5 People You Meet in Heaven

[Colin]

Hm. Does anyone have any statistics on this ... a Rasmussen poll of what percentage of men stuck with their wedding clothes after a Scottish wedding? I'd bet that the percentage is below 25%. And that's including men who had worn a kilt previously, or were inclined to do so. Among those who wore the kilt out the first time for their nuptials, I'd bet 90% made it their LAST time, too -- a 10% successful conversion rate. We've gotta get that number up.

It's funny how people seem to be bashed for liking their kilts for formal occasions and now wearing them in a day to day environment. It really is a "respect my choice" without the return. I have a few of the newer style kilts, but purchased myself the really nice, expensive stuff for the more formal occasions. I like the way it is constructed and the way it looks. A cut away jacket and a cheaper kilt will never measure up side by side on the formal side. Can I wear my expensive 8 yard traditional casually.....you betcha. I am not sure why people that only wear their kilts to their weddings, highland games, and Burns nights are less important to promoting the kilt than the day to day wearers. But that is just differing opinions.

Speaking of kilts use after weddings, I would actually think the number is higher, as we have seen numerous examples on this forum where poeple owned the kilt for the wedding and were looking to wear it more often and came across this forum. I know about 6 people that got a kilt for Burns night with the parents or a wedding, that now wear their kilt a few times a year. They have used it for Christmas parties, other weddings, highland games, kilts night, Burns night, Hogmanay, St. Paddy's day, Christmas dinner, etc. Can the same be said about people that buy a tux for their wedding?

So while some may see themselves as pioneers for the day to day wearing of numerous styles of kilts, let's not bash those that don't feel the need to wear it every day. After all, over exposure can lead to the kilt becoming a fad. We all have our opinions and our desires for the the kilt and it's usage, so a little respect would be nice for all points of view.

[Iolaus]

...After all, over exposure can lead to the kilt becoming a fad...

I don't think that's going to happen!

[Colin]

I don't think that's going to happen!

You never know these days. All it takes is one of the "popular at the minute" celebs to take to kilts. Than all the people that think Paris Hilton has something to offer the planet will be saying "kilts are great", buy a couple and wear them until the next "celeb of the second" decides parachute pants should come back. Than it's a fad. Our culture is very disposable and very Pop culture driven these days.

Unfortunately the comtemporary styles of kilts run the risk of this more than the traditional style kilts, which have a BIG foot hold on formal, tradition events and as the National dress of Scotland. People of Scottish heritage will always look to the kilt, where as others may not. So while the Utilikilts, etc are able to appeal to a market bigger than just the Celtic heritage market, that may one day be the undoing of those firms. I hope to not see this, but anything is a possibility in t today's world.

[Rigged]

Even if kilts come and go as a fad, that has nothing to do with us.

[Ugly Bear]

It's funny how people seem to be bashed for liking their kilts for formal occasions and now wearing them in a day to day environment. I am not sure why people that only wear their kilts to their weddings, highland games, and Burns nights are less important to promoting the kilt than the day to day wearers. But that is just differing opinions.

It's all in what your goals are. My goal is to make kilts a viable clothing choice by the end of 2012. The occasional wearer isn't really about that, and he helps reinforce the "kilt-as-costume" stereotype (ie: that a kilt is something that is only worn under very clearly defined circumstances). I'll grant that the occasional wearer is better than the never-gonna-wearer, but unless they wear their kilts somewhere other than the altar, the highland events field or the Burns supper table, they are not really what I'm about.

Am I saying they're wrong to do so? Hardly. But I'll do what I can to make them more than just occasional wearers. Trouble is, I'm not sure what to do. So I thought I'd ask around.

Speaking of kilts use after weddings, I would actually think the number is higher, as we have seen numerous examples on this forum where poeple owned the kilt for the wedding and were looking to wear it more often and came across this forum. ... Can the same be said about people that buy a tux for their wedding?

I don't know! That's where statistics would come in handy.

So while some may see themselves as pioneers for the day to day wearing of numerous styles of kilts, let's not bash those that don't feel the need to wear it every day.

Ain't bashin', just nudgin'. They gotta know that kilts are good the other 362 days of the year, too. And, yeah, I know that they might know that already. But there's knowing it, and then there's KNOWING it.

[Colin]

Ugly Bear,
Based on your objectives, I can see your point of view. My only real thought about it may be that calling people out or bashing the "sometimes- wear" people may actually put them off from becoming a more regular kilt wearer. I know that personally I do not respond to intimidation (not saying you are doing that at all) and usually rebel against that or follow another path in spite. So while your intentions may be innocent, some people may be too sensitive. From reading your posts the last few years, I know that you are like me in that I call a spade a spade and have very little time for beating around the bush. Some people just aren't use to this form of persuasion these days.

Some people may be leaning on the "I'm gonna wear my kilt more" cusp, but than may be start to feel unworthy based on comments against the traditional kilt attire or events. In my opinion, if people want to get used to the kilt through traditional Scottish events before taking the plunge and wearing it to work, to the pub, etc...I am completely cool with that. We all adjust at our own pace.

Good luck with your objective of making the kilt an viable alternative by 2012, that's a good goal.

[macwilkin]

It's all in what your goals are. My goal is to make kilts a viable clothing choice by the end of 2012. The occasional wearer isn't really about that, and he helps reinforce the "kilt-as-costume" stereotype (ie: that a kilt is something that is only worn under very clearly defined circumstances). I'll grant that the occasional wearer is better than the never-gonna-wearer, but unless they wear their kilts somewhere other than the altar, the highland events field or the Burns supper table, they are not really what I'm about.

Am I saying they're wrong to do so? Hardly. But I'll do what I can to make them more than just occasional wearers.

I do not wear my kilt 365 days of the year, and never plan on it. My kilt is important to me as a symbol of my heritage and family, and I don't want to see it become "just another garment" because of the meaning behind it for me. I wear my kilt for St. Andrew's Day, Burns Night and Tartan Day, Scottish functions and educational programs -- these days and events are important to me, and the kilt adds to the significance of those days.

I wore a kilt to my wedding because it was important to me to honour my family. We incorporated Scottish and Cajun customs in our wedding to pay tribute to our families which were so instrumental in shaping who my wife and I are today, as well as our two grandmothers, also both very proud of their heritages, who were there in spirit, though not in body.

What if they (occasional wearers) don't want to be more than "occasional wearers"? That is there choice, and it should be respected. Not saying that you don't, but respect is a two-way street.

For those like myself, there is nothing "stereotypical" behind wearing the kilt for weddings, games and Burns Suppers -- it's only natural. Sure, I wear my traditional kilt casually for games and other outdoor activities, but that's the beauty of a traditional kilt, sort of like a long-sleeved shirt -- you can always roll the sleeves up to make it casual, but you can't make a short-sleeved shirt more formal! :mrgreen:

As a traditionalist, I respect all points-of-view and all forms of kilt-wearing. I hold myself and myself only responsible for "dressing traditionally". All I ask is the same in return.

Regards,

Todd

[bubba]

I've said it before, I'm not into causes. Yes, I wear my kilts every day because I like to and am comfortable doing so. This doesn't mean I think everyone should or that everyone needs to wear it the way I do. Wear your kilts as you see fit.

[Ugly Bear]

My only real thought about it may be that calling people out or bashing the "sometimes- wear" people may actually put them off from becoming a more regular kilt wearer.

No, not "bashing" at all! Just nudging. Look, I'll start with cajunscot:

I do not wear my kilt 365 days of the year, and never plan on it. My kilt is important to me as a symbol of my heritage and family, and I don't want to see it become "just another garment" because of the meaning behind it for me.

You're right; the kilt is NOT "just another garment," and it won't ever be. You know from experience that it is special. But you also know from experience that it has a number of practical advantages over trousers, and those practical advantages shouldn't be limited to a few special occasions throughout the year.

How about a contemporary kilt, without tartan? That would give you the advantages of going unbifurcated, and wouldn't degrade your heritage.

I'm not saying you should go kilted 365 days a year (I don't); my hope is that people like you would at least have the option of choosing any of those 365 days to go kilted.

What if they (occasional wearers) don't want to be more than "occasional wearers"? That is there choice, and it should be respected. Not saying that you don't, but respect is a two-way street.

As a traditionalist, I respect all points-of-view and all forms of kilt-wearing. I hold myself and myself only responsible for "dressing traditionally". All I ask is the same in return.

Respectfully, then, I'll stop my pitch here.

There; that's the best pitch I can think of to persuade that 90% I mentioned earlier. I could have gone on (and on, and on) on the topic, but you really have to rein it in when you're trying to persuade.

[macwilkin]

No, not "bashing" at all! Just nudging. Look, I'll start with cajunscot:

You're right; the kilt is NOT "just another garment," and it won't ever be. You know from experience that it is special. But you also know from experience that it has a number of practical advantages over trousers, and those practical advantages shouldn't be limited to a few special occasions throughout the year.

How about a contemporary kilt, without tartan? That would give you the advantages of going unbifurcated, and wouldn't degrade your heritage.

I'm not saying you should go kilted 365 days a year (I don't); my hope is that people like you would at least have the option of choosing any of those 365 days to go kilted.

Respectfully, then, I'll stop my pitch here.

There; that's the best pitch I can think of to persuade that 90% I mentioned earlier. I could have gone on (and on, and on) on the topic, but you really have to rein it in when you're trying to persuade.

UB: But I would argue that I already have that option with a traditional kilt. A traditional is versitile enough to be worn formally, as part of "business/day" attire, or even "casual" for games or other outdoor events. I have the option; I just choose not to use it.

To be quite honest, I'm not big on this whole unbifurcated thing. I wear a kilt primarily for my heritage, but I also still wear (and like) trousers! If others are into it, that's fine, and I respect their POV.

I'm wearing one of my favourite pair today: some LL Bean olive cord trousers which are some of the most comfortable I have ever owned. I'm hoping to purchase a pair of traditional trews soon as an alternative to my kilt at formal functions.

I'm not much of a "contemporary kilt" person either. The concept just doesn't appeal to me. That doesn't mean that I'm not impressed by the quality of workanship of a good contemporary, such as the Freedom Kilts, or the casuals of USA kilts -- on the contrary. I'm just a "bluff old traditionalist" when it comes to my kilts. My next kilt will be one of Matt's, since I like the idea of the historical box-pleated kilt, again, as a nice alternative to the 8 yard traditional.

You do express your opinion very well, though.

Cheers,

Todd