untraditional traditions

[Lyle1]

I like all things in balance so that modern and traditional each has their place. What is the THCD equivalent of shorts, a T-shirt, and sneakers?

I think this is an important question. I don't think there is a THCD equivalent to what is now accepted by many American as standard casual dress.

[macwilkin]

Post deleted.

[JSFMACLJR]

I think this is an important question. I don't think there is a THCD equivalent to what is now accepted by many American as standard casual dress.

Sure there is "THCD" equivalent, but those who are fans of modern kilt attire don't like it. We wear shirts, and hose, a tartan kilt, sporran, maybe a sweater if it's cool. We wear leather shoes on our feet, maybe rubber wellies if it's wet. Polo shirts work when it's warm.

It certainly is equivalent to "American standard casual dress."

[Alan H]

I think that "tradition" implies something that has been "around" for a particular length of time. As far as I know, Utilikilts, sort of the first even vaguely mainstream kilt company was founded in 2000? It's now 2010. I don't think that ten years is really enough time to establish anything like a contemporary kilt "tradition".

But then, when I think of the term "contemporary kilt" I think of something like a Freedom Kilt or a Utilikilt or an X-Kilt or an Alphakilt or an R-Kilt. Sportkilts also fit into that category.

I think that some of you lads conceive of a "contemporary kilt" as being something like 8-yards of 16 ounce tartan pleated to sett, but just happens to be worn with something less dressy than a tweed jacket and waistcoat, with hose that coordinate with the primary color of your tartan.

[Lyle1]

Sure there is "THCD" equivalent, but those who are fans of modern kilt attire don't like it. We wear shirts, and hose, a tartan kilt, sporran, maybe a sweater if it's cool. We wear leather shoes on our feet, maybe rubber wellies if it's wet. Polo shirts work when it's warm.

It certainly is equivalent to "American standard casual dress."

Actually, what you describe sounds nice, but do you honestly think it is the equivalent of shorts, t-shirt, and sneakers? You also should not assume that wearers of modern kilt attire would not like that outfit, but they might still want something a little more casual as well. It isn't so much about wearing only one style as it is about wearing what seems appropriate for the time and place.

[JSFMACLJR]

Actually, what you describe sounds nice, but do you honestly think it is the equivalent of shorts, t-shirt, and sneakers? You also should not assume that wearers of modern kilt attire would not like that outfit, but they might still want something a little more casual as well. It isn't so much about wearing only one style as it is about wearing what seems appropriate for the time and place.

Yes, I honestly think it is the equivalent of shorts, t-shirt, etc WHEN I AM WEARING THE KILT. That is the crux of the amtter, I believe. I dress casually in "normal casual clothes" as described (although I have never worn a t-shirt so that anyone could see it), and I also dress casually in the kilt when I feel like wearing the kilt. I see nothing odd here.

[Bugbear]

Actually, what you describe sounds nice, but do you honestly think it is the equivalent of shorts, t-shirt, and sneakers? You also should not assume that wearers of modern kilt attire would not like that outfit, but they might still want something a little more casual as well. It isn't so much about wearing only one style as it is about wearing what seems appropriate for the time and place.

You mean with sandals? Or with scrunched-down Hose?

[Good Egg]

The casual approach to kilt wearing is not a uniquely American phenomenon/fashion. Short socks and walking boots or 'sports' shoes are not uncommon on this side of the pond as are T-shirts and leather jackets (think Monarch of the Glen).

The only uniquely American things I've seen are the US military/police style shirts and US military/police accessories - Civil War belt buckles, police work belts etc. All of which are hardly nontraditional.

Given the globalization of fashion I doubt if a uniquely American look could really get off the ground. An idea will get the same reception across the world. Either accepted or rejected.

I suppose you could design a jacket with 'western' features with a cut away front or one inspired by military academy dress uniforms or even a bolero type that would not appeal to the non-American taste but would it appeal to the American taste?

Hands up who would buy a kilt jacket with western features?

[Lyle1]

(although I have never worn a t-shirt so that anyone could see it),

The real crux of the matter is that your definition of "normal casual clothes" is much more formal than what is commonly seen in public in America. I am not suggesting that you lower your standards; I certainly maintain my personal standards of dress, and I am sure that we would both be found lacking by some people's standards. As gentlemen, though, a bit of tolerance for the the preferences of others would be appropriate. If we can't be tolerant, we can at least remember what Thumper's mommy taught him.

[davidlpope]

What is the THCD equivalent of shorts, a T-shirt, and sneakers?

I don't believe there is a THCD equivalent to shorts, t-shirt, and sneakers, though, I guess everyone has a different definition of "appropriate casual attire". FWIW, I wear shorts, t-shirts, and athletic shoes only when I'm PT'ing. Otherwise, I consider t-shirts an undergarment, so I don't wear them outside the house. Likewise, I only wear athletic shoes when actually doing athletics. At their high prices, I can't see putting daily wear and tear on what is, to me, a specialized piece of gear for running.

In terms of casual clothing, though, I do wear polo shirts, shorts, and leather camp-mocs around during the summer and would simply replace the shorts with kilt and kilt hose for casual kilted wear. Perhaps something like that is a better analogy.

David