After a discussion with a fellow costumer for my Scottish dance group I wanted to share a two final thoughts on the ghillie/pirate/swashbuckler shirt with you, that adds to why their look is so popular.
They are very flattering to a wide variety of body types.
Exceptionally skinny? The pirate shirt hides that.
Waistline expanding? The pirate shirt hides that.
So besides being comfortable (which they are) and having a certain amount of flair (which they do) they are flattering to the wearer in terms of fit.
My last thought is simply that a lot of the really wonderful looks for highland attire require a jacket or doublet to get the top part of one’s ensemble to look as “Scottish” as the lower half. The poofy shirt fits the bill without the far greater cost and completes the look. (Whether that “look” is authentic or not isn’t the issue, it is the perception of completing it that matters.)
Fun discussion BTB
Cheers
Jamie
-See it there, a white plume
Over the battle - A diamond in the ash
Of the ultimate combustion-My panache
Edmond Rostand
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