From "Normal" to "Formal" - the kilt's place as a Highland garment

[McElmurry]

Slag 101.

I think most people of whatever "Class" in the UK, will all have a vague(if pushed) knowledge of the levels of formality, although I think many would struggle on the finer points. They may not ever wish, or care, to get involved in the social scene, or the opportunity may not ever arise for them even to have the chance and that is a fact, but one Brit's idea of "formal" would be pretty much the same as another's.

My Grandad McElmurry was a shoe repairman but would don his “Sunday goin t’meetin” jacket and tie for church and other special occasions. I suspect others in the USA up through the 1950’s who had no need for social or business dress also wore their best clothes to church. I am not suggesting a Scot would have taken his kilt out of hiding to wear on Sunday, just that some people (even those of little means) like to get dressed up on Sunday.

[Jock Scot]

My Grandad McElmurry was a shoe repairman but would don his “Sunday goin t’meetin” jacket and tie for church and other special occasions. I suspect others in the USA up through the 1950’s who had no need for social or business dress also wore their best clothes to church. I am not suggesting a Scot would have taken his kilt out of hiding to wear on Sunday, just that some people (even those of little means) like to get dressed up on Sunday.

I don't think we differ by much then and things have become more casual in the last few decades, here in the UK. Also the advent of the "cheap suit" and the "cheap" kilt has brought these items of clothing within the reach of many more people's pockets should they choose to want one. Nevertheless "formal" and "dress" in the UK does not, even these days, mean a suit.

[McElmurry]

I don't think we differ by much then and things have become more casual in the last few decades, here in the UK. Also the advent of the "cheap suit" and the "cheap" kilt has brought these items of clothing within the reach of many more people's pockets should they choose to want one. Nevertheless "formal" and "dress" in the UK does not, even these days, mean a suit.

For purposes of this thread, and considering the limits of generalizing about a population of 300 million people, I think we are close enough. Meanwhile, back in the Highlands, the kilt is being set aside as everyday rural wear for some reason. Is it industrialization, poverty, proscription, urbanization …enquiring minds want to know.