lost in the wave of the informational hurricane

[sir duncan]

being a new father i decided it was time to breath some life back into my family being irish (and i know all about the controversy of the irish in kilts) i decided to wrap my arms around a tradition that my wife and i both could share in (she being a scot) since the irish kilts come in districts or regions i opted for the all ireland green but i was considering wearing a kilt (as well as for my now 3 boys ) in the tartan of her family name as well i suppose to link the wo with my family as well as variety and "in honor of" sorta thing while im still not quite sure of all the rules i was wondering if this might be thought of as being rude ..also any tips on what to where topside i like to wear t-shirts and such as well but since the kilt is such a sensative thing ive been confined to my home front for fear of offending please any advise on whats exceptable as well as comfortabl would be great i love he kilt but man those ghillies and highland shirt (for example) just aint downtown fashion for me???
thanx

[sav]

duncan,
welcome! I think if you peruse the pictures that have been uploaded, you'll find that many of us are very comfortable wearing a t-shirt or other casual wear with our kilts. For the best guide for all things pleated, check out Hamish's photo gallery. Hamish is truly a kilted legend, and is the standard by which many of us gauge our kilt wearing. I hope your kilted journey is long and fruitful!
~Sav

[arrogcow]

This is just my personal opinion, but I don't particualrly like the look of t-shirts with a traditional kilt. The most casual I go with a trad is a polo shirt and even that is rare. My suggestion is take a look at some of the contemporary kilt makers here (Freedon kilts, RKilts, Utilikilts, Amerikilts, Pittsburgh Kilts etc.) to get a t-shirt friendly kilt to wear when you're just hanging around, and keep the traditional kilt for more dressy occasions (not just formal affairs, but church, a Friday night date with your wife, that kind of thing). There are plenty of others here who will dissagree, and thats cool too. Mostly do what feels comfortable to you.

As for wearing your wife's tartan, I think that is really cool. There are no rules as to what tartan you can wear (though there are lots or "RULES" that the tartan police would have you follow), so again wear what ever makes you happy.

Adam

[Ranald]

Welcome to the board.
I agree with you, the Irish national tartan is just beautiful.
Topside , dude just wear what you want within reason, try wearing what you normally would and look at yourself in the mirror.
Ask the wife if you look ok, woman usually know what looks right and what doesn't.
Do yourself a favour and don't put too many rules on yourself with I can't wear this or that or you'll never do it.
Best wishes.

[Doc Hudson]

Since Central Florida is so terribly formal, I suppose that any tee shirt that doesn't offend sensibilities should be acceptable.

Personally, I just don't wear tee shirts as outerwear. Not that you shouldn't, it is just my preference. Polo shirts, and light colorful prints will go well with your solid, but with the tartan, I think I'd stick with solid shirts.

Welcome aboard. What part of Central Florida do you call home?

[macwilkin]

Hi, Duncan -- glad to have you here wi' us!

One other option that you may not be aware of to you, since you are in Central Florida, is the Dunedin (FL) district tartan. There are several towns & cities in Florida, including Dunedin and Sarasota which were settled by Scots, and the Dunedin tartan was designed to honour these first settlers -- but do not think it is just for Scots -- the whole idea of a district tartan is that it is open to anyone who may live there, or even those who feel the least connection to that area.

If you scroll down this page, you will see a graphic of the tartan, as well as picture of some folks from the New World Celts (www.newworldcelts.org) in the tartan:

http://www.dunedinhighlandgames.com/...in_dunedin.htm

Where are you at in Central FL? My father-in-law lives over in Crystal City.

Cheers,

Todd

[davedove]

Welcome aboard! This board is a great place to get questions like this answered. Although you may get some differences of opinion, you can use those opinions to form your own kilted style.

If you would like to see an example of how to dress with the kilt, I suggest you check out some of the pictures of our exalted board member Hamish. He always seems to come off looking sharp, whether its in full formal gear or completely casual.

[Jimmy Carbomb]

Hey Duncan... glad you're chiming in!

I agree with Doc on this one. Central Florida isn't exactly a hot-bed for Celtic culture. If you were in Boston or Philadelphia... well...

Just enjoy your kilt with comfort and pride. As time goes by, you'll find your look. At that point, you may choose to wear a casual with a t-shirt, or a formal with a Highland Shirt (Jacobite).

Just get comfortable and go with it! I prefer to wear my BearKilts Grizzly cuts with sleeveless Irish shirts. It's my look, and anyone with a beef can... well...

[macwilkin]

I agree with Doc on this one. Central Florida isn't exactly a hot-bed for Celtic culture. If you were in Boston or Philadelphia... well...

I was surprised how much Celtic cultural things there are in Florida -- there are games in Ocala, Dunedin, etc.-- and several Scottish & Irish Societies -- and the aforementioned New World Celts, which have kilt nights all over the place:

www.newworldcelts.org

Take a look at their events page -- lot of stuff going on! And don't forget "Off Kilter!" at the Canadian pavillion at EPCOT! :mrgreen:

I looked into this because my wife wants to move back to Florida! ;)

Cheers,

Todd

[Bill]

Welcome to the Forum Duncan!

Wear what is comfortable with your kilt, though I would agree with others here and avoid mixing a print with a tartan and stay with solids. About wearing your wifes' tartan I think it's a grand idea, my bride of nearly 32 years is giiving me a kilt for our anniversary this October and to honor her I've chosen to have it made in her clan tartan (MacNeil).

Bill