CommanDO or DONT

[auld argonian]

The Houston Chronicle devoted space to an AP story on this issue today, complete with a photo of a white hosed Sean Connery...

Since this is only thing remotely Celtic that's been in the Chronicle since the annual little St'Patrick's parade photo on March 18th, it just goes to show that the only thing that most citizens know or find interesting about kilts is the commando question.

That's obvious from the fact that the most often asked question you get is not "what tartan is that?" but rather, "hey whaadaya wear under that?"

Best

AA

[Dale Seago]

Dale, good post, good point. Is that DIY, or do you have a source for us?

For the shirt, go to http://jas-townsend.com/index.php and look at the various iterations of their "18th century work shirt".

[Chas]

For the life of me I don't understand why such unbifurcated "kilt protectors" aren't offered by retail kiltmakers and middlemen. They seem such a natural add on sale.

I don't understand why they aren't part of a rental deal, just like the white hose. Then there would be no need for any pronouncements by the STA.

Regards

Chas

[ForresterModern]

For the record, at the black tie event I went to kilted this past weekend, I was complimented a lot, acked about the tartan several times (despite the fact that it was Black Isle, a barely visible tartan unless the light is good), but only once did the discussion of "The Question" come up, and that was at our dinner table. Even it was more along the lines of "what do you say when people ask what you are wearing under the kilt?" rather than the direct question itself. But then again, it may have something to do with the formality of the event.

[xman]

That's obvious from the fact that the most often asked question you get is not "what tartan is that?" but rather, "hey whaadaya wear under that?"

That's inspires an interesting reply. "This is the MacWhosit of MacWhassisname clan tartan and I'm wearing it on the underside too"!

[Lyle1]

Really. I tried to find what you referred to but had no luck...

http://www.undergear.com/SubDept/Und...ctId/viewall/1

Am I looking in the wrong place?

I still stand by what I said -- I don't think it's a very common or readily available product. But it WOULD be nice to source a few if possible.

Duluth Trading Co. offers a T with a tail that is 3" normal than normal to prevent the classic plumber's crack display:

http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/c...ture=product_3

They offer this T in many colors with long or shirt sleeves with or without a pocket.

[muirkirkca]

As a senior I think comments would be more along the lines of exhibitionist or worse if there was an accidental exposure when wearing a kilt. I therefore wear underwear and leave traditional to those who feel comfortable with it.

[SteveB]

Kilt hygiene:

HOT BUTTon issue.

As a daily kilt wearer, the "soil" that I encounter is more from the seats on the train or bus, along with the grit in the air of the city. The occasional beverage spilled in the crowds at pubs and concerts require quicker cleaning.
I shower every morning, and know that what is inside the kilt is quite clean. This is with the kilts (34) that I own. Whether a kilt hire or any other kit hire, there is a layer between me and the hire kit. This is usually a very long T-shirt that is available at almost every store that sells "urban wear" for men. The T-shirts that many of our urban youth wear over themselves usually hang to mid thigh - knee area. This covers the area that is occasionally displaying their boxer shorts when the shirt rides up or they are wearing a regular length shirt.

The next area is modesty:

I have found briefs that are a beige colour, that is close to my skin tone. These are worn on the days that I teach very small children, or could be involved in a wardrobe malfunction. As these tend to result in my sporran being pushed out a bit, I only use as necessary.

I have never worn anything inside my trousers in my life. Though the trouser wearing is limited. Again if hired kit is involved, I prefer to have a layer added, be it boxers, boxer briefs or briefs as I do not desire to pick up any free gifts that might come with the hire kit.

There is also a layer between me and the kit that belongs to the band that I currently perform with. it is only for our mutual protection as some pieces are "shared".

Many who wear trousers, prefer to be regimental at all times. The same applies to wearing any other kit, kilts included.

Fortunately the interview with Brian Wilton was far more accurate than the newspaper article. (Boston Globe page 3 today.)

The soiling that has occurred to hire kilts in the U.K. as reported in some news articles would probably not be hindered by the wearing of pants under the kilt as the volume would result in two soiled garments, at least.

My tuppence. Your results might differ.

Slainte

[alzeeb]

imo it's up to the wearer, i personally prefer a bit of freedom, but would reccomend to wear an undergarment of choice when wearing a hired outfit.

as to the question of being asked what is under my kilt, i was recently in New York for a friends wedding and not once during the day did i get asked this

[Dale Seago]

On Thursday evening I plan to be kilted at the Bujinkan head master's 80th birthday party in Noda, Japan -- first time I've been kilted in Japan in several years. With 2-300 practitioners from every corner of the globe in attendance at the party it'll be interesting to see if I get asked The Question.

It'll also be my first wearing of my new FB sporran in beaver fur. I have my quid-pro-quo offer prepared: "Why sure lass, you're welcome to pet MY beaver if. . ."

Heh.

I was hoping to take one of Ryan Ross's bonnets with me too but, alas, they're not ready yet.