Contemporary vs Traditional

[Macleod91]

I have both a traditional and contemporay kilt, and i think that the traditonal are far more comfortable and publicly noticable as a kilt. mainly due to the tartan

[Iolaus]

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...)

True that. My idea of a contemporary is one that has pockets, and one that sits on the hips rather than the waist. A traditional to me is one that is a wrap only, and designed to be worn higher.

[dfmacliam]

This is a very good question, because it really has a lot of depth to it. My own feelings about this subject have changed, because of what I have learned from this site. I bought cheap kilts, that helped usher me into the kilt wearing community, and it helped me take that first step.

I voted for Traditional.

I am currently waiting anxiously, for my first traditional style kilt, a Freedom Kilts Leatherneck Box Pleat. I am planning on getting a Kilt Kut Suit, from Steve, next, so I can semi formalize my appearance, for the times I need to dress up my kilt. Yeah, I did pay attention to McMurdo's and Panache's thread about one kilt and 10 looks. A traditional is really the most versitile option there is.

I have a few kilts I bought, that helped get me to this point. I started out as an uneducated buyer.. I made a couple purchases, that frankly I should have saved my money. I have a couple SWK Standards, that I like, because they resemble traditional kilts, and I have learned a lot from wearing them. I have a USAK Casual, that is my wear around the house kilt, after I get home from work, out of the shower, short errands, ect. And finally, I have a UK Survivor, I got on eBay.. I have mixed feelings on this one.... It's rugged, easy to wear, probably a bit longer than it should be.. I don't think I like the big pleats. I understand why so many really like them.. It's a very good kilt, don't get me wrong, just I realized it's not my cuppa tea.

I will probably sell off a few of the kilts, I bought, and buy what I will be more comfortable with wearing, day to day. I will buy a few more kilts, but this time, I will be educated on what I want, what works for my kilt wearing experience.

[ghostlight]

comments withdrawn

[Colonel MacNeal]

I didn't vote, but I think the public acceptance is higher for the tradtional.

[Iolaus]

I didn't vote, but I think the public acceptance is higher for the tradtional.

That's going to depend on where you are located and where you spend most of your time - as in your public sphere. Out here in S.California, as soon as you say "it's a modern interpretation" people nod their heads and say "Cool." But then, things are a little looser in SoCal.

In my case, I spend most of my "outside" time on a University campus as a student; I think that, in that context, contemporary and MUGs are going to get a better reception than a traditional.

[macwilkin]

In my case, I spend most of my "outside" time on a University campus as a student; I think that, in that context, contemporary and MUGs are going to get a better reception than a traditional.

Not necessarily; For a number of years I have presented a talk on the customs of the Burns Supper to our college's Food of the World class, and the students always had nothing but compliments towards my Highland attire.

Even when I have had students make comments regarding my kilt when I've worn it on campus, a quick mention of the kilt as a symbol of Scottish heritage quickly changes their tone.

Todd

[Iolaus]

[...] Even when I have had students make comments regarding my kilt when I've worn it on campus, a quick mention of the kilt as a symbol of Scottish heritage quickly changes their tone.

That's kinda' my point; you're saying that you occasionally find the need to validate it for some people by attaching extra meaning to it.

Calling something an "interpretation" makes it modern, and therefore a little more "valid" in some peoples minds for everyday wear. A MUG needs no other validation other than to be what it is, and the wearer needs nothing more than the cojones to wear it; in the minds of 20-somethings, that goes a long way.

I try to alternate between UKs and traditionals, thereby largely negating the heritage aspect. I want the people around me to see it as a fashion decision, and not a symbol.

[macwilkin]

That's kinda' my point; you're saying that you occasionally find the need to validate it for some people by attaching extra meaning to it.

Calling something an "interpretation" makes it modern, and therefore a little more "valid" in some peoples minds for everyday wear. A MUG needs no other validation other than to be what it is, and the wearer needs nothing more than the cojones to wear it; in the minds of 20-somethings, that goes a long way.

I try to alternate between UKs and traditionals, thereby largely negating the heritage aspect. I want the people around me to see it as a fashion decision, and not a symbol.

I'm not sure how to take this comment, but I find it a bit patronizing and condescending.

You may not see the value of the kilt as a symbol of heritage, but for others like myself, it it just that. It symbolizes the pride I feel in my family's history and the additions I will make, God willing, to that long and proud line of Scottish immigrants that came to this country and contributed their blood, sweat and tears.

I see nothing wrong with the symbolism of kilts & tartans. I respect your right to wear your kilt for whatever reason you wish, but please respect my choice to wear mine not as simply a fashion statement, but as a symbol of my heritage.

Todd

[Panache]

I'm not sure how to take this comment, but I find it a bit patronizing and condescending.

Todd,

I read Jeff's comments to be about how he feels about his kilts and why he wears them

He isn't knocking people that wear kilts for heritage reasons

But he he is also saying that for just for the style and comfort for him that they are in of themselves a valid choice of attire.

Just because someone says "I wear a kilt for fashion and/or comfort" does not imply a knock against those that wear the kilt because of heritage reasons.

Cheers

Jamie :ootd: