences wearing it as a costume. So I say wear it but do it with respect and dignity. (mocking some ones heritage is never cool)

[ThistleDown]

To be perfectly honest Halloween is not the place for the tartan kilt to be worn. The tartan kilt is not a costume and therefore deserves far more respect than the event in question requires.

My opinion, too.

[Baeau]

To be perfectly honest Halloween is not the place for the tartan kilt to be worn. The tartan kilt is not a costume and therefore deserves far more respect than the event in question requires.

What does not help this "costume" subject, are the many Scottish wear vendors, & for hire shops. I have received numerous e-mails, from businesses. All the same theme, "Don't forget to order your Halloween costume". Usually accompanied by an individual in a great kilt, floppy tartan hat, lace up leather boots, some with reference to Wallace, et cetera.
add in: forgot to include the Ghillie / Jacobite shirt in the list

[Baeau]

A bit of pondering, made me think of a 'not long back' rather contentious thread. The discussions of what was proper highland wear. There, the subject of retail & 'for hire' businesses came up. Then on to how their offerings / marketing have an effect on peoples idea of the proper look. Or here, what makes a great Halloween costume.

My warped sense of humor, just had a thought. I could see it. Some poor sod, thinking his kilted costume is perfect. He walks through a garden gate, towards a front door. There, he finds the Spectre of a few hundred years deceased Highlander, who is not very happy with what he sees.........I won't continue for fear of breaching Rule11.

[ThistleDown]

No fear, Baeau. Your Specter (so sadly herein often referred to as a kilt cop), truly exists! ) Those of us still at home --and sometimes overseas -- very kindly and fondly refer to him as tradition and love him dearly. He is who we are, not who we wish to be now or in the future. Or in and of our wildest fantasies.

If forum members wear the kilt daily -- or almost daily -- I encourage them to do so on Halloween, too, but to wear a mask as was always the way in times of yore, to disguise yourself from some, if not all.