Please explain...

[JakobT]

I'm very happy to see that the discussion has continued so amiably. I thought that, as a non-Scottish, non-traditional kilt-wearer I might share some of my thoughts concerning the kilt, why I wear it at all, and why I (for the moment at least) don't wear a traditional tartan kilt.

I visited Scotland for the first time almost 30 years ago, and have been there several times since, and remember both the place and the people very fondly. I'd toyed with the idea of getting a kilt for a long time, as it was a garment that I really liked the look of, but one thing stopped me - the fact that I wasn't Scottish. I had a vague idea that you didn't have to be in order to wear a kilt, but still, I was conscious of the fact that the kilt was very much a national symbol, and I didn't want to offend anybody by donning a piece of clothing that some might feel I had no business wearing.

Then, on a visit to Edinburgh a few years ago, I came across 21st Century Kilts, who made non-traditional, non-tartan kilts. Here was the opportunity I had waited for - being able to wear the kilt like a normal piece of clothing, without pretending to be something I wasn't. On my next visit to Scotland, I went to TFCK, and had my measurements taken. After putting away his tape measure, the shop assistant brought out a big swatch book and asked me what tartan I wanted. I had given this some thought. I knew there was nothing in principle to stop my from wearing any tartan I chose, but being Norwegian I felt a plain kilt to be more suitable, so I ordered mine in charcoal grey.

I now wear my kilt as often as I can, and am very happy with the choice I've made. For me, a non-traditional kilt makes perfect sense, and I can wear it without fear of encroaching upon a tradition that's important to a great many people. This, I feel, is the one of the great things about the contemporary kilt - it keeps the kilt alive as a garment by ensuring its continued use all over the world, and by doing so honours the Highland culture that gave birth to it.

[SteveB]

Robertson II,
I was given a kilt by my family at age 11 in the tartan that is understood to represent my maternal great grandmother's clan (McNeil). I do not carry that surname as mine is Brown. My paternal lineage goes to back to Waping, England about 1630. There have been many inter-marriages both before and since. I also have a Highland Scot ancestor of unknown ancestry that was taken in one of Cromwell's efforts and sold for transportation at 2 Pounds 1 Shilling 2 Pence at auction in York, Maine in 1658. I have studied my family history and genealogy, and am continuing to learn more each day.
The wool kilt had served me well for various ceremonial occasions for over forty years. Due to my Great grandmother's well documented lineage, I can claim to have a very diluted Scot heritage. As I have aged a bit, I can no longer wear that wool kilt. I have passed it down to a nephew who can fit it properly. I have for quite some time worn for day to day activities, a variety of non-traditional kilts. I have six self made kilts in different materials. My first self made kilt is in 13 oz. black cotton denim. I chose this as it was very inexpensive material to try my skills on at 92 p./metre double width. With no tartan to follow sett, it afforded some room for learning without being hideous. I have enough self confidence in who and what I am to wear a kilt with pride and dignity in a mostly trousered environment. I also have developed enough confidence in my sewing skills (Thanks to Barb T's book) to soon attempt working with 52 pounds per metre genuine Scottish Worsted Wool tartan. The wool kilt will be for the ceremonial wear, where the clan tartan is appropriate.
I live in the United States, where there is a growing population of men that wear kilts with pockets so to have adapted the kilt to today's lifestyle of keys, drivers license, and mobile telephone. The Utilikilt Mocker in a tan colour has become the standard of office wear in many American businesses. The kilt is enough different than the Traditional Scottish kilt to help keep the kilt alive and at the same time respect the traditional tartan kilt's role in history.