What Makes a Kilt Formal?

**McMurdo** · 22nd November 07, 04:08 PM

Originally Posted by Makeitstop

Yes, but some can be made to look formal. Because my sportkilt is solid black, it can actually look quite formal with the right outfit. It won't be the traditional outfit, but still formal nonetheless.

This I really have to disagree with, call me a snob if you want to, but a Sport Kilt is not a formal kilt. Just as Highland Games competitors for the most part will not compete in a 16oz 8 yard hand stitched kilt, so too people should refrain from wearing a Sport Kilt to a Burns Night. I really think you have to draw the line somewhere.

**Makeitstop** · 22nd November 07, 04:48 PM

I'm not saying it was made to be a formal kilt, and I don't think it would work with any other sport kilt, but the solid black (with the sewn down pleats) when properly ironed, has a rather formal look. It isn't the same as a more traditional kilt. I would guess (since I've not seen one in person) that it has more in common with the UK mocker.

If I had a picture I'd show you. I certainly wasn't expecting it myself when I first got it either, but it was the first thing I noticed when I put it on.

Maybe it's not for everyone. But when I get dragged to an annoyingly formal dance in a few months, I know what I'll be wearing.

**McMurdo** · 22nd November 07, 04:51 PM

Fair enough, but take it from someone who knows there is nothing like an 8 yard 16 oz hand sewn kilt.

**Kent Frazier** · 22nd November 07, 05:32 PM

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll just tell them we were both correct.

If I tell them that they were right I'll won't hear the end of it while we are here (we are spending Thanksgiving weekend with friends in San Antonio). And if I tell them I'm right... Well, you know...

**ccga3359** · 22nd November 07, 05:38 PM

Originally Posted by McMurdo

This I really have to disagree with, call me a snob if you want to, but a Sport Kilt is not a formal kilt. Just as Highland Games competitors for the most part will not compete in a 16oz 8 yard hand stitched kilt, so too people should refrain from wearing a Sport Kilt to a Burns Night. I really think you have to draw the line somewhere.

If I recall we did have a Sport Kilt at the last SOKS formal dinner at the Scottish Rite club. Now I'm not about to point out the "offender" second on the left. ScoutNiagara wore it to make a point. There may be a difference between a 5 yard casual in PV or an 10 oz 8 yard hand-sewn 'tank'. I also think that you can wear the 'lesser' of the kilt to most formal occasions. To me it's the accesories that make the kilt formal more so than the kilt (contemporary kilt excepted). Now looking at the above photo (see posted below) I washed out on my formal look and will be approaching our Burns supper with a renewed vigor (and look). I'll also add that attitude can also make the more formal look such as extending pinkie finger whilst slurping tea. Mind you I do that when I'm chugging beer (It's the English way after all

).