A Question for Scots

[MacKenzie]

Two things I would never ever wear to a wedding , are a bow tie and a PC jacket. Wedding ceremonies usually take place during the day...

A reminder that I have got to get a nice tweed jacket.

[Hirsty]

It is rare but not uncommon to see people wearing kilts whilst bagging a Munro or on a night out.

Personally I love wearing my kilt but it does tend to be for formal occasions or going to the rugby.

[Jock Scot]

I have been thinking quite a bit about this thread and others, whilst I think the question that started this thread has been answered well and correctly. However...................

However, there is an underlying and unspoken difference of thinking between one side of the Atlantic and the other. Actually it is perfectly understandable and the first post of this thread and some of the following answers, illustrates the point well.

To those outwith the shores of Scotland, the kilt is to some an exciting and new adventure and these enthusiastic enquiring minds want to know, errr umm well, everything and now! Those of us who have been wearing the kilt in the home of the kilt for a long lifetime know most of the answers and take the wedding, funeral, dinner, Highland Games, football, etc., etc., attire choices almost for granted. Even then minor details in choice are noticed and inwardly noted and maybe used for future reference or, perhaps not. Thats life!

However, those new to the "game" are faced with a hatful of choices of attire and a bucket full of emotions that we old boys who have been around more than a bit just don't have, or need. This website is loaded with examples of this and that's good and not so good
for the newcomer. Again, thats life!

But! I really think trying to add outdated historical examples, interesting though they may be, really is not in the least bit helpful to the newcomers who just want to wear the kilt well and perhaps venture to assorted social events with confidence and without an often unhelpful historical detail lurking in the back of their minds.

There are other threads and sections available for those details on this website without clouding the issue-----question----in hand.

[Troglodyte]

What Jock has said is spot on.

The kilt in Scotland is nothing rare nor unusual, but few men wear it all the time.

The occasions when it does get worn are those when the man expects to have a bit of fun - for example at a wedding when his best togs get an airing and then discarded for the reeling, at a ceilidh, or when going to the footie with mates. Three different levels of formality at play here, and so our lads will wear with their kilt what they think right for the event.

So I guess the answer to the question is that, yes, the kilt is a fun thing to wear - I have yet to hear anyone express any kind of resentment at having to wear it. If a man really dislikes the kilt, he would never buy one, and would dress for whatever the event just like every other non-kiltie.

An important thing to note, is that the kilt is always admired - even by well-seasoned kilters. And when dressed-down, as it would be for the footie, there is still a sense of dressing-up for the wearer.

Yes, it's fun!

[Jock Scot]

What Jock has said is spot on.

The kilt in Scotland is nothing rare nor unusual, but few men wear it all the time.

The occasions when it does get worn are those when the man expects to have a bit of fun - for example at a wedding when his best togs get an airing and then discarded for the reeling, at a ceilidh, or when going to the footie with mates. Three different levels of formality at play here, and so our lads will wear with their kilt what they think right for the event.

So I guess the answer to the question is that, yes, the kilt is a fun thing to wear - I have yet to hear anyone express any kind of resentment at having to wear it. If a man really dislikes the kilt, he would never buy one, and would dress for whatever the event just like every other non-kiltie.

An important thing to note, is that the kilt is always admired - even by well-seasoned kilters. And when dressed-down, as it would be for the footie, there is still a sense of dressing-up for the wearer.

Yes, it's fun!

Ummmmmmm, I must be getting old! I don't think that I have considered the wearing of the kilt as fun. Well, not since I was about 16! For me, I wear the kilt as a matter of course when the mood strikes. The event I go to wearing the kilt , could well be fun, but the kilt does not make the event any better or any worse for me. It really does'nt.

[Troglodyte]

Ummmmmmm, I must be getting old! I don't think that I have considered the wearing of the kilt as fun. Well, not since I was about 16! For me, I wear the kilt as a matter of course when the mood strikes. The event I go to wearing the kilt , could well be fun, but the kilt does not make the event any better or any worse for me. It really does'nt.

Perhaps I should say wearing the kilt is a pleasure, but I usually find the reason for doing so is to have fun. It certainly has associations with pleasure and fun.

[Jock Scot]

Perhaps I should say wearing the kilt is a pleasure, but I usually find the reason for doing so is to have fun. It certainly has associations with pleasure and fun.

Is wearing the kilt a pleasure? I can't say that I have thought about it that way. I think I wear the kilt out of habit more than anything else and I certainly don't wear the kilt to impress. The kilt is just part of what I choose to wear from time to time, just like my plus 4's or a pair of cords, or a morning suit. Its just not a big deal for me.

[OC Richard]

I am aware that in Scotland, the locals only wear kilts to weddings and such. Do folks generally think, "YES! I get to wear a kilt!". Or is it more like, "Oh, Hell. I HAVE to wear a kilt."?

I would love to hear what Scottish people in the Pipe Band world have to say about your question.

As an American who has played in Pipe Bands with other Americans, with Scots, with Canadians, with English, with Irish, and pretty much every other nationality for 45 years the answer in the competition Pipe Band community is resoundingly "oh heck, I HAVE to wear the kilt!"

In my experience Pipe Band people frequently and universally express the wish that Pipe Bands could compete in ordinary casual clothes.

They complain about the trouble of getting dressed and about the discomfort of being dressed in their Highland outfits.

They wait until the last possible moment to put on their kit and rip it off the moment their band duties are done. (Many Pipe Bands have had to make a rule that when competing at a Highland Games band members have to be in uniform at all times.)

And when attending a Highland Games when not competing they won't be caught dead in a kilt.

Yet...yet...Pipe Band people will express feelings of respect when they see a well turned-out band, and are finicky about their own kit looking proper.

They insist on a heavyweight wool 8-yard traditional kilt, proper kilt hose, shirt and tie, sporran, waistcoat and/or jacket, and proper bonnet, and look down their noses at utility kilts, scrunched-down socks, strange hats, absurd weaponry, and anything else that looks sloppy or improper to them.

How is it in the Scottish Pipe Band scene in Scotland?

[Jock Scot]

.....................

How is it in the Scottish Pipe Band scene in Scotland?

I have no idea, its not my scene. Sorry.

[CBH]

I went to my first Highland Games here in Austin this weekend. I saw a pipe band for the first time too - Silver Thistle, who claimed they've performed in many national competitions. Both gave new perspective to this discussion.

I really enjoyed the Silver Thistle. They sounded great, and of course all had their uniforms in place. I did not notice how soon they changed after their performance, but I did see some still in uniform later.

It was also the first time I've really seen other people wearing kilts. I finally got to appreciate the way a really nice, heavy, well made kilt with very fine and intricate pleats looks. It was sharp contrast to the "casual" kilts with very large pleats, and that appeared to be much lighter fabric.

Nevertheless, it was great to see other enthusiasts !!