I think i'm turning into a kilt snob...

[Makeitstop]

My view on this is fairly simple;

1) Wear what you want, how you want, when you want (within the limits of the law)
2) People will react to your clothing in one way or another. Either take it like a man, or change.
3) When dealing with others and their clothing choices, follow the golden rule.


The way I see it, in normal, day to day settings, the kilt is the property of it's owner, to be used as he sees fit. There isn't a wrong way to wear it. However, there are norms, and expectations, and people who want to go against them do so at their own risk.

Me, I don't wear a sporran. I don't like them. And I don't wear hose. I am very warm, and have ogre feet and monstrous calves, so I have to buy expensive, wide socks for the sake of protecting my shoes, but even those I only wear when absolutely necessary. And I wear sandals whenever possible, because of my ogre feet and human torch properties. I know some people will criticize some or all of my ensemble, and that is their right. I accept that fact every day when I get dressed in the morning, no matter what I'm wearing. I can make my own decisions, and no criticism will ever wear me down. This is the price of being an individual (not to be confused with non-conformists) and if you can't take it, go back to following the herd. There is no shame in being more comfortable fitting in, that's part of human nature.

So, having said this, I think that when dealing with someone who seems to be unaware of the normal way to wear a kilt, it is probably ok to tactfully and politely dig for information, and if they are truly unaware, explain the norm. If someone had no clue how to wear jeans, and decided to put his arms through the legs, and his head through the fly, it would be a good idea to explain the mistake. Obvious mistakes should be dealt with, as long as it is done in a considerate way.

Basting stitches were mentioned earlier. I would think that informing them that those are meant to come out (such as by asking if he is trying it out for the first time) is a good idea. I can't imagine it is good for the kilt to walk around with the stitches in it, so you'd be doing the guy a big favor.

But if it's not an obvious mistake, and someone is just wearing the kilt in a way they find comfortable, let them. You don't have to like their style, just as you don't have to like the style of any other random person you see walking down the street. God knows I see a lot of people and think "you actually want to look like that?" and while it is my right to think that, it is not my job to make everyone match my tastes. I'm no fashionazi.

However, if people are wearing UK's to medieval/renn fairs and the like, and they are trying to look historical, they are making a mistake. It'd be like dressing as knight, but wearing jeans. It's inconsistent. The problem isn't that they are wearing the kilt the wrong way, it's that they are wearing clothing which doesn't fit the period they are trying to match. If they aren't in costume and just happen to be wearing a kilt, that's different. And if it is an event that includes a fantasy theme, then any kind of kilt can work, as long as you know how to make it fit.

As for highland games, I've never been to any, but I would think that a lot of people who show up wearing kilts as if they've never seen one before are probably not doing so to mock scottish culture, but rather, they're trying to embrace it. It's like when someone goes to another country and tries to speak a few words of the language; They aren't intentionally butchering it, they are trying to participate in the culture. And just as you would with someone who is trying to speak the language, when you see someone trying to wear a kilt, smile and appreciate the effort.

Of course, if you see me at the highland games, I'll be wearing my usual kilt and none of the accessories. That's because I'm just wearing my street clothes, and even though I may have to explain that to hundreds of people, it's what I'd prefer.


So I guess what I'm saying is be considerate, treat others the way you'd want to be treated, and feel free to have your own opinions, as long as you keep in mind that yours are no more valid than anyone else's.

[Ayin McFye]

Very well said Makeitstop. I agree wholeheartedly with your input. You are absolutely right that everyone is going to do their own thing their own way. And only in the event that they just don't know what they're doing, should it even be a consideration, otherwise just let them be to do their thing.

Cheers to that. Very well put.

[Keys MacQuarrie]

Here's my take. I wear the kilt correctly, although being of modest means, the kilt is NOT a hand-sewn woolen garment. I wear the hose, flashes, sgian dubh, nicely polished boots and sporran, but I draw the line at the shirt. I almost always wear a nice quality black t-shirt. It goes nicely with the MacQuarrie tartan and black boots, sporran and belt.