Traditional Solid Color Kilts and Definitions

[davedove]

I think you are going to have a hard time pinning down the definition of a "traditional" kilt. Most everyone will agree that a kilt that has features A through K (or whatever) is a traditional kilt.

But what if a particular kilt only has features A through J. Is is still considered traditional?

How about a kilt that only has A through I, or H, or G?

Where people draw the line is going to vary so that not everyone will agree.

For example, for a lot of people, a traditional kilt has to be tartan. But, as Matt has pointed out, solid colored kilts can be just as traditional.

For some, only the 8-9 yard, knife-pleated kilt is the only truly traditional kilt. But again, the box-pleated style has an even longer pedigree.

There is not really a definite bold line between traditional and non-traditional, but rather a hazy grey area.

[KiltedSurveyor]

Matt,

Not to highjack this thread, but are there any historical examples you know of concerning kilts of material other than wool? As a 18th century re-enactor, I know the fondness of the upper classes for silk and other materials.

[Bugbear]

I think you are going to have a hard time pinning down the definition of a "traditional" kilt. Most everyone will agree that a kilt that has features A through K (or whatever) is a traditional kilt.

But what if a particular kilt only has features A through J. Is is still considered traditional?

How about a kilt that only has A through I, or H, or G?

Where people draw the line is going to vary so that not everyone will agree.

For example, for a lot of people, a traditional kilt has to be tartan. But, as Matt has pointed out, solid colored kilts can be just as traditional.

For some, only the 8-9 yard, knife-pleated kilt is the only truly traditional kilt. But again, the box-pleated style has an even longer pedigree.

There is not really a definite bold line between traditional and non-traditional, but rather a hazy grey area.

I'll just go with Matt Newsome's definition; he has more than enough credibility.

[The Wizard of BC]

I agree that Matt is absolutely correct. There have been so many talented Kiltmakers over the years that construction methods, materials and looks have changed, or been tried, that no one single definition can cover them all.

We also have quite a long time frame to consider. Better than 200 years.

What I was intending with my post was not a definition of "The Kilt", or a definitive definition of "The Traditional Kilt".

I was trying to do was insure everyone that I do not claim my Kilts as being "Traditional".

Does that make them any less valid a Kilt? I think not.

But there are a couple other threads currently running that deal with the other types of Kilts and garments made today and I was trying to give us some frame of reference.

I understand that we have yet to agree on even the definition of "Kilt" never mind trying to define "Traditional" or "Historical".

All I can do is define my type of Kilt. As I am the one who started to use the term "Contemporary Style Kilt" I thought it would be helpful to let everyone know what I mean by that term and how it differed from what is commonly called "Traditional".

[The Wizard of BC]

Ted, I think you may be getting far too "wrapped around the axle" on some of your questions.

I think maybe your over-thinking and analyzing.

And perhaps it is because you have little visual reference.

The thing we often have to remind ourselves is that this is supposed to be fun. And it's only a piece of clothing.

Yes, I'm sure that somewhere there is someone who would be offended if I wore my Tewksbury without a Sporran. I respect that persons opinion but it is Their Opinion, not mine.

If we were talking about Uniforms then perhaps worrying about where is the proper location on the leg for Flashes would be vital. But we are not talking about Uniforms we're just talking about one item of clothing.

I like to tell my customers that "There are Tartan and Kilt snobs out there in the world, but there are no Tartan Cops".