untraditional traditions

[Whidbey78]

As the OP, my thinking about the form of modern kilts hasn't changed; they are, as Alan H has stated, UKs etc. What has changed is the organization of the whole site. Previous to the "new" Xmarks there was a clearly defined "contemporary kilt" sub-forum and I would not have posted this thread there. It would probably have gone under "general kilt talk" instead.

This recently redefined "modern kilt wear" sub-forum seems to me to be the place to discuss both modern kilts and less_than_traditional ways of wearing traditional kilts. This is indeed a change and I'd be interested to know how this was arrived at by the forum owner/mods? Or have I mis-intepreted what this sub-forum is intended for?

Has other people's thinking changed about what a modern kilt is?

Yes, my thoughts on what defines a modern kilt has changed, as have the offerings in kilts that are not entirely traditional. (I count traditional style PV tartan kilts as traditional kilts though some say it HAS to be wool. I can't wear most wools, so I count PV as a tratitional material.) It once applied to UK's, and the like, in my mind, but I think it has evolved to cover a "middle of the road" design as well. I'm talking about the ones made of modern materials such as poly-cotton twill, that are not intended to mimic wool as PV is, but are styled in a semi-traditional fashion, and usually in solid colors, but sometimes in pinstripe, check, suit fabrics and patterns, etc. Freedom Kilts, Neo-Kilt, and some from Flamongo kilt are good examples. They have wider aprons than UK type garments, some are knife pleated, some have a more traditional box pleat style than UK types.

I think that they are a great addition to what's available and bridge the gap between the workwear and (in my opinion) rocker style of the UK type kilts and the old traditional style. They give those who want a contemporary kilt a way to get one without giving up the traditional look, or at least not feel as though they have abandoned it.

Frankly, I think the only reason all contemporary kilts are not seen worn MUCH more often is a matter of economics as they are often in the same price range, if not higher, that a traditional unit from most kiltmakers in North America. That's one reason I never bought a UK or comparable kilt...a PV Semi-traditional from USAK and others is the same price or cheaper, and it's made out of the same material as the coveralls I wear at work, and consumed a comparable amount of material in it's making yet cost 8-10 times as much. Tartan is expensive compared to poly-cotton twill, duck, canvas, denim, even when comparing wholesale prices. That's why I've started making my own. I can make 6 to 10 kilts for the cost of one UK. Granted, I realize you're paying for the makers time and I won't even get into that side of the equasion.

Oops... getting off topic again.

[Whidbey78]

Whidby, you are a great gentleman, have some excellent insights, and absolutely my ire is not directed at you in the slightest!

Thank you Sir. Same to you.