Clan Crest on a Kilt---Where?

**BraveheartedO-fWolf** · 13th January 11, 09:39 AM

Yes...ForresterModern...sound like we have the same type badge.
Thanks for the help. My kilt does not sport my clan colors (its solid tan), so I think it will be fine to wear it where you have stated.

I also think now just pinning to my right pocket would work well (ala Riverkilt).

Thanks!

**macwilkin** · 13th January 11, 09:47 AM

Just my twa bob:

The badge that you and FM describe is in fact, a blazer badge. In the old days, bullion regimental/school/organisational badges were sewn directly to a blazer. Sometime in the last 10-20 years, companies started making them with clutchbacks (affectionally known as as "dammits") so one would not have to sew the badge to a blazer. I have one like this for our local St. Andrew's Society, and another for an organisation of altar servers/acolytes that I belong to in the Episcopal Church. Oddly enough, I find myself wearing them less and less.

In my opinion, blazer badges are just too big to be worn in place of a kilt pin. They are designed, in size and material (bullion wire) to be worn on the pocket of a blazer/club jacket.

Also, I'm not big on wearing items traditionally associated with Highland attire with contemporary kilts such a Utilikilt, because the inventor of said garment fully admits they were never based on a traditional Scottish kilt. Now again, that's just my opinion, and I know it's not a popular one around here. If you choose to do it -- great. I don't own a contemporary kilt, and probably never will -- and if I did, I wouln't try to "convert" it to a traditional kilt -- I've heard Hamish even say this that he avoids trappings of Highland attire with his modern kilts.

So again -- this is just my observations. Your mileage may very.

Respectfully,

Todd

**BoldHighlander** · 13th January 11, 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

In my opinion, blazer badges are just too big to be worn in place of a kilt pin. They are designed, in size and material (bullion wire) to be worn on the pocket of a blazer/club jacket.

I have seen "mini" versions of these blazer badges that would work for your purpose, however....

I have to agree with Todd (below), but then it is just my opinion and really applies only to me.

Originally Posted by cajunscot

Also, I'm not big on wearing items traditionally associated with Highland attire with contemporary kilts such a Utilikilt, because the inventor of said garment fully admits they were never based on a traditional Scottish kilt. Now again, that's just my opinion, and I know it's not a popular one around here. If you choose to do it -- great. I don't own a contemporary kilt, and probably never will -- and if I did, I wouln't try to "convert" it to a traditional kilt -- I've heard Hamish even say this that he avoids trappings of Highland attire with his modern kilts.

So again -- this is just my observations. Your mileage may very.

**BraveheartedO-fWolf** · 13th January 11, 03:47 PM

So, what I think I get from all of your great responses is that there is some thought that combining periods (old/modern) styles is sort of a no-no or at least somewhat frowned upon.

On the the hand, there seems to be some thought that you can do as you please.

I guess what I am talking about is wearing the kilt to more formal, non-Scottish events, like say a party or a graduation from the men's initiations I am involved in. I think in that case it looks like wearing it on the pocket may work and not be too off base (heaven knows most if not all in attendance would never know it was not proper)....but to where to a Scottish event the mixing is sounding a bit improper.

Do I have that right?

**Jordan** · 13th January 11, 04:48 PM

Originally Posted by BraveheartedO-fWolf

So, what I think I get from all of your great responses is that there is some thought that combining periods (old/modern) styles is sort of a no-no or at least somewhat frowned upon.

On the the hand, there seems to be some thought that you can do as you please.

I guess what I am talking about is wearing the kilt to more formal, non-Scottish events, like say a party or a graduation from the men's initiations I am involved in. I think in that case it looks like wearing it on the pocket may work and not be too off base (heaven knows most if not all in attendance would never know it was not proper)....but to where to a Scottish event the mixing is sounding a bit improper.

Do I have that right?

Personally I wouldn't wear my utilikilt to a formal event. They are alright for general war but really don't look right when people try to dress them up.

Just my opinion of course
Jordan

**zirrow** · 17th October 11, 03:32 PM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

... The badge that you and FM describe is in fact, a blazer badge. In the old days, bullion regimental/school/organisational badges were sewn directly to a blazer. ...

Forgive my ignorance, but are we talking about a blazer that is worn with trousers or with a kilt?

**Downunder Kilt** · 17th October 11, 03:40 PM

I believe the term blazer refers to one that your wear with trousers, as they almost always had patch pockets for the L/H/S chest pocket and this would be where you would attach it. I have not seen any kilt jackets with a patch chest pocket.

**zirrow** · 17th October 11, 03:46 PM

Ok, so then we are talking about taking a clan item and putting on a non-Highland dress article of clothing to begin with. How is it any worse to put it on a UK versus a blazer?

**macwilkin** · 17th October 11, 05:31 PM

Originally Posted by zirrow

Ok, so then we are talking about taking a clan item and putting on a non-Highland dress article of clothing to begin with. How is it any worse to put it on a UK versus a blazer?

I wouldn't say it's any "worse", but something to keep in mind: a blazer badge was designed for a specific garment, namely the blazer/club jacket, regardless of what emblem (regiment, society, school, etc.) is depicted on the badge.

Also, remember that the bullion badge depicting a clansman's badge (and worn with Highland rig) is usually seen among the diaspora, so it really doesn't have a place among traditional Highland attire anyway. That's not to say it's wrong, just that it is a relatively recent innovation, and largely found overseas, as opposed to Scotland itself.

BUT, the blazer/club jacket is found the UK, mostly worn by regimental associations, fraternal lodges, etc.

When I wore my clansman's badge with my blazer, it was a blazer and grey flannels for times I couldn't (or didn't want to) wear a kilt, yet still display a tangible symbol of my heritage.

Again, your mileage may vary.

T.

**zirrow** · 17th October 11, 05:50 PM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

... BUT, the blazer/club jacket is found the UK, mostly worn by regimental associations, fraternal lodges, etc.

When I wore my clansman's badge with my blazer, it was a blazer and grey flannels for times I couldn't (or didn't want to) wear a kilt, yet still display a tangible symbol of my heritage. ...

Interesting, so the blazer badge was designed as more of an exclusive badge to be worn by the "in crowd" when they couldn't (or didn't want to) wear a kilt. What we need is a kind of badge that can be worn by someone not of a regimental or fraternal organization, but who is has an affiliation with their clan and would like to display their heritage without kilting up in full Highland fashion. I like the idea of the patch you mentioned previously, but perhaps like the blazer badge, possibly something that has evolved to be removable.