What is Traditional Highland Dress?

[CMcG]

This is "the place to talk about Traditional and Classic Highland Apparel and Style," right? But what does that actually mean?

There is precedent for the discussions to centre around post-WWI civilian attire, though I haven't seen any written rule to that effect. There seem to me to be other types of traditional or classic Highland apparel and style that don't have another home on this site...

When anyone posts in this section about pipers, the military, pre-20th century dress, or contemporary style, they are usually chastised for being off-topic. It seems to me, however, that these are important aspects of Highland attire. At the very least they are important influences.

I'm not talking about fullest, uniform regalia; overblown, Romantic-era, historical attire; or modern, runway fashion, which might go more on the Historical or Modern sections of Xmarks. I mean situations where pipers are wearing outfits that are similar to what their kilted audience might wear. Or some types of mess dress that are also not so different from what civilians wear. Or historical attire that is very nearly the same as modern attire. Or contemporary variations on tradition that don't entirely break with convention.

I recognize that the nature of tradition is conservative but why can't there be room here for broader discussion of all aspects of Highland attire?

[The Guy in the Kilt at UC]

The way I see it: "Traditional Highland Dress" is what my grandfather would tell me to wear if he were alive to tell me. Something still worn, and seen as classic rather than historical.

[thescot]

What he said. That's a pretty good way to put it.

If Jock wouldn't be embarrassed in it, then it's traditional.

[Bugbear]

If Jock wouldn't be embarrassed in it, then it's traditional.

You mean like ghillie brogues?

I've come to realize it's not something about which I should worry too much.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

This is "the place to talk about Traditional and Classic Highland Apparel and Style," right? But what does that actually mean?

Actually I think Steve has done a pretty good job of defining the nearly indefinable. If you look at the title of this forum it defines traditional and classic Highland apparel and style as spanning the time period of "Basically from the reign of Edward VII to the 1980s". (Edward VII was king from 1901 until 1910)

"Historical Highland Attire" centers on discussions of uniforms and historical civilian Highland attire basically worn prior to the reign of Edward VII. There is also a thread for contemporary Highland attire, which focuses on trends in civilian Highland styles from more-or-less the mid-1980s to the present day.

The Traditional and Contemporary forums are intended to focus on civilian attire, while the Historical forum includes discussions of uniforms-- for example American Civil War units that were kilted, or information on the current uniforms of the Royal Regiment of Scotland-- as well as great kilts, and Jacobite period costuming. The Historical forum has, to my mind, a broader appeal because it covers both military and civilian attire in an historical context-- a reference library, if you will, rather than a guide to being a well-dressed Scot in either a contemporary or traditional style.

When the issue of pipe bands and pipers comes up, it seems to me that there are two options available to the person posting the information: the Historical forum, or the forum on Celtic Music. Either of these would appear to be more germane to the topic than posting in either the Traditional or Contemporary forums.

Within the topics of the three "Highland Dress" forums wide ranging (and sometime heated) discussions do take place and, indeed are to be encouraged. That said, most participants probably appreciate it if the threads can be kept to the topic. Does this mean that references to pipe bands, soldiers, or Jacobite cuff buttons are verbotten in anything other than "Historical Highland Attire"?-- Certainly not. But, if in initiating a thread (or posting a reply) much more than a passing reference is intended, then the thread should probably be posted in a more appropriate forum.

[Panache]

Here's my two cents

Historical Kilted Attire: Clothing recreating fashions from past eras and nowadays no longer worn currently by the vast majority. Generally seen as a type of costume by most. (example: The Belted Plaid/Great Kilt)

Vintage/Classic/Traditional Kilted Attire : Clothing that has stood the test of time and regardless of how many decades ago if was designed remains a viable fashion option. (example: The Montrose doublet, buckle brogues, jabots)

Modern/Contemporary Kilted Attire : Clothing that is currently in Fashion but as yet unproven whether it will remain a viable fashion option
(example Utilikilts, R Kilts, 21st Century Kilts).

These are not set in stone. Fashion changes. It is possible that wearing a Montrose doublet or buckle brogues could one day be considered a costume and akin to a Colonial outfit complete with tights and a powdered wig. White hose could be come a "classic look" while the word "Utilikilts" might someday bring the same pained looks and embarassment that some of us have for the "Miami Vice" look of the early 1980's.

It is helpful to try to post to direct one's information or inquiries in the section that best fits because the goal is to ieducate people about all the options and help them determine for themselves their own "look"

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

[davidlpope]

Here's another good thread on the topic started by...
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...16/index3.html

I think it's almost easier to see "traditional highland dress" in photos, instead of trying to define it. It seems that one can have all the "right pieces" but the overall effect may not look right. To that end, I suggest the photo thread which features HRH Prince Charles.

Cordially,

David

[fluter]

Actually I think Steve has done a pretty good job of defining the nearly indefinable.

An excellent point, MoR. thanks for reminding us. It's amazing what we can accomplish by reading the little words on the screen.

I'll offer only a partial quibble:

There is also a thread for contemporary Highland attire, which focuses on trends in civilian Highland styles...

It says Modern kilt wear rather than Highland wear, so it may fairly include trends from Seattle, Brittany, or Howie Nicholsby's 21st Century Kilts. Or the sandhills of Carolina.

[CMcG]

Here's another good thread on the topic started by...
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...16/index3.html

<snip>

Yes that other thread has a similar topic, though I was trying to put a bit of different spin on this one...

Has the title of this part of the forum always said "Basically from the Reign of Edward VII to the 1980's?" I could have sworn when I cut and pasted it into the OP of this thread it only had the first part about "Traditional and Classic Highland Apparel and Style!"

[Bugbear]

Wow... Somehow I managed to not make any posts in that thread.

Question to Mods.

If you thinks someone else's thread should be in a different forum, should you report the post with that flag thingy?

* Had to double check, I do not see anything in the rules about posting the wrong topics in a forum, just that they need to be kilt related.