Kilts for "dummies"

[Panache]

Kilt 101

Kilt hose with dress shoes worn up with flashes

Kilt hose with hiking boots rolled down (no flashes)

Chain for sporran only at formal events (wears out your kilt's front apron if used too much)

Leather sporran strap worn all other times

If you wear a vest, do not wear a kilt belt

Oatmeal hose and shirts go with virtually every kilt

Try to have a kilt pin for each kilt (taking them on and off puts extra wear and holes in your kilt)

The pleats of a kilt go in back

Traditional kilts are worn with the top of the kilt above the navel and the bottom of the kilt at the top of to mid knee.

The little knife that is worn in your sock is called a sgian dubh

If you wear one or not, if it is a real blade or not, is entirely up to you (no one else really cares)

Try not to have every kilt pin, cap badge, ring, knife hilt, etc match (you will look like a Scottish Superhero)

You can wear the kilt and exactly TWO other matching tartan items (i.e. tie and flashes, flashes and hat, hat and tie, etc). More than two accessories in tartan that matches your outfit makes you look like you are in the cast of "Brigadoon"

The little white stich that comes on the bottom of your kilt is called a basting stich. Remove it after you have made sure the kilt fits properly.

You can wear any tartan you like (save the one designated for the royal family)

It's respectful to know something about the tartan you wear

People have a weird fascination with what is worn or not worn under the kilt

If asked what is worn or not worn under the kilt one should give an answer that doesn't answer the question, which is rude in the first place (i.e. "What's worn under the kilt?" "Socks and shoes", "Nothing is worn under the kilt, it's all in good working order")

It may not be everything but its a start

Cheers

Panache