Evolution of a Kiltie - Changing Tastes

[Nick the DSM]

well, you started at 51 and i started at...13?, i'm 15 now. so you've got a head start in your ways of style and taste. i still have a chance to change my style as well.

when i first saw the title i thought it was actually about the evolution of a kiltie dating back to the 17 th century to now.

[Hamish]

Well said, Ron.

I guess I have been through a similar form of development, although I was wearing tartan kilts for 47 years before I discovered those wonderful Howie's TFCKs and Steven's Utilikilts around 1999/2000. What a refreshing breeze both those guys brought to kiltdom! Now, when I consider how many makers of superb modern/alternative/contemporary kilts there are out there, I feel a tremendous pride in the fact that I may have had some small influence in the promotion of those alternatives. The growth in their popularity would have happened anyway of course, but I was probably Utilikilts first customer in the United Kingdom and I was certainly their first Utilikltarian of the Month! (There are now 14 Utilikilts hanging on my garment rails). Similarly, Howie tells everyone that it was due to my example that he now wears kilts all day, every day, and has been doing so for some six years. (There are 18 TFCKs - and 9 Geoffrey (Tailor) kilts in The Kilt Kollection).

Like you, it may be 'an age thing' but I have tended to order mainly tartan and tweed kilts (Oh, and leather beauties!) in the last few years, not because I no longer like the trendier styles and fabrics but because I just feel they suit me better now that I am that much older.

I am sorry to say this, but the 'evolution' we are experiencing is, I am sure, all down to the ageing process. Do we have any regrets? I don't, not really, apart from not becoming aware of the joys of daily kilting until I was in my 60s. To think I was wearing the kilt exclusively as a National Costume for 47 years before I came to my senses. What a waste of time!!!

Take care,
Ham.