The Solid Coloured Kilt

[CMcG]

I have read of some Cornish nationalists wearing an all-black kilt before the adoption of the Cornish tartans.

T.

Thanks cajunscot, I couldn't remember clearly.

So, some people like solid colour kilts that match the rest of the outfit like a kilt suit and some prefer contrasting colours and/or patterns. Some prefer a subtle pattern to their single colour kilt like tweed, pinstripe or shadow tartan, while some like them totally solid. Some dress up and some dress down. Not surprisingly, the rabble has a variety of approaches

What about identity and the single colour kilt? Before I discovered this site, I'd never seen an Irish saffron or green kilt but I have since acquired a SWK green shadow instead of an Irish tartan. I'll wear it with Irish pride tonight (St. Pat's) at a concert, even though I know the kilt as we know it (sewn down pleats, buckles/straps, etc) is borrowed from the Highland Scots.

Given the history of the Irish kilt (see Matt and Todd's article) I feel more of an identity connection with a solid kilt than the more recently created Irish tartans. But I know non-aficionados might have trouble identifying a solid kilt as either Irish or even as a kilt! Some traditionalist kilties may dissaprove of non-tartan kilts for its lack of normative currency in the highlands. I'm not too concerned about what other people think of me but I recognize clothing makes a statement. Unfortunately, the impact of that statement is lessened when viewers don't understand or misgive it

How do you feel when wearing a single colour kilt? Is it just as Scottish as a tartan kilt? Irish, Cornish, or pan-celtic pride? Or do you see it as freedom from the explicit associations of a clan tartan kilt, thereby allowing respectful kilt wearing for anyone, regardless of ancestry? What about the perception and reception of it from others, in your experience?

[Galician]

I'm wearing the SWK heavy kilt in green as I write this. I don't see any difference in how I wear it, other than accessorizing.

[CMcG]

Here's my outfit from St. Pat's, complete with eBay blackthorn stick.

[Bee]

How do you feel when wearing a single colour kilt?... [snip]... What about the perception and reception of it from others, in your experience?

At first, I wouldn't let you get a solid colour kilt but after you showed me the picture of Panache in his green shadow tartan, I made an exception! But still, no single colour kilt without a shadow tartan.

In my opinion, having a solid colour kilt forces you to look more Scottish/Irish (an Aran sweater, a sporran, kilt hose and flashes, etc...) to clearly show that you are indeed wearing a kilt and not a skirt. Your St. Pat's outfit wasn't as traditional, but we got some hollers of appreciation from passers by who spotted it from across the street!

[Kiltman]

Love solid color kilts, but have to wonder when I'm asked what tartan it is!

[Red Stag]

Ok, stop. I've been successfully resisting getting an all-black kilt - shadow or tweed or whatever. It just seemed too Mennonite for this ex-Menno (if that makes sense to anyone other than John/Slohairt and those XMarkers in Lancaster County PA). But now .. those are looking good. And they would indeed with more of my existing shirts than any (obvious) tartan kilt could do. Argh!

Say nah, would you be wearin' suspenders with that black kilt?

PS- I just had some garlic ring balogna before this post... mmm.

[highland guest]

As it comes to solid kilts I like these black one the most. And in fact, they are easier to wear than those tartan one (easier to match with the top).

[seanachie]

I wore solid Blue (I'd like a St Patrick's Blue, but this is Navy) for the 4th of July with a red top and it looked fine. I do get a few more snide remarks with the solid blue over a tartan but matched with a sporran it quells most questions.

[macwilkin]

I wore solid Blue (I'd like a St Patrick's Blue, but this is Navy) for the 4th of July with a red top and it looked fine. I do get a few more snide remarks with the solid blue over a tartan but matched with a sporran it quells most questions.

Like these kilts?

http://swordoflightbagpipeband.com/photos00.html

T.

[BoldHighlander]

I wore solid Blue (I'd like a St Patrick's Blue, but this is Navy) for the 4th of July with a red top and it looked fine. I do get a few more snide remarks with the solid blue over a tartan but matched with a sporran it quells most questions.

Like these kilts?

http://swordoflightbagpipeband.com/photos00.html

T.

A few years back when the Clan Ó Mórdha Society voted on an "official" kilt/tartan, the St. Patrick's Blue was in the running. In the end we chose the solid "Irish Green".

I still really like St. Patrick's Blue however