The Importance of knowing the Rules of Kilted Fashion

[greenman11]

At the risk of bringing this thread back to the question of rules or guidelines I would offer my kilted (tilted) experience. My first kilt was purchased for my oldest daughters wedding, an afternoon to evening affair. I took a couple of months looking, delving into family history, finally deciding Tartan, package purchase, and supplier. The icon picture shows the results. In order to wear this large investment properly and with the dignity befitting it and my ancestors I consulted a number of publications. The book the aided me the most was 'So You're Going to Wear the Kilt' by J. Charles Thompson 3rd edition. Keep in mind that this was a formal affair and in itself had rules, guideline, etiquette...
Since then I have purchased two more kilts of the 'casual' type, a UTILIKILT for black powder shoots or roughing about, and a SPORTKILT for Irish fests and Highland games. As time goes on I will assuredly purchase more kilts with certain occasions in mind or tartan selections.

My point is that common sense should rule the day. I certainly would not wear my formal dress kilt to a black powder match and visa versa. For some subtitlies, as happens on this site, questions of protocol are posed. Not all quandries can be resolved through books, because after all sometimes different authors disagree. So we throw out a line hoping for reinforcement or clarification. Style is dependant upon the occasion, that is the more formal the affair the more formal the dress, the stricter the rules.

I thank all members who grab that line and pin a note to it.

My regards to all,

[ccga3359]

Okay who wrote the "rules"? And when? Was it when one was covered from head to toe in mis-matched tartans? A definate no-no today. Tastes change or are we supposed to all dress up in Jacobite shirts and swordsman jacket, I'm thinking that they predate PC's and Argyles, brush off sheep dust and you you're formal. 21st Century Kilts is a well respected kilt maker, they seem to buck the "rules", just seem to make things up. Have you seen the Hellraiser/Matrix full length kilt? Put that with a PC and bowtie.

[gilmore]

Okay who wrote the "rules"? And when? Was it when one was covered from head to toe in mis-matched tartans? A definate no-no today. ...

O no, I am so sorry to learn that...

[Ancienne Alliance]

You don't have to be bound by them, but it is useful to know what they are.
Jamie

...useful and less embarrassing (if one has a little pride)

Knowledge is always a "plus". To have choice through knowing is one of the definitions of freedom.


Best,

Robert

[Cherub]

I love this thread! Especially Jaime's excellent hat. I too have a hat that I dearly love, but doubt seriously if I could wear it with my kilt. This hat has been a constant companion for 3 winters now and will probably be the reason I do not go kilted every day lol. It is very similar to this one at Cabelas.com except mine is an oatmeal color and does not have the leather strap. The small ear flaps are wonderful and fold up when not needed.

I pick up my kilt the 7th and will be wearing the hat until then. My poor bald head and I will be very sad not to don it again, but such is life.

Edit: I found my hat Cabelas had it hidden on their site! http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...378&hasJS=true

That could actually work with the kilt, I wear something similar with my black UK a buffalo leather aussie hat that my parents picked up when they were in Australia. It depends on the color of the kilt and what you look good in.

Of course when I do that I'm not trying for highland dress, I will eventually acquire all the necessary bits and pieces needed for that. Untill then I will keep to my current style witch is more of a casual look (uk, runners, golf shirt, etc) unless I'm at a renfest when it is part of a costume. I respect the traditions of others even when i am only part scot by marriage (grin).

[Scotus]

I think there is a point of departure between those who think of the kilt as Scottish national dress and those who think of it as simply a fashion statement or sign of rebellion and non-conformity. The latter are more likely to talk about the how the kilt is "comfortable," will go on and on about trouser oppression, and wear "kilt-like" garments I wouldn't personally consider to be "kilts." Somehow, we all manage to get along in this forum for the most part, for which I'm thankful.

In the former group, you will find those seek to know the "rules," so that they can wear Scottish attire properly; that is, to honor the tradition from which this attire comes. This group, as I am in this group, is more likely to be wearing the kilt for reasons of culture rather than rebellion from a culture or norm.

As far as the motto, "Rules are meant to broken," whoever came up with that silly phrase doesn't live in my world.

[Scotus]

Alan H, maybe I'm missing something, but I think the discussion here has been quite civil (IMHO).

[Raphael]

Have you seen the Hellraiser/Matrix full length kilt? Put that with a PC and bowtie.

I don't think a full length kilt will work well with a PC and a bowtie. However, I can see it being worn with a Montrose Jacket or a GT Doublet.

[JSFMACLJR]

I don't think a full length kilt will work well with a PC and a bowtie. However, I can see it being worn with a Montrose Jacket or a GT Doublet.

Gosh, I hope you are joking here. That full length kilt is nothing but a long skirt. My wife might want one, but I cannot see how that would work at all with a doublet on ANY man!

Call me old fashioned, I guess.

[Donnie]

If we are going to be accepted in the kilt as wearing "normal clothing" instead of a costume. We should use good taste, but, dress just like you would in a pair of p@#ts.
Good taste should be the "rule".