Question about the question?

[Malcolm MacWilliam]

Most historians agree that "underwear" as we know it was not used regularly until the 1840s or so. Men's shirts were long and covered the front and back of their torsos. In fact, they sometimes pinned the bottom together between their legs. In the 18th century, my time period, when knee breeches were the only thing known, other than kilts, in the European/American areas (Native Americans were wearing breech clouts, long piece of material that went between the legs, belted with flap in front and flap behind, usually flap behind was longer, and I wear clout at times....but I digress).....anyway, so no underwear with knee breeches, although some have said that Jefferson wore something...cause of a short French fashion influence....!! So, in 18th century wear with kilt, we have long shirts. When I do programs and the question is asked, I can reach under the kilt just a bit and show my white long shirt to show that it does extend to cover rear and front. I guess that's enough info. So, for me.....only shirts and shoes are under....and in our regiment....I can attest to the same for all my lads...NOT that we check, but it would be noticed (windy weather, working around camp, etc.) if underwear was worn. To me, it don't feel right if I'm not regimental, bad karma!!

My twa shillings,

Malcolm MacWm., 42nd/77th Highland Reg'ts, GrenCoy
ASM, British Brigade
www.muskets-of-the-crown.org

[greenman11]

If I might offer a suggestion. My wife and I mulled over this question for formal and semiformal occasions. The object was not for worry about the boys out in the air, but keeping the kilt, a large investment, clean and comfortable when sitting. We came up with a method echoing earlier times. With a number of big and tall t-shirts obtained and a measured length from shoulder to deriere, extra length was added from the lower part of one shirt to another extending the length. The lower seam some 4 to 6 inches from the bottom of the kilt. A surger makes the sewing process easier.

I offer this resolution for your comfort and freedom.

Regards,

[kilty]

I prefer to wear underwear to keep my kilt clean but that's just me. The less washing and/or cleaning, the longer my kilt stays "new-like".

I may go regimental one of these days just to see what it's like.

[McClef]

I may go regimental one of these days just to see what it's like.

Warning - that could get addictive!