American National Clothing?

[Bigkahuna]

It should be:

Utilikilt.

Yeah! We hafta work on that!!!

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Back in the 60s the USIA (United States Information Agency) conducted a survey in several dozen countries to try to discover what was the most recognizable image of the United States. Actually there were two; an Indian and a Cowboy. So, I think it would be reasonable to say that dressing like a cowboy would mark you out as an American, while dressing like an Indian (unless you are one) would mark you out as a Ward Churchill wannabe.

[Bigkahuna]

How does one "dress like an Indian"? Most "Indians" I know wear baseball caps, t-shirts and jeans. Or suit and tie if dressing for work.

[Rex_Tremende]

"Ralph Lauren."

[Bigkahuna]

Yves Saint Lakota

[cavscout]

How does one "dress like an Indian"? Most "Indians" I know wear baseball caps, t-shirts and jeans. Or suit and tie if dressing for work.

Could try these college caps written in Cherokee

http://www.indianz.com/News/2006/017334.asp

[beloitpiper]

Blue jeans are the only things that can be applied throughout the entire country. But, just like many other countries, our National Costume depends on what part of the country you're in.

Northeast: Polo shirt, sweater over-the-shoulders, khaki pants, sailing shoes
Midwest: Black-and-red flannel jacket, Carhartt overalls, snow boots
South: White cotton Seersucker suit, mint julep
Southwest: Jeans, cowboy boots and hat, bolo tie
West coast: Surfer shorts, surf board
Northwest: Ripped jeans, flannel shirt around the waist, concert T

[vmac3205]

levi strauss, Wrangler or Lee jeans. Only those - not the rest.
T shirt (first worn by American soldies in WWII)
Any Nike logo product - and for those from the east coast who may be mis-informed, it is pronounced Nik-eee, not Nik. I went to U of O and took classes from Bill Bowerman.
Any Carhart, Filson, or LL Bean clothing

[macwilkin]

I would humbly submit, instead of "American national clothing", the quinessential American to emulate in terms of style -- for me, that would be our 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt:





*

*TR with native Scot John Muir.

Regards,

Todd

[macwilkin]

To further my nomination of T.R. as the quinessential American style, here is what Teddy had to say about kilts in a letter to his son Kermit in 1906:

Mr. Grahame, whom of course you remember, is the intimate friend and ally of the leaders of the administration, that is of Governor Beekman Winthrop and of the Secretary of State, Mr. Regis Post. Grahame is a perfect trump and such a handsome, athletic fellow, and a real Sir Galahad. Any wrong-doing, and especially any cruelty makes him flame with fearless indignation. He perfectly delighted the Porto Ricans and also immensely puzzled them by coming in his Scotch kilt to a Government ball. Accordingly, at my special request, I had him wear his kilt at the state dinner and reception the night we were at the palace. You know he is a descendant of Montrose, and although born in Canada, his parents were Scotch and he was educated in Scotland. Do tell Mr. Bob Fergie about him and his kilts when you next write him.*

*emphasis mine.

T.