traditional vs. classic

**CMcG** · 9th February 10, 09:16 AM

Jock Scot's point is right in line with one of my main questions in this thread. While I love looking at old pictures, seeing "romanticized" Highland attire, and marveling at military or piper's uniforms, I don't want to dress that way in my modern civilian life. I do, however, want to have an informed and respectful grasp of tradition.

Let's talk specifics. Obviously weapons are out, but what else should be avoided when it comes to the historical representations of Highland attire shown above?

**HeathBar** · 9th February 10, 09:33 AM

Originally Posted by CMcG

Obviously weapons are out, but what else should be avoided when it comes to the historical representations of Highland attire shown above?

Using the picture in the previous posts, plaids of any size and cross belts. Unless, of course, you are a piper.

**creagdhubh** · 9th February 10, 11:47 AM

Originally Posted by HeathBar

Using the picture in the previous posts, plaids of any size and cross belts. Unless, of course, you are a piper.

One could most certainly wear the 'shoulder' plaid with day wear. All this is, is a pipers plaid, unpleated, folded length wise, then folded in half and folded again, and thrown loosely over the left shoulder. One could also wear it like a piper's plaid, yet with no brooch-just wrapped across the chest, around the back, and the 'tails' thrown over the left shoulder. The plaid looks best with purled fringing-not the typical finging you see with fly plaids.

**mull** · 11th February 10, 08:38 AM

[QUOTE=creagdhubh;851902]One could most certainly wear the 'shoulder' plaid with day wear.

I love the look of plaid, but fear that it would be the piece that sends the entire outfit over the line of dress, into the realm of costume.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 11th February 10, 09:50 AM

Originally Posted by mull

Originally Posted by creagdhubh

One could most certainly wear the 'shoulder' plaid with day wear.

I love the look of plaid, but fear that it would be the piece that sends the entire outfit over the line of dress, into the realm of costume.

I tend to agree, but think that it also depends on where one lives. I don't think a shoulder plaid looks out of place in Auchterader, but it does take on certain "theatrical airs" in Arizona.

**Jock Scot** · 11th February 10, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

I tend to agree, but think that it also depends on where one lives. I don't think a shoulder plaid looks out of place in Auchterader, but it does take on certain "theatrical airs" in Arizona.

I don't recall seeing too many shoulder plaids in Auchterader either!

**creagdhubh** · 11th February 10, 02:22 PM

[QUOTE=mull;852627]

Originally Posted by creagdhubh

One could most certainly wear the 'shoulder' plaid with day wear.

I love the look of plaid, but fear that it would be the piece that sends the entire outfit over the line of dress, into the realm of costume.

I disagree completely. The use of a shoulder plaid, also called a 'blanket' plaid, which seems to be a double negative to me as plaid means 'blanket' in Gaelic, is no where near the realm of costume. Now, of course when you see gents wearing a plaid, complete with brooch, a targe, a broadsword, loose fitting, old style shirt, etc, for day wear at a games or wherever, I would most definitely consider that a costume and very separate from traditional Highland attire for the daytime. The shoulder plaid was worn quiet a bit in the mid to late 19th-century, without a brooch-it was also very popular throughout the 20th-century (especially by clan elders) and into today.

You often see clan chiefs, chieftains, and some clansmen wearing them today. My grandfather wore one all the time while attending Highland games and parades, and when not in use, he threw it over his favorite leather chair in his study at his home, because really, all it is, is quite simply a blanket of varied length with fringe at opposite ends (like a piper's plaid, except having no pleats). I plan to wear the shoulder plaid with my argyll jackets and balmoral bonnet at Highland games and gatherings, once I invest in the tartan material and have the purled fringing done of course! I think they look very smart with daywear and a nice cromach (sheperd's crook). Take wee peek at the examples below.

The gentlemen above are (from left to right) Euan Macpherson of Glentruim, Chieftain of the Glentruim Macphersons, Sir William Macpherson of Cluny and Blairgowrie, 27th Chief of the Clan Macpherson, and Alastair Macpherson of Pitmain, Chieftain of the Pitmain Macphersons. Notice the large shoulder plaid that Euan is wearing. I think it looks absolutely wonderful with his daywear attire. Also take notice of Cluny's Scottish Wildcat sporran-I have personally inspected it close up and it is a marvelous specimen from the 19th-century. I do not like Pitmain's wearing of argyll hose, done in the Pitmain tartan colors, with daywear, but hey, he is a gentleman and a Chieftain of a prominent branch of the Clan Macpherson, who am I to judge or say anything?! To each is own, right?!

Another photo of Euan (on the left) at the Clan Macpherson gathering held every August in Badenoch.

XXIV Chief of the Clan Cameron (Lochiel) wearing a shoulder plaid-worn very similar to Euan Macpherson of Glentruim.

XXV Chief of the Clan Cameron (Lochiel) wearing a shoulder plaid.

An excellent example of the shoulder plaid-appropriate for daywear. Notice the XXVI Chief of Clan Cameron (Lochiel), wearing his plaid without a brooch pinned through to his argyll jacket, as that would indeed make it more of a costume in my opinion, or basically just would look out of place, not neccessarily costume like. Also note the two different shades of Cameron tartans; he uses the modern hue for his plaid, and the ancient hue for his kilt. He also wears a lovely Pine Marten sporran. I have seen this done before with the Clan Donald Chiefs and Chieftains.

**JSFMACLJR** · 11th February 10, 03:39 PM

[QUOTE=creagdhubh;852742]

Originally Posted by mull

An excellent example of the shoulder plaid-appropriate for daywear. Notice the XXVI Chief of Clan Cameron (Lochiel), wearing his plaid without a brooch pinned through to his argyll jacket, as that would indeed make it more of a costume in my opinion, or basically just would look out of place, not neccessarily costume like. Also note the two different shades of Cameron tartans; he uses the modern hue for his plaid, and the ancient hue for his kilt. He also wears a lovely Pine Marten sporran. I have seen this done before with the Clan Donald Chiefs and Chieftains.

Actually, Kyle, Lochiel is wearing two tartans here: a kilt of Cameron tartan, and a plaid of Cameron of Lochiel, which is his personal tartan and may only be worn by Lochiel and his close family.

**mull** · 11th February 10, 03:48 PM

The post above seems to give credit to me for posting of the photo, which I did not, although I was I had ready access to such resources.

All of these photos showing the plaid are fabulous and I think the subjects in them look born to it.

My earlier statement was meant to read that [I]I[I] could not wear the garment with the type of conviction to make it work. It would appear costumish (sp) on me.

It does not change the fact that I love the look. I hope others more suited to it keep it alive as an option.

Joe

**creagdhubh** · 11th February 10, 04:33 PM

[QUOTE=JSFMACLJR;852784]

Originally Posted by creagdhubh

Actually, Kyle, Lochiel is wearing two tartans here: a kilt of Cameron tartan, and a plaid of Cameron of Lochiel, which is his personal tartan and may only be worn by Lochiel and his close family.

Oh okay. I did think that the setts looked a wee bit different. Thanks for the clarification!