Historic Highland Attire

[turpin]

How true! What I meant to say was...

I believe Matt's article states that the first recorded instance of the great kilt was around 1594. Assuming the recording of history lags behind the actual practices being recorded, I'd be inclined accept a 10-year window.

[Woodsheal]

I believe Matt's article states that the first recorded instance of the great kilt was around 1594. Assuming the recording of history lags behind the actual practices being recorded, I'd be inclined accept a 10-year window.

At least! Given the non-literate, oral-tradition status of the Scottish highlands of the time (all descriptions are from "foreign" travellers and such), I'd suspect that belted plaids were worn for decades before they appear in a period document....

[Tony]

I don't care if a belly dancer accessory is anachronistic, looks good on you Zardoz.

[Zardoz]

See, if you have a girltorage, no one cares how you dress!

[thescot]

Considering that it's a RenFest, I don't think it much matters what you wear. I have found that almost anything is OK at a RenFest, so don't do a lot of worrying about accuracy.

The whole point is to have fun, so don't worry whether kilts were invented; if you don't wear some form of kilt no one will get it. But if you wear something rustic and carry a big sword, most of the folks there will say, "Hey, there's a real Scot."

Historical reenactments are another thing.

[kiltedsawyer]

Just wear your kilt and be comfortable. I've found the best way to enjoy a renfair is to bring a flask. So what if it's 1585 ish.......

As Alan Jackson says;
"It's 1700 somewhere."

[Woodsheal]

You could probably lay hands on a cheap plaid ("great kilt") by August. I've found wool, or wool-blend, tartan fabric at Joanne Fabrics for as little as $5.00 a yard! It's worth a look if you're inclined towards a level of authenticity, as you indicate. (And yes, belted plaids are appropriate for late 1500's....)

[Brasilikilt]

Hey

I once belonged to a ren-faire/quasi SCA type group.
In hindsight I realise that it was not the type of group for me given the fact that I am doing my very best to research and make the best most accurate clothing and accouterments for the 1745 era.

These people barely had a nodding acquaintance with historical authenticity. Even though we were officially a Scottish reenactment group, we had our fair share of pirates, gypsies and riff-raff amongst the group.

All of my urgings to become more historically accurate were met mostly with opposition as these people were more interested in partying and socializing in costume

Don't worry about it, as long as you're wearing your kilt, have a poofy sleeved shirt, and a big old looking knife of some sort, you'll be FINE

[Dr Mac]

"Just wear your kilt and be comfortable." I like that counsel the best. Hope you have a good time there.

[Mael Coluim]

The best advice given so far is don't sweat the details and have fun! After all it is a Renn Faire.