Hi from Arizona

[ardchoille]

from Seattle, WA.

That "piece" over the shoulder you are referring to is actually part of the great kilt.. which was what was worn before the "small" kilt (the kilt you see today) came along. The great kilt was typically 5 to 6 yards of tartan cloth, pleated on the ground, wrapped around the wearer, and secured with a belt. This page might help you understand what I am talking about. I have two great kilts but they are kind of a pain to pleat, so I don't wear them often.

From what I understand, there was an English blacksmith in the mid 1800's who got tired of the top portion of his kilt getting in his way, so he separated the tartan at the waist and wore the bottom portion.. this is how the modern kilt came into being. Am I right lads? Correct me if I'm wrong.

[O'Neille]

Welcome from Sierra Vista, AZ. Update your whearabouts for kilt nights. O'Neille

[Retro Red]

Welcome from a native Phoenician & full-time kilt wearer (4 years)!

You've come to the right place for answers about kilts.

A frequent contributor to this forum, Matt Newsome, is the curator of the Scottish Tartans Museum & a kilt maker & would be one of many people on this forum who are very knowledgeable about the history & proper wearing of the kilt who I'm sure would be happy to answer your questions.

For a more local source of information, I can recommend Graeme Niven, the owner of Arizona Kilts near the Scottsdale Airport. Besides being the proprietor of a kilt store, he is a native of Aberdeen & has grown up with kilts.

If you don't mind, let us know where in Arizona you live. There's a bunch of kilted Zonies, especially here in The Valley, & we'd be happy to let you know when our next kilt night is.

Slainte mhath, Amigo!
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