To Pin or Not to Pin?

[Scotus]

No, I'm sorry, but the pin serves a purpose - as a weight to stop flapping - and I don't think it does that particularly well other than on acrylic kilts that are anything but traditional.

I have to respectfully disagree. On my 16 oz., 8 yd. kilt, the pin I use definitely adds enough weight to keep the kilt from flapping.

However, I think we must never approach traditional Highland garb from simply the practical point of view; that is, there are things worn in traditional Scottish attire that are worn simply because they're traditional. There aren't practical reasons for some of the various buttons on a kilt jacket. While they may have served a purpose at one time, they are there now because they are a part of the traditional garb.

Having said that, I think the kilt pin (the one I use) does hold down the front apron well enough. I think the concern about tearing the kilt fabric is what concerns most of those who don't wear a kilt pin.

I think that this is absolutely true, with the exception being those regiments that wear kilts.

[Bugbear]

I don't know too much about Highland attire history, but I have read a few traditionalist's posts speaking of the original funtionality of the blanket pin.

That being said, I had a science teacher in Jr High, she was from New York, who said she wore a blanket pin when she was growing up because she had to use it a few times in the cramped subway trains... I believe her.

[Rob Wright]

Having said that, I think the kilt pin (the one I use) does hold down the front apron well enough. I think the concern about tearing the kilt fabric is what concerns most of those who don't wear a kilt pin.

when I met Splash 4 in Albuquerque, he showed me his kilt pin which employed a very heavy duty magnet, it wasn't going anywhere.

Rob

[Jack Daw]

when I met Splash 4 in Albuquerque, he showed me his kilt pin which employed a very heavy duty magnet, it wasn't going anywhere.

Rob

Clever.

[Sammac]

I always use a pin... and would prefer one of those blanket pins in silver... anyone know a good source?

I have a sword and crest pin on my 8 yd'r, but my other kilts all have blanket pins that I bought at a place called Family Farm and Home, they are horse blanket pins and cost less than a $1 each.

[Atlanta Kiltie]

I always use a pin... and would prefer one of those blanket pins in silver... anyone know a good source?

Hi KFCarter,

Tractor Supply Company (TSC) has them for about a $1.50. You will find them in the Equine section listed as a horse blanket pin. I picked up a couple of them when I was passing through Statesboro on my way home to Savannah.

[Kilt TN]

I don't feel dressed without a kilt pin.

[Stratherrick]

I'd find it bizarre indeed not to see a kilt pin!

Personally, I wear mine lower down. It's a brass-coloured Braveheart-type sword which goes with my brass fittings and belt buckle which all goes well with my Hunting Fraser tartan colours.

Nappy pins look like, well, nappy pins and I'm not a fan. As for brooches, it just looks odd on a kilt, IMHO. On your shoulder looks okay, though.

But, each to their own!

Slainte

Bruce

[McMurdo]

I tend to get a unique pin for each kilt in my collection, something I picked up on this forum by the way. I do not go in for the sword style pins, there are so many other ideas out there to personalize your wardrobe just that one extra step. One of my favourite kilt pins is the gecko on the Carolina Tartan kilt, it may not be traditional however it is a good bit of fun and is silver.


One of my other favourite has to be the Charles Rennie Mackintosh inspired pin on my Isle of Skye, it was a gift from Hamish, and is again silver.

[Jack Daw]

Handsome pin, Glen.