The origins of the Ghillie / Highlander Shirt

[Jack Daw]

Exactly! While the cut of the 'ghillie' shirts is not bad, the criss-cross front lacing is strictly Hollywood. If you want a great 18th c. shirt, with the proper knee-length, go here:
http://www.trailhd.com/shirts.html

That's a reasonable price, too. Barkertown Sutlers also has a reasonable price and will change collar sizes, etc., to your specs.

[Jack Daw]

OK, here's the exception that proves the rule! Don't do as James did!

[Kiltman]

Ok,

But my big question here is this -- why the need to wear an historical themed shirt with modern Highland attire? If you are wearing a modern kilt, why not simply wear a modern shirt? The kilt is clothing, after all, not a fancy costume. Who do we really want to look to for inspiration in our Highland dress -- examples such as the Duke of Argyle, Cameron of Lochiel, or Lord Lovat from the recent photo threads; or Errol Flynn and 1950s era westerns?

Yes, well said. If a modern kilt is a modern garment then one can wear a modern shirt and be confident that it is 'correct'. I, for one, don't consider a modern kilt to be in need of any justification from another era.

[Skipper1]

Thanks for posting the shirt site. I have been looking for suppliers of longer shirts. I find they are great for day to day informal wear with casual kilts. I find the T-Shirts and regular gillie or modern shirts don't ride well below the waist band of the kilt. I am constantly reaching up underneath to pull them into place. I have a longer shirt I got from Freedom Kilts that is ideal. - I wish i could afford more of them It is a hemp, cotton mix. I also have two gillie style shirts - One is a historical shirt based on 17th century patterns - the other is a modern gillie bought in a scottish clothing store. I find myself constantly considering adding cloth to them to make them longer so they ride more comfortably.
I also attend a number of formal functions, either for my ship or when accompanying my wife on her official duties - for that I wear full kilt and PC jacket and a modern linen shirt with black silk tie or formal pattern wing collar shirt with black or white bowtie (depends on how formal the occassion). Except when I wear my naval formal dress. Franlky, I like the kilt better - my navy kit is a bit tight - the 28 inch waist I once had (after basic) is long gone.

[Bryan]

I know people wear them, but to me they always look very much like a costume accessory and detract from the over-all look of the kilt.

I couldn't agree more, but that's just my opinion.

[Woodsheal]

OK, here's the exception that proves the rule! Don't do as James did!

Just goes to show that one should never say "never." Good find...!