Highlanders Discuss Highland Attire

[SoulFyre777]

... Of course, from here on out I'll go with Highland day wear instead, which Wikipedia informs me is a perfectly acceptable substitute for morning dress.

Interesting! Learn something new every day! I would have thought highland daywear would be too casual for any wedding... Honestly, looking back, I too wish I had known all I've learned here at my wedding as well.... Of course, I too would be simply wearing a proper kilt!

[creagdhubh]

A recent post regarding the differences in Scottish and American sensibilities towards wearing the kilt really made me stop and think. Since I'm an amateur historian at heart, I was a little frustrated when I realized that I have been neglecting a real goldmine, "primary sources" if you will, here at X Marks the Scot- namely, those XMarks members who have seen the kilt in its "natural" habitat: in the Scottish Highlands.

Here's my appeal to those members of XMarks who have been part of the traditional "Highland Kilted Scene" IN SCOTLAND for an extended time :

Would you be willing to put together an article, or series of articles (to be posted here:http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/k...157/index.html ) which describe, in detail, different aspects of highland dress as you have observed it/ currently observe it in the Highlands?

For example, what does "a kilt" mean to you- what weight, style, fabric choice, tartan used, etc. What styles of sporrans are appropriate for which events? What about pictures that demonstrate your descriptions? In summation, what does Scottish highland dress REALLY look like worn in Scotland?

I know that much information of this type is already contained in different threads, but there's no one comprehensive reference that new kilt-wearers can be pointed to if interested. An article of this type would be easily accessed in the future and important information would not be lost in a flurry of OT replies or other irrelevant comments.

A disclaimer:

I recognize that many here on XMarks have no interest in a normative "set of rules". I would humbly ask those folks to see this request (purposely posted in the Traditional Highland Dress forum) for what it is- a desire for a description of how kilted Scots actually dress- and not for what it is not- a decree that all those kilted must confirm to these descriptions. Even if one has no desire to dress in a traditional way, it should be helpful to understand the traditions which underlie highland dress...

Cordially,

David

Count me in!

[creagdhubh]

Looks like the MacLarens trying to "break in line" again... I'd guess this is Lochearnhead HG? Which one are you Sandy?

MacGregor Despite Them!!!

Love the photo!

[creagdhubh]

Great photos! Thanks for posting!

I couldn't help but notice the belt being worn w/ waistcoat by the gentleman marching 2nd from the left in the above photo, but who am I to criticize, for as Jock so rightly pointed out we do not know the circumstance (& besides he is so smartly turned out!)....

I also really like the sensible shoes being worn by all, not like the proliferation of dress ghillies with tassles going up the calves seen at games over here!



Don't get me started!!!

Wonderful photos!

[creagdhubh]

Sandy,

Thanks for all the lovely pictures. I understand what you mean about "proof texts." An example:



Someone might point to the gentleman in the center of the group and say, "See! Here is a photo of a gathering of gentlemen in the Scottish Highlands and one of them is wearing his belt and waistplate with his waistcoat! Therefore it is proper to wear these both together in traditional Highland attire!"

It may not matter that you could show a hundred other photos of men wearing waistcoats sans belts, that look so much better. We have this one photo, therefore someone will say, "It has been done before, no reason not to do so again."

One fact we must always keep in mind is that Highland attire is very much a matter of individual taste and expression (at least when it is at its best). I would much rather see someone dress as an individual and perhaps risk making some fashion "don'ts" along the way, than dress like a "cookie-cutter" Scotsman and look exactly like everyone else.

That is one reason why I dislike the concept of "package outfits" offered by many retailers. "This is our Argyle package" and "this is our Prince Charlie package" and "this is our 'economy' package," etc. Sounds fine to offer a whole outfit together at a small discount, but the end result is you look like everyone else who bought the same package.

One thing you can say about the gentlemen in these photos (and the gentlemen in the stories and anecdotes that have been offered here in this thread) -- they have "owned" Highland dress and wear it with comfort and ease, and in no way as a "costume." Bravo!

I agree completely Matt!

[creagdhubh]

Thank you Sandy. For the purposes of discussion, try and forget who is wearing the kilt in Sandy's picture. Alright not many in Scotland go about wearing that attire often these days, but when they do and they do, it raises not a comment, it is a perfectly normal thing to do.

Some might comment on the brown sporran and black shoes, again, it is quite a normal thing to do in Scotland to mix leather colours. You will note that the sporran is plainer than plain and is absolutely spot on. None of that dreadful "semi dress" nonsense, that seems to be creeping in these days. Please note that the sporran is not worn too low either. You will also note that the flashes are not flapping around like a windsock on a deserted airfield, again very traditional and smart. Also please note, the height of the hose and where the bottom of the kilt lies.

To those that are trying to modernise kilt attire and are generally failing, have a close look at the jacket. OK it is not ultra traditional, nor is it ultra modern, but quite fitting and acceptable and does show that a few modern touches can be introduced whilst keeping within highland sensibilities. If you want to use a picture for a reference guide you could do no better than use this picture.

There is one minuscule comment that I could make about the kilt in the picture and it is something that happens to kilts after sitting in a car and is quite common and unless you have a few seconds to correct it, you just have to go with it. Can you spot it?

Wonderful photo! I have often looked a many, many photos of the Royal Family, when the men are in Highland attire, for inspiration for my own personal Highland dress. I wear the same style of day jacket, no epaulettes or Argyll cuffs, though I do like that particular style and wear those style of jackets when the mood arises. My tweed jackets and waistcoats come from Kinloch-Anderson out of Leith, Scotland. The quality in umatched and I have had them many years and they have held up very well. I too ensure that flashes are not blowing all over and are worn correctly, that my hose height is correct, that my kilt measurements are spot on, and that I have the proper sporran worn. I do not own any of the "semi-dress" sporrans, which I think is a bunch of rubbish. I stick with plain brown and leather sporrans with three tassels for daywear, my full-mask sporrans (badger, otter, pine marten, red fox, silver fox, and raccoon) for both day and evening wear, and my ornate hair sporrans for the fullest of full dress. I love looking at photos such as the one posted of Prince Edward, they are always correct, and the ease in which him and the Prince of Wales look whilst in correct Highland attire, specifically daywear, is inspirational and motivating!

[creagdhubh]

Sandy,

Thanks for all the lovely pictures. I understand what you mean about "proof texts." An example:



Someone might point to the gentleman in the center of the group and say, "See! Here is a photo of a gathering of gentlemen in the Scottish Highlands and one of them is wearing his belt and waistplate with his waistcoat! Therefore it is proper to wear these both together in traditional Highland attire!"

It may not matter that you could show a hundred other photos of men wearing waistcoats sans belts, that look so much better. We have this one photo, therefore someone will say, "It has been done before, no reason not to do so again."

One fact we must always keep in mind is that Highland attire is very much a matter of individual taste and expression (at least when it is at its best). I would much rather see someone dress as an individual and perhaps risk making some fashion "don'ts" along the way, than dress like a "cookie-cutter" Scotsman and look exactly like everyone else.

That is one reason why I dislike the concept of "package outfits" offered by many retailers. "This is our Argyle package" and "this is our Prince Charlie package" and "this is our 'economy' package," etc. Sounds fine to offer a whole outfit together at a small discount, but the end result is you look like everyone else who bought the same package.

One thing you can say about the gentlemen in these photos (and the gentlemen in the stories and anecdotes that have been offered here in this thread) -- they have "owned" Highland dress and wear it with comfort and ease, and in no way as a "costume." Bravo!

Notice the use of the shoulder, or "blanket" plaid in the Stewards photo. Very nice. I don't know about anyone else, but don't you absolutely love the useage of the many different and often "funky" colored hose and garter combinations? I really do love the look of that with Highland daywear. For instance, the Duke of Argyll wearing the pink colored hose with purple flashes, his Campbell kilt in ancient colors, check shirt, patterned tweed jacket, loud colored necktie, fawn balmoral, and often a cromach at his side! Absolutely lovely and bang on!!!

[JSFMACLJR]

Looks like the MacLarens trying to "break in line" again... I'd guess this is Lochearnhead HG? Which one are you Sandy?

MacGregor Despite Them!!!

It's another Sandy: Alexander Stewart of Ardvorlich. He's second from the right.

[10buckstew]

I really appreciate the way some of you have taken the time and forethought to create such well rounded posts- Redshanks in particular, a very nice job!
Being an American, with Scots roots, getting the hang of decent highland wear is a learning curve, to be sure. In my family too, telling someone exactly how to do such a subtle thing, is not as valued as letting them bump into the walls themselves first.

I have not seen the word used in this thread, but I have not read it all, and yet the word needs to be mentioned, the word is;

"Brigadoon"

I have often heard Scots used this term in a derogatory fashion, to describe someone who is 'overdoing it' when it comes to wearing the garb. It is used in the same way as 'fop', 'dandy', 'dude', or 'dime-store-cowboy', is used in other parts of the english-speaking world.
(no one should take this too personally, I've definitely hit that sour-note myself when trying too hard). I think really, that one of the key uses of this thread would be to help others avoid the designation.
That being said, I know that modesty is a lifestyle for some, while 'over-the-top' is a personality trait for others, and I admire both
--your advice has been excellent, just to help myself, and others, make sure they know which effect is achieved by what they're wearing.

Having such a nice even-tempered discussion of what works, or doesn't has been very nice;
Thank you.

[thescot]

As much as I'd like bespoke, I'm in an off the peg time of life right now. I'll look around at your recommendations. Thanks a lot!

Be sure to take a look at House of Labhran, too. They're there close to where you are, and they are not cheap. But they carry top notch off-the-peg products.