Not real kilts?

[NewKilt]

Originally posted by Berry
In the opinion of one who is completely ignorant of such matters, I reckon that if it looks like a kilt, it's a kilt.

Lots of opinions on this Berry. Some say it has to be a 16 oz wool tank made in Scotland. Others consider Utilikilts, Amerikilts, SportKilts to be kilts. There have been several past threads on this with different viewpoints and definitions expressed. One could even argue that the belted plaid is the only "real" kilt.

My interpretation is rather liberal, and many here would disagree with it, but that's OK.

My interpretation: A skirt-like garment designed for men. The front has a top and bottom apron. The bottom apron fastened to the left side of the waist, and the top apron fastens to the right side. The back of the garment is pleated. The length of the kilt is such that the bottom falls anywhere from one inch above the knee to mid-knee. The kilt originated in Scotland, but today is worn by men in many parts of the world.

My interpretation leaves the door open for a wide variety of materials, and designs - pockets, no pockets, etc. Many who are pure traditionalists will disagree with this, and that's fine. There are members here that are traditionalists, non-traditionalists, and others that have a wide variety of kilt styles. It's all cool, it makes Xmarks an interesting place to be.

Darrell

[arrogcow]

I Now on the other hand, if anyone was to ask me about Yorkshire puddings, I can say with certainty (and only half-jokingly) that if it isn't baked by a person who was born in Yorkshire, it ain't a Yorkshire Pudding.

Don't know if I have ever had one made by someone from Yorkshire, but I make the best I've ever had.

However, the use of so-called 'Yorkshire Pudding Mix' is insulting. If you must use a mix, it's better to do without.

I would agree with that whole heartedly. What's up with mixes for anything. I baked a cake the other day, and it took almost 2 min longer that it would have if I had used a mix. What a waste of time.

Adam

[Colin]

In the opinion of one who is completely ignorant of such matters, I reckon that if it looks like a kilt, it's a kilt. The 'handsewn in Scotland' thing seems a bit silly to me. Now on the other hand, if anyone was to ask me about Yorkshire puddings, I can say with certainty (and only half-jokingly) that if it isn't baked by a person who was born in Yorkshire, it ain't a Yorkshire Pudding.

So I think there's a bit of national/regional pride coming into both of those equations. But one thing's for sure - my attitude about Yorkshire puddings isn't going to affect the taste of one that was baked by someone who has never set foot in Yorkshire, and I think a similar thing can be said about the kilt.

However, the use of so-called 'Yorkshire Pudding Mix' is insulting. If you must use a mix, it's better to do without.

I actually used to think along the same lines. I mean I own 4 non-traditional tartan kilts (3 Bearkilts and 1 Canada Kilt). I wore all 4 of those kilts regularly and proudly. I thought they were great and "who needs to blow the cash on a traditional when I can get 2-4 more new style kilts for the same price?".

However a month ago I ordered a traditional handsewn 8 yard kilt from www.scottishkilts.net and I have to say that after wearing it only twice, I am never going back. While the price is a bit high the fit, weight, feel, and appearance of a traditional Scottish kilt can not be matched. I had heard the same thing myself from other members and always kind of blew it off. Now I know exactly what they were talking about. My 8-yard Bear kilt is a spectacular garment with a wonderful weight and swing to it, but even it pales in comparison.

So while some of us might not see the "value" or "use" or a true Scottish kilt, some of us that were introduced to kilt wearing by the new style kilts have seen the light and are now going for true quality* rather than quanity.

* The Bear kilts are a quality made garment, and one which I would still recommend to those that can handle the wait time. Bear makes a great kilt for casual wear. I am, however, selling the 8 yard Bear kilt (Royal Stewart) as well as my Canada Kilt (MacKenzie) and likely my dress sporran from Canada Kilt (with one of the kilts only).

[Iolaus]

I am, however, selling the 8 yard Bear kilt (Royal Stewart) as well as my Canada Kilt (MacKenzie) and likely my dress sporran from Canada Kilt (with one of the kilts only).

Come on! Don't tease us man! Have you posted in the "For Sale" section yet? What size? Picture? Which MacKenzie tartan? I found several.

[Colin]

Come on! Don't tease us man! Have you posted in the "For Sale" section yet? What size? Picture? Which MacKenzie tartan? I found several.

The kilts were both in the for sale section for some time. They are both bigger sizes, so you skinny lot will missed out

[angerli]

Interesting....at some point, it seems, many of us... perhaps most...realize that one kilt is just not enough.:mrgreen:

I belong to the Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum. Their motto is..."Unum Non Satis" which means...you guessed it...

Sandy

[Mike1]

Thread restored.

[mrpharr]

Great thread. Lots of good info even if it is an older one...

[Alan]

My thoughts on kilts:
My first kilt was made in Scotland by Jeffrey Tailor and it is an excellent garment
with good weight and swing. It fits like a glove and I enjoy wearing it a lot. I also have a kilt from SW and it too is a good kilt. I doesn't fit as well as my tank but it has it's purpose. I also have made a few kilts from canvas. These kilts, like my tank, fit like a glove because they were made using my measurements. They don't have the swing of the tank but then they are not wool. They do have a purpose though. Have you ever tried wearing an 8 yd. kilt in the summer in Georgia? Summer temps can be in the 90s and above. Especially in August. It is also very humid here in the summer. The canvas kilts will be a lot more comfortable in that kind of weather. A 4 yd kilt would probably be allright also. It's like the old saying: If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and looks like a duck then it's a duck. If a garment has two front aprons and is pleated in the rear then it's a kilt. In my opinion a kilt also doesn't have to be made from a tartan material. Would I wear my canvas kilt to a wedding? NO. But I will wear it to do yard work and knock around in. Just my opinion.

[Sylvain]

My thoughts on kilts:
My first kilt was made in Scotland by Jeffrey Tailor and it is an excellent garment
with good weight and swing.

You meant Geoffrey Tailor, did you?