Wearing the kilt in Scotland

[creagdhubh]

Very intriguing and thought provoking thread, gents. Thank you to all those who've contributed with their insightful posts.

[TheOfficialBren]

I think that I would only wear my kilt in the Highlands, or trews perhaps, and only as the locals wear it, blending in, if you will.

I used to live in Hollywood and Tahoe. I've dealt with tourists. Believe me. Probably more tourists than most people on these boards. I understand the tourist blight fully. Whenever I visit someplace away from home I try to be respectful and go with the flow.

Were I to visit Scotland and wear Highland clothing I would most certainly not be playing at being a Scot. I would be going with the flow. If no one else is wearing Highland clothing then guess what I'm wearing? Not Highland clothing.

If others are in Highland clothing then perhaps I will be, too.

Regarding being a gentleman:
Sometimes a gentleman needs to stick up for himself, though. Being mindful and caring about the feelings and thoughts of others is a chief quality of the modern chivalric code. However, being able to recognise when others are duping you or taking advantage of you or using your manners and polite nature as a weapon against you is also a chivalric virtue. I have experienced this first-hand and learnt it the hard way. Now I'm a more vigilant person, still polite, but more watchful. Lastly, part of being a gentleman is also the ability to be flexible.

I am reminded of a story of a woman who had done a queen some service. She was invited to the palace to dine with the royals and nobles of the court as a reward. Whilest at the table the woman committed a minor feaux pas. Rather than correct the woman and embarrass her the queen committed the same social transgression. No one dared contradict the queen. Everyone present followed suit.

[James Hood]

Most strange thought crossed this mind, not sure if this is saying it right, but...

...in Scotland, if this traveler wears the "Chicago sloppy uniform" of blue jeans, athletic shoes, tee-shirt and hoodie sweatshirt, he will not be taken visually for a tourist, though in his mind he is clad as a local Scot endeavoring to mimic the look of a poorly dressed Chicagoan.

But if this Chicagoan wears the tartan kilt, the national garment of Scotland, he will be eyed as a tourist in Scotland because local people in Scotland choose to mimic the garb of poorly-dressed Chicagoans.

So to look "properly" like a Scot in Scotland is to appear as a sloppily clad Chicagoan?

[Carlo]

Most strange thought crossed this mind, not sure if this is saying it right, but...

...in Scotland, if this traveler wears the "Chicago sloppy uniform" of blue jeans, athletic shoes, tee-shirt and hoodie sweatshirt, he will not be taken visually for a tourist, though in his mind he is clad as a local Scot endeavoring to mimic the look of a poorly dressed Chicagoan.

But if this Chicagoan wears the tartan kilt, the national garment of Scotland, he will be eyed as a tourist in Scotland because local people in Scotland choose to mimic the garb of poorly-dressed Chicagoans.

So to look "properly" like a Scot in Scotland is to appear as a sloppily clad Chicagoan?

Pictures would help us to say if you are THCD or more in the modern "Urban" section with your "Chicago sloppy uniform".

But you're not that far off.

[James Hood]

'Do not personally (will not) own any blue jeans or hoodies.

Athletic shoes personally worn only for athletics and cycling...

...'probably look like a tourist in metro Chicago.

[Hawk]

...and also remember, friends don't let fiends wear sagging pants...... LOL

Hawk

[Calgacus]

Most strange thought crossed this mind, not sure if this is saying it right, but...

...in Scotland, if this traveler wears the "Chicago sloppy uniform" of blue jeans, athletic shoes, tee-shirt and hoodie sweatshirt, he will not be taken visually for a tourist, though in his mind he is clad as a local Scot endeavoring to mimic the look of a poorly dressed Chicagoan.

But if this Chicagoan wears the tartan kilt, the national garment of Scotland, he will be eyed as a tourist in Scotland because local people in Scotland choose to mimic the garb of poorly-dressed Chicagoans.

So to look "properly" like a Scot in Scotland is to appear as a sloppily clad Chicagoan?

Sadly, yes that's pretty much it

Cultural imperialism.

[TheOfficialBren]

...and also remember, friends don't let fiends wear sagging pants...... LOL

Hawk

Especially if you know the history behind them!

[Bigkahuna]

Especially if you know the history behind them!

Or the behind history.:butt:

[Benning Boy]

What is the true history of them? Since the early 1980s I've heard two or three different "true histories" of sagging pants, and they each make sense. I'd like to know exactly what I should believe.

Especially if you know the history behind them!