Contemporary vs Traditional

[Iolaus]

I'm not sure how to take this comment, but I find it a bit patronizing and condescending.

You may not see the value of the kilt as a symbol of heritage, but for others like myself, it it just that. It symbolizes the pride I feel in my family's history and the additions I will make, God willing, to that long and proud line of Scottish immigrants that came to this country and contributed their blood, sweat and tears.

I see nothing wrong with the symbolism of kilts & tartans. I respect your right to wear your kilt for whatever reason you wish, but please respect my choice to wear mine not as simply a fashion statement, but as a symbol of my heritage.

Todd

I don't really want to go there Todd; there's no point in rehashing old arguments between us.

The original premise of this thread was...

What do you think would make a better first kilt: a traditional kilt or a contemporary kilt?

...a question that implies cultural tradition was not the major consideration for the OP, and that the primary use was not likely to be in a cultural setting. In that context, my input is based on an evaluation of how how the general public would react, and how a noob would deal with the reaction. The decision of what to get really depends on where and how the kilt is to be worn.

[Kiltman]

I voted for contemporary. They generally cost less and some of them like the ones from Freedom Kilts are of very high quality. I wear both and like both. For formal occasions it's always a traditional kilt, but other time it's contemporary.

[Rawlinson]

[...]there's no point in rehashing old arguments between us.

Just out of curiosity (without rekindling the conflict), what exactly was the subject of these arguments?

[Panache]

Just out of curiosity (without rekindling the conflict), what exactly was the subject of these arguments?

Rawlinson,

Iolaus has declined to get into an argument

Is that not a worthy choice?

It would seem best to stick to addressing the question of the original poster

Respectfully

Jamie

[Rex_Tremende]

So, when I read this:

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.

...assuming you meant less than charitable comments, I figured it was-- and then saw that you suggest it was:

It symbolizes the pride I feel in my family's history and the additions I will make, God willing, to that long and proud line of Scottish immigrants that came to this country and contributed their blood, sweat and tears.

...which is to say that their tone probably changed out of respect for you and your values, not necessarily your kilt. Granted, they may see the kilt in a different light, but there's no guarantee they will go away sharing your feelings about it.

Here's hoping you don't have to shed too much blood. Tears and sweat will be plenty.

Regards,
Rex.

Oh, and I started off with contemporary (and still wear them), but if I had to do it over again, I'd have saved my pennies and gone for the tank. On the other hand, I doubt I would have been able to get the right tank without having made a few faux pas first, so I'm not regretting a thing.

Get what speaks to you.

[NewKilt]

I voted traditional, but what I really mean is traditional style which could be a USAK casual or semi-trad, a Stillwater 8 yd acyrlic, a Sport Kilt, etc., in tartan.

My thought is that this makes it a bit easier (in general) for most men to step out in public that very first time because most folks will recognize it as being a kilt. However with that said, I regularly run into people for the first time while I'm wearing a camouflage or solid Alpha Kilt with cargo pockets and no sporran and get "nice kilt" compliments.

Pure speculation on my part, but there may be more public awareness of the contemporary (what I call modern) kilts. So I'm saying traditional with tongue in cheek.

Darrell

[Swampthing]

Traditional all the way!
Also, I would like to point out to those who made statements earlier about MUGs [in general], that other MUGs are as irrelevant to kilts as trousers or hats.

[Iolaus]

Traditional all the way!
Also, I would like to point out to those who made statements earlier about MUGs [in general], that other MUGs are as irrelevant to kilts as trousers or hats.

If that were truly the case, we wouldn't even be having this conversation.

[cessna152towser]

Definitely a trad kilt for a first time wearer. Modern styles are fine once you are a seasoned kilt wearer and can carry the look confidently.

[Crowe]

I Vote Traditional everytime.
Anything other is not a True kilt and should not be called a kilt.

Each to there own though.


Cheers
Benn