THCD Photo Examples

[saxandpipes]

Perhaps what they are appropriate for is pipers, and pipe-bands ;)

[saxandpipes]

...

*This is generally the case. I know that one can find photos of Argyll wearing "ghillie brogues" in the daytime, etc., but that doesn't really change what the "norm" is...

Is this the photo you are thinking of?

[chrisupyonder]

My understanding of ghillie-brogues is that they were originally boots made of 3 pieces of leather (brogueing and cheaper) had no tongue and were left with holes at the join of the leather. They were designed to be worn by Gillies for tramping accross soggy moorland and the holes allowed the water to drain out of the shoes/boots. Never for any form of formal wear or even daywear unless tramping accross said bog.

I will never wear them. Jusy my 2p worth.

Chris.

[SlackerDrummer]

*This is generally the case. I know that one can find photos of Argyll wearing "ghillie brogues" in the daytime, etc., but that doesn't really change what the "norm" is...

Is this the photo you are thinking of?

That brings up an interesting question (for me at least) about this norm. We know from photos and paintings that the ghillie brogue was worn in the past. There are any number of reasons it may have fallen out of favor ranging from the normal change in fashion to larger scale manufacturing and more ready availability of other shoes. So is the ghillie brogue not the norm because it is improper or because it is unnecessary (i.e. most men have another pair of suitable shoes which can be worn with the kilt and other outfits)?

[lukeyrobertson]

From a Canadian point of view, not raised with any coaching on "traditional" highland dress, or with an appreciation of the historical significance of certains styles, forms or types of highland dress, I admit to owning Ghillie Brogues. I can't say that the decision to purchase them was all that "informed", but it was based on what I like. I shall wear them when I feel like it. And I shall not wear them when I don't. I shall tramp around in them. I shall dance in them. I shall perhaps even muster an occasional fling in them. And I suppose, if they are connected to the more impoverished classes, I shall wear them proudly. I like the laces, I like the leather. And they are black. Traditional? Suitable? Not "just" right? I don't know. But I do think there is an eye-catching respect for them on this side of the pond. I think there's a certain "hello there" with ghillies and an awareness of tradition morning, day or evening.

[davidlpope]

Is this the photo you are thinking of?

One of them...

[davidlpope]

That brings up an interesting question (for me at least) about this norm. We know from photos and paintings that the ghillie brogue was worn in the past. There are any number of reasons it may have fallen out of favor ranging from the normal change in fashion to larger scale manufacturing and more ready availability of other shoes. So is the ghillie brogue not the norm because it is improper or because it is unnecessary (i.e. most men have another pair of suitable shoes which can be worn with the kilt and other outfits)?

I think it's because it's been adopted by pipe bands as part of their uniform....

[Cygnus]

I think it's because it's been adopted by pipe bands as part of their uniform....

I don't think it's entirely for that reason - I'd say it's more because the rental shops all push ghillie shoes and cheap white hose as being the traditional Scottish choice (especially for formal wear, which they're not). Because of this, both the ghillie brogues and white hose tend to give the impression of somebody trying to be authentic, as opposed to the real thing.

I think this puts most experienced kilt-wearers off of them, even if they are traditional day-wear shoes.

[SlackerDrummer]

I think it's because it's been adopted by pipe bands as part of their uniform....

If that's the reason, I expect they would have all given up the kilt by now.

P.S. Sorry for hijacking your really excellent thread, David.

[lukeyrobertson]

Why would rental shops push ghillie brogues and cheap white hose? I see the results, I just don't get it. One of the local shops with owners who are scots say "ecru" hose are more "formal" If most folks are not accustomed to THCD practice, one would think "OK, then". Same for GB's. I don't know the answer to my own question. But are we giving rental shops a little too much power by letting that be the reason for wearing or not wearing ghillie brogues? Curious, that's all.