Contemporary vs Traditional

[Iolaus]

Late to the party here, but...

My own thoughts? It depends on you, and how and where you intend to wear it. I think that when most people venture out in their first kilt as a "non-special occasion casual wear," they do so with some trepidation as to how they will be received by those they meet. A modern "interpretation" of the kilt, like say a Utilikilt or a pocketed kilt, is much easier to explain to your friends and acquaintances on a night out than a traditional with the accompanying sporran, hose, etc. - in fact, they may be familiar with the MUG type already. After you dip your toes in, so to speak, it becomes easier to branch out.

I personally prefer a little attitude in my apparel, so I started out with the UK, but I now wear "traditional" (plaid, no pockets, sporran) kilts as well, also with casual attitude. I would be uncomfortable with all the traditional accoutrements worn in all the "right" ways; not that I haven't tried it, but it's like putting on a suit to me, and I don't care much for suits either.

[Panache]

I don't think I voted

And frankly my answer wouldn't fit in either

I have one of Steve Ashton's Freedom Kilts in the Tartan Model and it is everything I could want from a kilt.

It has the crisp pleats, the 13 oz. traditional wool tartan, and it fits like a glove...



But Steve has made some internal differences that make his kilts somewhat stronger than a traditional one.




And he uses machine stitching!




And it has three hidden pockets!

So my choice would be for a traditional looking kilt (with all the accroutements) but with a Modern design philosophy.

The best of both worlds!

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

[slohairt]

I've noticed that some posters here are equating a solid coloured kilt with contemporary. That really isn't true as traditional kilts can be solid-coloured. (Saffron, Hodden Grey, etc...)