Are kilts gothic (or anti-gothic)

[Dirka Skene]

I'm not sure I understand exactly what you're asking, but I think goths wear kilts because they are not in the mainstream. My experience with goths is that they strive to be as "unconformist" (an impossibility, in my own opinion) as possible, and see kilts as a way tobe different.

Goths.....the other everybody else.

[canawler]

(On the subject of Faerie Festivals, I find it interesting that there seem to be more kilts worn by visitors there
than at the Scottish festivals I've been to. It also
seems that people are more willing to "let their hair down"
at a Faerie Festival. I guess the kilties are less wary
of being accosted by the "tartan police.")

I resisted going to our local faerie festival for years as I am not into the whole worshipping mother earth theme they put forth, but last spring my wife talked me into it. I had an absolutely great time. This is the best "people watching" event I can imagine. I noticed the EXACT same thing you mention above. There was a drastically higher percentage of kilt wearing at the faerie fest than at any Scottish event or Renn faire I have attended (7 in the last year.) An earlier post mentioned the wearing of cheap kilts at these events and I have to say that really wasn't the case at this event. Also, the vendors were heavily tilted toward celtic themes. It's a shame no tartan kiltmakers or sellers were present as they are missing a golden opportunity (the Utilikilts booth was crowded all day.) People were definitely having more fun at this event than most highland games.

[Kilted KT]

well, I'm not "gothic" ( at least I don't think so...haven't been to the Doctor in a while), so I don't know. I do know I wear the kilt all the time, so it seems to me that it is just worn by those who want to wear it, regardless of social affiliation.

[David in Maryland]

Well, I know if I am wearing my kilt, and I feel that I have not gotten enough compliments on it for the day, I go to the local stores that cater to goths. They love it when I come in, even though I am wearing a traditional tartan, sporran and everything else. I even went in one time on my way to something formal wearing a sherrifmuir jacket and lace jabot. They thought that was the "coolest". Kilts, even worn traditionally, go against the norm. That's how things are in my neck of the woods.

[McMurdo]

Any goths I have seen kilted have worn the more contemporary type of kilt, not traditional at all.
Having said that I should say I am not into the goth culture, however I do have tattoos, traditional kilts, and a 14 yr old daughter who has friends and may be leaning towards gothic culture herself.
I am sure that they would find the traditional kilt cool as it is outside the norm.
So in answer to your question I suppose that kilts are indeed goth wear.

[Erisianmonkey]

It all depends on the subtype of goth you're talking to. Trendy goths wear whatever the most popular goth around them likes, usually following the lines of Marilyn Manson, or some other celebrity. Old school goths like myself tend to wear mostly, if not all black, and tend to like clothing in a mix of highly futuristic and older (pre-1900) styles. Contrary to popular opinion, makeup isn't necessary. I myself almost never wear it anymore, because I prefer to wear a beard, and powder and cold cream is a massive nightmare to scrape out of facial hair. Kilts have always appealed to me because they are not only fairly uncommon, they look damn good with all black accessories. When I get into "full battle dress" as my friend used to call it, the fact that I'm wearing a tartan kilt takes a major back seat to the spiked collar, spiked armband, and full finger ring that I'm wearing. I don't always do this, but I can also dress up the belt and sporran with chains and cuffs. When I go all out, there is never a doubt that I'm goth.

[Josh_E]

I think the kilt transcends cultures, demographics, lifestyles, religions, and fashion tastes. Everybody loves kilts and we are bound to see people of every aspect of life discovering the kilt. After all, given the wide range we have these days, there is an option for everyone and it is an extrememly adaptable article of clothing that can be used in almost every style of dress.

I think Colin might be on to something here!

[Woodsheal]

...And, what about kilted Visigoths??

[Dreadbelly]

Goth?



Oh my Goth!

[MacHummel]

Well in my youth I was into the goth/ punk thing , I was a huge fan of BauHaus, Sisters of Mercy, Birthday Party etc, I was always wanting to wear something that was different i wanted a kilt back then, but didn't have the finances or the knowledge, the kilt itself is a great symbol of going against the grain, I went and saw Nine Inch Nails a couple of years ago and wore my black kilt and Docs I got many compliments, when I wear kilts to the school I work at same thing the newer generation of goth types also ask about them ,I see more people accepting the kilt as part of regular wardrobe . So is the kilt another tool of gathering a community of people together, regardless of age,gender, social group, etc. I think we may have stubbled onto something. Is there anything the kilt can"t do.