Undies under the Kilt

[Ayin McFye]

The event you are wearing your kilt for, if there is an event, should greatly affect whether or not you'll be wearing undergarments. Out here in Arizona it get's extremely hot, 116 degrees today, and the less we wear the better in my opinion out here.

We had a kilted kickball tournament (you can see pictures in the kilt nights forums) back in March/April, and we knew that there were going to be children out there, so we all wore our underwear that day. Children are by far the number 1 reason to wear underwear, but following closely behind in number 2 reason is, because you want to.

Although the ladies do love it when we go regimental.

[Ozman1944]

I remember reading somewhere many years ago that it was for pracitical purposes during battles in those days;
One wouldn;t be 'Caught with one's pants down" so to speak, during a surprise attack, when answering nature's call. Plus in crossing often waist deep streams etc. one simply hoisted up the kilt. No wet trousers or underwear to worry about afterward.
Today, wear underneath what is comfortable and appropriate to you. It isn't a fancy dress costume. (I never wear Flashes-why should I? they are just 'dressing up' stuff).

[JRB]

I've noticed there is a significant difference in how warm I feel in a kilt when comparing wearing undergarments to not wearing them. It's a lot more noticeable than you might think. IMO, on a sunny July day wearing underwear can mean the difference between being too hot and being comfortable. That being said, I think there are definitely times when underwear can be a good idea (around children being the most obvious). If I know I'll be at a place like, say, a bar where there's a good chance of finding rowdy drunken revelers, I'm more inclined to wear underwear. I don't really fancy having my kilt lifted while waiting to order a drink.

[Woodsheal]

I remember reading somewhere many years ago that it was for pracitical purposes during battles in those days;
One wouldn;t be 'Caught with one's pants down" so to speak, during a surprise attack, when answering nature's call. Plus in crossing often waist deep streams etc. one simply hoisted up the kilt. No wet trousers or underwear to worry about afterward.

I wouldn't say that there was ever a conscious decision on the part of Highlanders along the lines of, "We're not going to wear underwear!" And the reason is (speaking about the 'historic" period now, pre-1800) Highlanders WERE actually using the same underwear as European men elsewhere, that being long shirt tails. Separate drawers came later.
The underwear of that period for trouser and britches wearers - as well as the kilted - was your shirt tails tucked between your legs. Some even had buttons to facilitate this practice (shirt tails were knee length in those days).
So, later when underwear/drawers evolved as a separate garment (early 1800's), the backwards Highlanders simply clung to their old practice of their shirt tails being their only undergarment....

[Nervous Jock]

I apprecaite the comments made about kids and they are good value but I've never ever worn anything underneath, even when skiing in the Alps.

My old man does now and again, He's 70 so he's allowed.

We did rip the kegs of a mate who was best man at a wedding we were at. His mum told us he was wearing them and wanted us to do something about it

[sirdaniel1975]

What some say is a good time to wear under garments under a kilt.

1. As stated before "Around Children."

2. Highland Dancing in public. (I saw a gent Scottish Country dancing on stage at the Hendersonville Highland Games in regimental fashion... NOT GOOD.... there were children everywhere)

3. Marching in a parade.

4. Athletic bottoms for competing in athletic events at the Highland Games.

Of course you can do what you want.... Because that's what we all do!!

I will say this, a true man is a gentleman.

[Niblox]

It doesn't matter what you wear under your kilt. It's all a matter of personal preference. In any event, is it that important? Are women routinely asked what they wear under skirts?

[obuchiteck]

Remember, the kilt is a garment, not a costume. Wear it how you want. I frequently wear an undergarment with my kilt because I work with High Schoolers, go to punk shows kilted, and live in an area with high winds. If you want to an undergarment, wear one.

Your right, it's clothing, not a costume. I like that answer.

Thanks for all your replies.. I’ve been thinking about it, living in Chicago and not having a full heavy wool kilt it would be best to wear some undies, but a good wool one could be a bit more reliable and you could go without an underwear. About the kids, I don’t know, it seems that if you just use some common sense a flash could be avoided, never the less an accidental flash isn’t like porn, I think it would affect a child in a negative manor. Hell, they would probably find it amusing. Ha.

[McMurdo]

About the kids, I don’t know, it seems that if you just use some common sense a flash could be avoided, never the less an accidental flash isn’t like porn, I think it would affect a child in a negative manor. Hell, they would probably find it amusing. Ha.

While an accidental flash may not be porn, there are those who will find it just as offensive, maybe not the kids but the parents. The other thing that strikes me is that you say that a kid might find it amusing, well that might be however they are just as likely be somewhat disturbed.

As for me I try to gauge what it is I will be doing, where I am going that type of thing, then I decide what to wear or not wear, for example I am lucky that I can wear a kilt to work I will not go regimental to work as I do not anyone being disturbed or offended by my choice of clothing.

[McClef]

About the kids, I don’t know, it seems that if you just use some common sense a flash could be avoided, never the less an accidental flash isn’t like porn, I think it would affect a child in a negative manor. Hell, they would probably find it amusing. Ha.

Precisely.

If the kilt doesn't flash for an adult why should it do for a kid?

I have never seen flashes at ceilidhs either.