The Rules and Exceptions Thereunto.

[Archangel]

Great Scotch, no rules.

wherever you go there, there you are. If it's to be formal, be formal. If it's semi, go semi, if it's informal, relax. It's not that complicated.

If you're worried about the "rules", get the Geoffrey(tailor) brochure and go by that. Rules are what separates "sport" from "game" and "play". I'm not into dressing competitions, larking about is more my way.

[Kilted Stuart]

Love the last few replies.
It shows that some are sticklers for old traditions and some are in it for fun.
My wife wore a Gordon mini hiphugger kilt on Sat to the Fergus games and to see Empty Flask at night. I didn't see one traditionalist male complain.

[Prester John]

I'm just in it for the fun, old rules. haha

[Riverkilt]

Sadly, many "rules" evolve from childhood...NEEDING to know what's right so maybe, just maybe we won't get hit, beat, yelled at, whatever for being wrong.

'tis anxiety that drives perfectionism and rules...

Most of the Ren Faires and games I've been to would drive a kilt rules embracer to a befuddled meltdown.

I do appreciate suggestions and knowing the old ways....but I'd rather wallow in the anarchy of kilts with tank tops and sandals, contemporary kilts, and (gasp) Norwegian sporrans

After just getting and reading a copy of Men in Skirts I'm amazed that there are any rules left for MUGs other than shattered pieces laying about.

Ron

[macwilkin]

It was the English that created rules for it. I wear my kilts in the same spirit the old highlanders did, to protect the body from the elements and in modern terms to avoid arrest for indecent exposure. I'm old. I don't have to care about rules.

It's easy to blame the English for everything, yet the "rules", customs and traditions of kilt wearing come from so many other sources than just the English -- The Highland Regiments, general fashion trends, Sir Walter Scott, adaptions of practial garments into "formal" or national dress, even Scottish expats living in other countries who adopted "traditional" Highland attire (even Lowlanders) to symbolize their homeland.

I must say that as a "traditionalist" myself, I really get tired of the "traditionalist bashing" around here. I am a traditionalist for myself, and no one else. I have certain standards in dress that I hold myself to, and no one else. I do not judge others for their choices, and ask only that I not be judged for mine. If one likes to dress in the "traditional" Highland way, then that's just as legimate as those who are dressing in more "nontraditional" ways.

Respect and tolerance is a two-way street...perhaps the reason why some of us traditionalists are grumpy is because some make the assumption that we are intolerant of all change, and anything that deviates from the norm -- we are judged before we get a chance to speak our minds. Sure, some traditionalists are jerks -- but so are some non-traditionalists. You can't judge a book by its cover.

I view the way I wear my kilt the same way I view my faith -- I only know what is right for me, I cannot condemn others because they are different from me.

I'm sorry to be a wee bit grumpy on this point. It just gets really old sometimes.

Regards,

Todd

[bubba]

Todd, I'm not trashing the guys that like the formality, but that isn't for an old country boy like me. The truth is most of the rules of dress did originate with the English and those closely associated with them. That isn't blame, it just is. I never went for suits either so the way I wear my kilts is just part and parcel of the way I've always dressed.

[macwilkin]

Todd, I'm not trashing the guys that like the formality, but that isn't for an old country boy like me. The truth is most of the rules of dress did originate with the English and those closely associated with them. That isn't blame, it just is. I never went for suits either so the way I wear my kilts is just part and parcel of the way I've always dressed.

Bubba, my grandfather was an Iowa farmer who had no problems wearing "formal attire" (a suit & tie) to lodge or church -- he dressed for the event he was attending -- same with most of my Iowa ancestors (of Scottish heritage), so I just can't buy the argument that being from a "rural" area makes you somehow against "dressing up" -- just my opinion there, for what that's worth.

As far as the English making the rules, I just can't be that general when it comes to the history of Highland attire. If the kilt is an evolving garment, then why cannot not evolve from a practical piece of clothing to a "formal outfit" (for lack of a better term) -- look at the many elements of military dress which have evolved from "practical" pieces of clothing.

All I'm saying is that if "dressing up" isn't part of who you are, then that's great -- but for some like myself, it is part of who I am. Both POV's are valid and should respected -- and I'm not singling you out, just my observations.

I guess we'll just have to "agree to disagree". ;)

T.

[Doc Hudson]

It's easy to blame the English for everything,

But Todd!!!

The English are SO BLAMABLE!!!!

How can anyone resisit such easy targets?

BTW, the above was spoken in jest by another Anglophile.

[Gaian]

It is time to "think outside of the box," or "expand your comfort zone." It is nice to know that there are more free thinkers here. Nothing irritates me more than to have to conform to someone elses idea of convention. Don't just march to a different drummer, beat your own drum! As long as it does not infringe on the rights of others why not give it a try? Be independent, Strike out on your own. You might be surprised who might follow. If you are going to be a sheep, at least be the lead sheep ( what does one call the lead sheep anyway?) So many people are content to be led and are afraid to step out on their own and be noticed. "Just do it!" ( to borrow from a past sportswear ad campaign.)

[Archangel]

I do appreciate suggestions and knowing the old ways....but I'd rather wallow in the anarchy of kilts with tank tops and sandals, contemporary kilts, and (gasp) Norwegian sporrans

Ron

I'm there too. I can wash up well too, but there's hardly an occasion for it.

Why was this thread started? I think we know by now that trads and mods are going to start rowing. There's no need to go head to head when the practical issues will come up in most other threads.