THCD or Nothing

[imbrius]

I've been thinking a lot lately about how I wear the kilt. Since I upgraded from the acrylic monstrosity, I find that I've been trying to adhere as closely as I can to THCD whenever I wear it. However, I've discovered that this leads to a lack of practicality on occasion as I think to myself, "why am I wearing a button-down collared shirt to go hiking?"

At work, the standard is polo shirt and jeans. Button-down shirts are overly formal. So to fit in, I would think of wearing a polo shirt, but that's not THCD and I opt for the dress shirt.

I guess my question is should I strive for "THCD or nothing"? If a button-down collared shirt is too formal, then opt for jeans instead of a kilt?

[Father Bill]

Lots of options that are "Traditional" (whatever that means) but not a buttoned shirt. It depends what you do with it.



There's nothing that says the collar on this shirt couldn't be a polo.



And nothing that says I couldn't have had a polo in this one. From five metres back, who can tell at a glance whether the shirt is buttoned or the collar buttoned down?

Who says what constitutes "traditionality" (is that a word?) and we've debated that endlessly in other threads.

To me, what makes my dress more or less traditional in these photos is the type of kilt I'm wearing, the hose, the sporran, and the other accessories.

...but that's just my opinion.

[kilted redleg]

I think my friend you are over thinking this. You are quite lucky that you can wear a kilt at work, so wear a polo shirt with your kilt, nothing says you have to wear THCD. As members of this forum have pointed out- wear what your comfortable in.

[Jock Scot]

You can wear whatever you are happy with. BUT it does help to know what is and what is not traditional kilt attire so that should the occasion arise to wear traditional kit, you will not make a faux pas........like wearing button down collars, or ,wearing white hose, or, wearing a tweed cap, or,-------- or!

[Father Bill]

You can wear whatever you are happy with. BUT it does help to know what is and what is not traditional kilt attire so that should the occasion arise to wear traditional kit, you will not make a faux pas........like wearing button down collars!

Assuming, Jock, that you can get a decent checked shirt in N.Am. that isn't button down. I suppose you could wear it without doing up the buttons, but the buttons and holes do show when you're face to face and look sloppy.

[Jock Scot]

Assuming, Jock, that you can get a decent checked shirt in N.Am. that isn't button down. I suppose you could wear it without doing up the buttons, but the buttons and holes do show when you're face to face and look sloppy.

----------and I suppose with button down collars that there are no "pockets".....or need for them...... for collar stays either? Surely there must be a place where non button down shirts are available in North America? Perhaps a friendly UK Xmarker could send you a shirt catalog? If he knew where to send it too.

[Father Bill]

----------and I suppose with button down collars that there are no "pockets".....or need for them...... for collar stays either? Surely there must be a place where non button down shirts are available in North America? Perhaps a friendly UK Xmarker could send you a shirt catalog? If he knew where to send it too.

Much appreciated, Jock. Most checked shirts here are button down with no pockets for stays. I tried buying some nice tattersalls online but they were horrible as regard to sizing. Even in stores, I've worn shirts marked all the way from medium to XXL, so I really do like to touch them and try them on.

On the other hand, if you have ideas about that, I'm very much open to them. I wear a 17 1/2 or even 18-35, but S/M/L/XL is useless as guides go.

[Tomo]

Can't see me ever wearing a button down shirt - nearly all my shirts are from TM Lewin (pretty sure they ship internationally) - although I had one tailor made in Estonia which is great. Otherwise pretty flexible on collar style - but I always go for a double cuff as I like to wear cufflinks (although as soon as the jacket is off I roll the sleeves up).

[Jock Scot]

Much appreciated, Jock. Most checked shirts here are button down with no pockets for stays. I tried buying some nice tattersalls online but they were horrible as regard to sizing. Even in stores, I've worn shirts marked all the way from medium to XXL, so I really do like to touch them and try them on.

On the other hand, if you have ideas about that, I'm very much open to them. I wear a 17 1/2 or even 18-35, but S/M/L/XL is useless as guides go.

I hear what you say Bill and agree. We are perhaps about the same sort of build and I take a size 18 collar, I suspect that I could be taller though. Anyway have a google on "Joseph Turner" shirtmaker Yorkshire, or, "Charles Tyrwhitt". I find their sizing to be pretty good and after umpteen years I have never had to return any goods. I think they export too. Worth a try?

[Father Bill]

Worth a try indeed. For what it's worth, I'm 5' 9". You?