Am I losing my love affair with kilts?!

[David Dalglish]

Wear the kilt when you want to, don't feel you have to.

[Morris at Heathfield]

The kilt (or the belted plaid) is a good choice of apparel if you spend much of your time traveling on foot through boggy terrain. So is the knee-length tunic—without trousers. On the other hand, if you spend a lot of time on horseback, trousers are a better choice. There's a reason Highland officers of the 17th and 18th centuries tended to wear trews rather than kilts or belted plaids.

I don't think it any dishonor to one's Scottish ancestors to dress in the way that is most practical for the occasion. The idea of the kilt as the Scottish national dress (indeed, the very idea of "national dress") is about as recent as the idea of clan tartans. I recall reading somewhere that there was a debate in the early 19th century about whether the kilt or the tartan trews should be regarded as the authentic Highland dress. The kilt won out, of course, but the trews also had their defenders.

Now, I'm not necessarily advocating the resurgence of tartan trews or trousers, or a return to the léine and the unbelted plaid. I'm just pointing out that the Scottish Highlanders have worn a variety of clothing styles over the centuries, and according to the circumstances in which they have found themselves.

There are plenty of circumstances these days in which the kilt is both appropriate and practical, but I think most people here would acknowledge that there are occasions where it is not really practical, and maybe even not appropriate. If you wish to honor your Scottish heritage on such an occasion, here's my suggestion: wear tartan.

Tartan may not be an exclusively Scottish art, but it does have a strong identification with Scotland these days, and the vast majority of registered tartans have some Scottish connection. (Of course, there are plenty of unregistered fashion tartans that have no real Scottish connection, apart from the general connection of tartan with Scotland.) As tartan is a design, rather than a style of clothing, it can be used in any article of clothing you might wish to wear.

There is one drawback with this idea that I see: registered tartans are commonly used in kilts, sashes, and neckties, but most other articles of clothing either only use a handful of the most common clan tartans or use unregistered fashion tartans. Compare that to the kiltmakers who often offer kilts in hundreds or even thousands of registered tartans. I'd like to find somewhere I could get a flannel plaid shirt in any registered tartan. When I'm wearing blue jeans, I might as well have an attractive tartan to wear above the waist. Tartan waistcoats in any registered tartan is another thing I'd like to see.

But, to bring things back to the topic, my own feelings on the matter, as a current 100% trouser wearer, is that, just as I don't look forward to wearing trousers all the time, I'm not convinced I would want to wear a kilt all the time either. Rather, I see the kilt as a welcome addition to my wardrobe.

These forums have got me thinking about a lot more than kilts. They've got me thinking about the whole idea of male fashion in general.

[Makeitstop]

And this is me:

That's not an outfit I'd want to be seen in right now

[Coemgen]

Don't worry about it. The kilt is just an article of clothing, not a cause. The only real cause if freedom of choice. If you choose to wear the kilt, great. If you choose not to wear one, that's great too.

We all wear the kilt at different times for different reasons.

… Buy kilts you like, wear them when you feel it's appropriate or comfortable for your situation, and don't worry what people think. … If you don't feel like it don't wear it. Like some have said earlier it is a choice, not necessarily a lifestyle.

The clothes do not make the man.

One's own style, flair, and (for lack of a better word) panache come from within.

The secret to pulling off any outfit is knowing in your heart that you look great in it. If it isn't a day for a kilt then wear that which you feel confident in.

Kilts are a choice for me, rather than a lifestyle, cause, etc. … I wear what is appropriate to the Service, Hospital, House calls, Masses et al. And it is always nice to get home and don the kilt once more.

I think that's basically it. If you want to wear it, wear it. If you don't, don't.

[Coemgen]

WOW! Schnazzy! In fact, I think that looks better than the “Indiana Jones” in the “Secrets of the Stone Tiger” show at Disneyland right now.

[Ranald]

Dear Kilted Zookeeper, I think others have it right, wear the kilt when it suits you.
Personally I think some time off from the kilt is sometimes is a good thing, and have to agree that some jobs the kilt is just not suited to, and people are sometimes tiresome with their comments.
I am a returning member to this forum after some considerable time off from the board and the kilt.Reason being I was doing up a house that was condemed and not fit for human habitation and I would not want even my worst kilt to get covered in paint etc.
Please take heart if you take time off from the kilt the feeling will return and once again you'll feel like strapping it back on.
Best wishes.

[Jack Daw]

I guess now that many of us have confessed to wearing bifurcated clothing, we won't have to resort to self-loathing and drink as an escape. Of course, by "we" I mean all of you. I'm happy...really I am.

[jordanjm]

Don't worry about it. The kilt is just an article of clothing, not a cause. The only real cause if freedom of choice. If you choose to wear the kilt, great. If you choose not to wear one, that's great too.

We all wear the kilt at different times for different reasons.

What he said!

[BobsYourUncle]

This thread demonstrates what a good community Xmarks is. I have enjoyed the discussion, and the supportive nature of the comments. Thanks to all. Regards...

[macwilkin]

Variety is the spice of life. I cannot wear the kilt for work. I choose to wear the kilt for special occasions to keep it that way - special. This figures into about twice a month. I like looking forward to wearing the kilt as opposed to the hum-drum every day garment.

Well said, Jack -- there are a number of us here who feel that way as well.

T.