Added to my kilt collection.

[Jock Scot]

FIVE YARD RULE?

A very wise man once said "rules are for the guidance of wise men". So "rules" need handling with care. However, I think in the Highlands of Scotland it appears that there is an unspoken and naturally unconscious and very vague "5 yard rule" when kilt attire is viewed. In its natural surroundings its a totally effortless and natural train of thought. It appears that those outwith the natural kilt attire world----by that I mean the rest of the World------ are struggling with the theory of kilt attire are getting mired in " kilt attire rules", which actually don't exist.

What does exist are the unwritten guides of experience of what is required and knowing what works and what does not.

[OC Richard]

I never give it a thought when I observe kilted gentlemen passing; if they look right then I really don't give tuppence what their attire is made of. I really cannot be bothered with minute detail.

Well enough.

But it does lead to another question:

You imply that machine-made synthetic-fabric kilts are acceptable when worn by others.

But do you wear any such? Would you purchase one?

[Jock Scot]

Well enough.

But it does lead to another question:

You imply that machine-made synthetic-fabric kilts are acceptable when worn by others.

But do you wear any such? Would you purchase one?

To Question 1. Of course. Why not? I am no expert on synthetic-fabric kilts, but I must have unknowingly seen many in my time. But at 5 yards they really don't stand out provided that they are "cut" properly and worn correctly. I hasten to add that not all traditionally made woollen kilts are worn properly either!

To Question 2. No, I have never worn a synthetic-fibre kilt. At my age I have no intention/need to buy another kilt, but my inclination would be for another wool kilt. IF, in an unlikely event, I ever consider a new kilt made of synthetic-fabric I would expect it to be "cut" and made to the tried and tested traditional Scottish style.

Do you know, I really do think that you chaps do make life difficult for yourselves by worrying too much about non existent rules. There are of course traditions, conventions, accepted practice to consider sympathetically though.

I think if you all stuck to one tartan made into a kilt of traditional style, you really would make life easier for yourselves and in passing, less expensive.I have, for example, two wool kilts of the same Clan tartan both traditionally made. One is over 40 years old and one is getting close to twenty years old, both will see me out and probably my sons too.

[MichiganKyle]

FWIW, I usually wear a tartan kilt, but I do have a solid cotton utility kilt that I use when wrenching on my old cars. It's more comfortable than pants. I've even welded in it. I've gotten paint on it before and gotten it out - not afraid to throw harsh chemicals at it to get out spots and stains. I would not want to risk one of my tartan kilts doing the activities I would do in a utility kilt. I see it as more of a "disposable" garment which is more comfortable than pants. Not a replacement for a tartan kilt, but a way to bring kilt-style comfort to activities where I would otherwise be forced to wear pants.

[Jock Scot]

FWIW, I usually wear a tartan kilt, but I do have a solid cotton utility kilt that I use when wrenching on my old cars. It's more comfortable than pants. I've even welded in it. I've gotten paint on it before and gotten it out - not afraid to throw harsh chemicals at it to get out spots and stains. I would not want to risk one of my tartan kilts doing the activities I would do in a utility kilt. I see it as more of a "disposable" garment which is more comfortable than pants. Not a replacement for a tartan kilt, but a way to bring kilt-style comfort to activities where I would otherwise be forced to wear pants.

Would you wear a tailor made Savile Row suit to do the work you describe? I bet you wouldn't! So why wear a bespoke wool kilt for the same work? Common sense dictates otherwise and common sense knows no boundaries.

[MichiganKyle]

Would you wear a tailor made Savile Row suit to do the work you describe? I bet you wouldn't! So why wear a bespoke wool kilt for the same work? Common sense dictates otherwise and common sense knows no boundaries.

Agreed 100% - that is exactly my point, and why I have a cotton utility kilt - the comfort of a real kilt without the worry about wrecking one.

[Kitfoxdave]

FWIW, I usually wear a tartan kilt, but I do have a solid cotton utility kilt that I use when wrenching on my old cars. It's more comfortable than pants. I've even welded in it. I've gotten paint on it before and gotten it out - not afraid to throw harsh chemicals at it to get out spots and stains. I would not want to risk one of my tartan kilts doing the activities I would do in a utility kilt. I see it as more of a "disposable" garment which is more comfortable than pants. Not a replacement for a tartan kilt, but a way to bring kilt-style comfort to activities where I would otherwise be forced to wear pants.

I wear my utility kilts (cotton) mainly working in the yard, and also in my hangar wrenching on vehicles of various sorts. Also wear them while doing woodworking and projects around the house. If I have to get a bunch of lumber, mulch, or garden soil at a big box store I will also wear the utility kilts. They are a pain to keep looking decent... lots of ironing! I have managed to lose some weight and inches off the waist, another "feature" I have found is when I reach up to move heavier objects, the utility kilt "heads for the floor..." a big surprise when on a ladder!

I have 3 Acrylic wool blend kilts which are the only ones I have been able find in Breton Tartans. In the heat and humidity of a Florida summer thay are actually light and cooler... and easy to wash and iron.
Recently aquired a USA Kilts casual kilt in PV which again is more comfortable in the heat and humidity... also easy to wash and iron. The Velcro waist adjustment is superb when losing inches around the waist.


I also have some ex-hire wool kilts, and primarily wear them to go out shopping, around town, pubs, visiting friends, etc...
I have two Clan tartans that I wear for nice occasions, and when I just feel like wearing them.

I hope to get a special custom tartan woven ( variation on a breton tartan design) in the next year or two..

In summary, I feel my needs for a utility kilt is just for that ...utility. don't care too much if they get messed up a bit like an old worn pair of jeans... but much more comfortable!

The synthetics for lighter and cooler in the heat and humidity... might even work in Singapore type climate...

Wearing kilts 99% of the time now, and enjoying the extreme comfort that they bring me...

[Jock Scot]

I think the sixty year old wool kilt that is torn, tattered and much repaired fulfils much of what you chaps now use a utility kilt these days. It was standard practice not so long ago. There are pictures of the late Lord Lovat attired in such garment whilst pottering around the estate.

[DCampbell16B]

When I was in Inverness in the late summer/fall of 1983 I stayed at the Inverness Youth Hostel. The Hostel Warden was a Mr. Robertson. He wore a kilt at all times. What caught my eye was that it was covered in rather large white paint splotches. I asked him about it. He explained that he had it sewn up to work in by having the buckle openings on both sides of the kilt. To work in, like painting, he had to back apron buckled in front, or "reversed" (and without a sporran). Then when he was done, he buckled the normal apron in front.

(For those of you following my journal entries from 1983, I haven't gotten this far. This lead to a small world incident when I was back home.)

[Kitfoxdave]

I think the sixty year old wool kilt that is torn, tattered and much repaired fulfils much of what you chaps now use a utility kilt these days. It was standard practice not so long ago. There are pictures of the late Lord Lovat attired in such garment whilst pottering around the estate.

There is some good logic here... If I had an old and tattered 60 year old kilt, I would likely wear it instead of a utility kilt as well. I find the tradition kilts more comfortable...
Mine are just a couple years old and in good condition...