Contemporary vs Traditional

**Joseph McLaren** · 19th May 09, 09:12 PM

I voted traditional, but it's purely a personal bias. What attracted me to kilts in the first place was tradition; the idea of wearing a garment which my ancestors had worn, in a fabric pattern which symbolises my family's heritage over the past couple of hundred years, in a form which they would recognise, and of a quality that meant a bit of saving up and sacrifice. For me, a traditional kilt has a romance about it which a modern MUG doesn't, but that's purely personal.

I think the fact that we're even able to have this discussion speaks volumes about the kilt as a living, breathing tradition. The fact that it's able to evolve into the Utilikilt and other incarnations, alongside its traditional form, is something to celebrate.

**Iolaus** · 30th May 09, 05:36 PM

Late to the party here, but...

My own thoughts? It depends on you, and how and where you intend to wear it. I think that when most people venture out in their first kilt as a "non-special occasion casual wear," they do so with some trepidation as to how they will be received by those they meet. A modern "interpretation" of the kilt, like say a Utilikilt or a pocketed kilt, is much easier to explain to your friends and acquaintances on a night out than a traditional with the accompanying sporran, hose, etc. - in fact, they may be familiar with the MUG type already. After you dip your toes in, so to speak, it becomes easier to branch out.

I personally prefer a little attitude in my apparel, so I started out with the UK, but I now wear "traditional" (plaid, no pockets, sporran) kilts as well, also with casual attitude. I would be uncomfortable with all the traditional accoutrements worn in all the "right" ways; not that I haven't tried it, but it's like putting on a suit to me, and I don't care much for suits either.

**Panache** · 30th May 09, 05:49 PM

I don't think I voted

And frankly my answer wouldn't fit in either

I have one of Steve Ashton's Freedom Kilts in the Tartan Model and it is everything I could want from a kilt.

It has the crisp pleats, the 13 oz. traditional wool tartan, and it fits like a glove...

But Steve has made some internal differences that make his kilts somewhat stronger than a traditional one.

And he uses machine stitching!

And it has three hidden pockets!

So my choice would be for a traditional looking kilt (with all the accroutements) but with a Modern design philosophy.

The best of both worlds!

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

**slohairt** · 30th May 09, 07:39 PM

I've noticed that some posters here are equating a solid coloured kilt with contemporary. That really isn't true as traditional kilts can be solid-coloured. (Saffron, Hodden Grey, etc...)

**dfmacliam** · 31st May 09, 05:30 AM

This is a very good question, because it really has a lot of depth to it. My own feelings about this subject have changed, because of what I have learned from this site. I bought cheap kilts, that helped usher me into the kilt wearing community, and it helped me take that first step.

I voted for Traditional.

I am currently waiting anxiously, for my first traditional style kilt, a Freedom Kilts Leatherneck Box Pleat. I am planning on getting a Kilt Kut Suit, from Steve, next, so I can semi formalize my appearance, for the times I need to dress up my kilt. Yeah, I did pay attention to McMurdo's and Panache's thread about one kilt and 10 looks. A traditional is really the most versitile option there is.

I have a few kilts I bought, that helped get me to this point. I started out as an uneducated buyer.. I made a couple purchases, that frankly I should have saved my money. I have a couple SWK Standards, that I like, because they resemble traditional kilts, and I have learned a lot from wearing them. I have a USAK Casual, that is my wear around the house kilt, after I get home from work, out of the shower, short errands, ect. And finally, I have a UK Survivor, I got on eBay.. I have mixed feelings on this one.... It's rugged, easy to wear, probably a bit longer than it should be.. I don't think I like the big pleats. I understand why so many really like them.. It's a very good kilt, don't get me wrong, just I realized it's not my cuppa tea.

I will probably sell off a few of the kilts, I bought, and buy what I will be more comfortable with wearing, day to day. I will buy a few more kilts, but this time, I will be educated on what I want, what works for my kilt wearing experience.

**ghostlight** · 31st May 09, 08:16 AM

comments withdrawn

**Colonel MacNeal** · 3rd June 09, 09:34 AM

I didn't vote, but I think the public acceptance is higher for the tradtional.

**Iolaus** · 3rd June 09, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by Colonel MacNeal

I didn't vote, but I think the public acceptance is higher for the tradtional.

That's going to depend on where you are located and where you spend most of your time - as in your public sphere. Out here in S.California, as soon as you say "it's a modern interpretation" people nod their heads and say "Cool." But then, things are a little looser in SoCal.

In my case, I spend most of my "outside" time on a University campus as a student; I think that, in that context, contemporary and MUGs are going to get a better reception than a traditional.

**macwilkin** · 3rd June 09, 11:24 AM

In my case, I spend most of my "outside" time on a University campus as a student; I think that, in that context, contemporary and MUGs are going to get a better reception than a traditional.

Not necessarily; For a number of years I have presented a talk on the customs of the Burns Supper to our college's Food of the World class, and the students always had nothing but compliments towards my Highland attire.

Even when I have had students make comments regarding my kilt when I've worn it on campus, a quick mention of the kilt as a symbol of Scottish heritage quickly changes their tone.

Todd

**Iolaus** · 3rd June 09, 12:06 PM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

[...] Even when I have had students make comments regarding my kilt when I've worn it on campus, a quick mention of the kilt as a symbol of Scottish heritage quickly changes their tone.

That's kinda' my point; you're saying that you occasionally find the need to validate it for some people by attaching extra meaning to it.

Calling something an "interpretation" makes it modern, and therefore a little more "valid" in some peoples minds for everyday wear. A MUG needs no other validation other than to be what it is, and the wearer needs nothing more than the cojones to wear it; in the minds of 20-somethings, that goes a long way.

I try to alternate between UKs and traditionals, thereby largely negating the heritage aspect. I want the people around me to see it as a fashion decision, and not a symbol.