Scottish Country Dancers and the "Highlander" Shirt

[Andrewson]

I've never been tempted to wear one of these shirts with the kilt, for dancing or otherwise. They do look too costumey to me too.

I'm grateful to Matthew Newman for his post on the thread that Jamie referred to at the start of this one (here) for his scholarly deconstruction of the reasons people give for pairing this shirt with the kilt. And to Martin for providing me with practical reasons for not wearing it. Now I know that I am missing nothing by avoiding this garment.

[Panache]

I wore one last night to a Scottish Country Dance party and while they may be a bit theatrical, they are comfortable and romantic looking.

Cheers

Jamie

[Panache]

Here is a picture of us from the dance



I don't think I would wear it out and about but for dancing they are dashing and comfortable.

Cheers

Jamie

[Cynthia]

I must admit, I am one of those who usually don't care for that style of shirt (I think the collar and lacing really look off to me but the rest of the shirt I actually do like the style such as the billowy sleeves).....

But!! I have to say Panache, your shirt is very nice and I think it's because the lacing is so subtle with the coloring matching the shirt so it doesn't stand out quite so much. I must also add that The F-H.C.A.G's gown is *very* lovely!

You both look marvelous!

[Panache]

Cynthia,

Thank you for the kind words.

I must admit, I am one of those who usually don't care for that style of shirt (I think the collar and lacing really look off to me but the rest of the shirt I actually do like the style such as the billowy sleeves).....

I like this shirt a lot more for similar reasons



Cheers

Jamie

[Arlen]

I've seen them worn at quite a few SCD events in Scotland and here, too.
(Admittedly, they are mostly just worn to rugby and football games.)

I think they can look great on the right person, but I prefer an actual traditional Jacobite period shirt.
My Dad has one and he looks great in his...






I wore one as part of a 'William Wallace' outfit for my last job. (I figured if they were going to make me be so Historically inaccurate I may as well go the whole hog with it.)
I have to admit, the outfit as a whole felt like it would be wonderfully comfortable to dance in!

[unaspenser]

Jamie, I'm with you. That second shirt you posted is great, and doesn't look quite so kitschy as some jacobite shirts tend to.

I'm personally not a fan of the lacing either, and I haven't seen many jacobite shirts I like. They were rare to nonexistent in the groups I danced with in Scotland, and I hardly ever see them here in the northwestern U.S. either.

[Hamish]

I'm with you Jamie, as far as the Romantic look and comfort go, but I would never wear one to a Dance or even to a class - not that I attend either nowadays! In all my dancing years (58) I have never seen anyone wear this style other than in the context of some sort of costume for a particular effect. My belief is that they would be pretty much frowned upon by serious SC dancers.

On the other hand, I have seen them on the rare occasions I have attended informal Ceilidhs and the dreaded Reeling Clubs, where anything goes.

Personally, I have four of them, in different colours, but the only time I can recall wearing one of them was for a neighbour's mid-summer early evening drinks 'do' in the open air! As I recall, it was much admired - which was nice - but they ARE just a little too theatrical for me now ............... after all, I am a very shy and modest soul who would never wish to make a show of myself!

Take care,
Ham.

[McMurdo]

My Sister gave me one for Christmas, I'll return it and get something I will actually use.

[Panache]

............... after all, I am a very shy and modest soul who would never wish to make a show of myself!

Ham,

Just like a leather Chieftain's vest.



For all that believe Ham's post,

Please send me a PM as I have recently acquired salvage rights to all the metal on the Brooklyn bridge and this represents a great investment opportunity for a lucky few investors that get into this undertaking early!

Cheers

Jamie