traditional and modern conflicts

**James MacMillan** · 13th November 07, 07:33 PM

My question to your friend is - Do you wear the kilt everyday? Do you not wear anything else? Do you? Huh, do you?

When he wears the kilt everyday, his opinions will change.

**TheKiltedWonder** · 13th November 07, 07:51 PM

Well, personally I'd only wear wool kilts, if I could afford to do that. As for the SWK nylon sporran, I don't like the look of it (a flashback to fanny packs, eww) but it does seem far more practical than many of those fancier sporrans that hold practically zilch.

If the 1600s was a date he gave, tell him to give up watching Braveheart (ok, that's set a little earlier, but still...). It's echoed by many here that the kilt as we know it is a fairly modern innovation, so don't let him put your kilts/accessories on account of TRADITION!!! (please sing as in "Fiddler on the Roof")

**Chef** · 13th November 07, 08:44 PM

I'm afraid I'm mostly, but not completely, with your friend. I don't like the Utilikilt I have less trouble with the fabric (I do prefer wool though) as I do with the style. I don't think it looks like a kilt, especially with side pockets etc. However I am not completely against pockets in kilts, I think the slash pockets that Steve does at FK are brilliant.

As for the Nightstalker sporran...I'm not crazy about it although I would like to see the one made from leather. Personally I think there are plenty of better sporrans that look more traditional.

**ccga3359** · 13th November 07, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by Chef

I'm afraid I'm mostly, but not completely, with your friend. I don't like the Utilikilt I have less trouble with the fabric (I do prefer wool though) as I do with the style. I don't think it looks like a kilt, especially with side pockets etc. However I am not completely against pockets in kilts, I think the slash pockets that Steve does at FK are brilliant.

As for the Nightstalker sporran...I'm not crazy about it although I would like to see the one made from leather. Personally I think there are plenty of better sporrans that look more traditional.

I'll agree with you as an owner of an FK and a Nightstalker sporran. Perhaps you like the pockets as I do, very functional yet hidden when no in use. The Nightstalker, unfortunatly, does not look traditional but it sure is handy. It holds a miltitude of things and is very easy to access things (three seperate compartments). To be honest I thing the Nightstalker could be made to look more traditional with losing the functionability of it.

**Roan Carter** · 13th November 07, 11:13 PM

Adaptation is key to survival.

I'd like a kilt with pockets.

**beloitpiper** · 14th November 07, 04:52 AM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

There's an old saying: "different horses for courses".

Generally, I agree with your friend. I'm a bluff old traditionalists about many things, Highland attire included -- but I am traditionalist only for myself, and would never dream of telling someone to do as I do. I would never dream of trying to "convert" someone, but I'm always willing to have an intelligent and polite discussion with someone who may not agree with me. Gentlemen can agree to disagree without being disagreeable.

Regards,

Todd

Agreed.

**highlander_Daz** · 14th November 07, 10:27 AM

it used to be a tradition here the dunk women into a pond, and if she died that was proof she wasnt a witch.

Traditions are OK up to a point, bear in mind the things we do today are the "traditions " of tomorrow. sometimes Traditions hold us back if you look at people who break traditions (Hendrix on the guitar, Bruce Lee with martial arts, Gordon Duncan on the bagpipes etc) are often frowned on at the time but actually creat new traditions. you have to move with the times.

**James MacMillan** · 14th November 07, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by highlander_Daz

it used to be a tradition here the dunk women into a pond, and if she died that was proof she wasnt a witch.

Traditions are OK up to a point, bear in mind the things we do today are the "traditions " of tomorrow. sometimes Traditions hold us back if you look at people who break traditions (Hendrix on the guitar, Bruce Lee with martial arts, Gordon Duncan on the bagpipes etc) are often frowned on at the time but actually creat new traditions. you have to move with the times.

Wow am I in agreement with that. I have mentioned the following in private to a few fellow kilt wearers, but not much here.

It seems strange to me, as one who wears the kilt everyday, that more input is not sought from those who actually wear the kilt. I wear the kilt, I know what works. I don’t just strap it on to go to a festival, I wear it everyday! I like the sporran, and I like hose, but other than in jest, I would never think to suggest that another person should only dress the way I choose to. Why should the "traditional" kilt be only made one way? Once it's on, who knows what is inside?

When the traditional kilt was originally designed, things like man-made fabric and Velcro were not around. The only practical fabric of the time was wool; the only way to fasten the kilt was with pins or belts.

We thankfully now have many alternatives.

I live in Southern California and it gets hot here. A full tank made out of wool just isn’t practical for year round daily wear. Sure, a nice tank is great for going out to a special event in the evening, but would I want to strap it on when the mercury is pushing out of the top of the thermometer, and I just want to mow the lawn, or run to the grocery store?

I think that some kilt makers would benefit greatly by listening to the person who they are making the kilt for! Since they are going to be wearing the kilt, their wishes should have some value. If some kilt makers don’t start to be a little flexible, they may well end up only making kilts for the actors on the history channel.

Getting off the soapbox now……..

**macwilkin** · 14th November 07, 11:10 AM

It seems strange to me, as one who wears the kilt everyday, that more input is not sought from those who actually wear the kilt. I wear the kilt, I know what works. I don’t just strap it on to go to a festival, I wear it everyday!

James,

Respectfully -- I don't wear the kilt everyday. I wear it for Scottish functions, educational programs, etc. There's nothing wrong with only wearing the kilt for festivals and other functions if that's what you want to do.

Not being a FT kilt-wearer doesn't make you any less of a kilt-wearer INMHO.

Regards,

Todd

**davedove** · 14th November 07, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

James,

Respectfully -- I don't wear the kilt everyday. I wear it for Scottish functions, educational programs, etc. There's nothing wrong with only wearing the kilt for festivals and other functions if that's what you want to do.

Not being a FT kilt-wearer doesn't make you any less of a kilt-wearer INMHO.

Regards,

Todd

I agree with that completely Todd. To me, those who feel one must wear the kilt all the time to be a "real" kilt wearer are just as bad as those who say you should only wear the kilt for special occasions.

People should feel free to wear the kilt as often or as little as they want.