So you want to wear the kilt?

**Dean** · 22nd August 08, 12:54 AM

A question... I am not Scottish, but I see the kilt as a comfortable garment that looks great.

I first started seeing modern kilt variations at Sci-fi cons and Ren Faires. I even saw guys wearing tartan kilts with t-shirts and hiking boots. (VERY cool look.) I researched on the internet and found so many modern kilt makers and community sites. (This was back in 2005.) I started guaging the quality of kilt makers the only way I knew how...I would just check if Hamish said they were good or not. I saw him as THE kilt guru / "guy who really knows what he is talking about." (I still do...)

Before I bought my 1st kilt I went to the library and picked up "So you want to wear the Kilt?" (I had to get it through inter-library loan...out of print.) I gobbled it up. I wanted to make sure that I did not make a fool out of myself. I also wanted to make sure that I could answer some basic questions if anyone asked. So I saved up some money and ordered my 1st kilt from Utilikilts. (Olive Survival) The service was great and I love the kilt! I had never worn a garment that was so well made! Kudos to UK!

The bug had bit me! My second kilt had to be a bit different. Something for a different mood perhaps. I found R-kilts online and after much thought I ordered a kilt from Robert. Once again, great service! I must have made Robert a bit crazy while he was making my kilt because I kept emailing him asking if I should have the cargo pockets or leave them off. (Sorry Robert if you are out there...) I got my dark brown R-kilt...very different from my Utilikilt. Full front apron, extra pleats (Robert through those in for me...even after I bothered him so much), tough leather adjustable straps, all around quality workmanship. Made more like a traditional kilt fit, it took getting used to after wearing my UK. (UK was the only fit I had worn until then...low on the waist and length to the bottom of my knees.) My R-kilt is a beautiful kilt hand made by someone who takes pride in their work!

Now I am looking into getting my 1st tartan. (I have been reading through all of the different threads on XMarks for all the info I can get.) Anyway, I am getting carried away here. I have said all of the above to ask a question to the more experienced out there. Or even to Hamish...

It seems to me there is a bit of a "kilt revival" happening. Or at least guys are starting to be men and wear what they want in spite of what the more closed minded think. Why not write a book? An updated version of "So You Want to Wear the Kilt?" One that includes the newer styles and variations of kilts that are now available. (I in no way mean to disrespect the original book.) Maybe even include some of the experiences of modern kilt wearers...

This is a long message, but a question I have wanted to put out there for a while now.
Don

**Cassidy** · 22nd August 08, 01:57 AM

Sounds like a fair idea to me. I've toyed with the possibility, but I'm not NEARLY knowledgable enough.

I think the man to write the modern version of "So You Want To Wear The Kilt" should be someone cut straight down the line between the traditionalists and the casual kilters- someone who knows that a kilt doesn't have to be wool, but also understands that a kilt looks great with a pair of work boots and a t-shirt.

I wish luck to whomever successfully completes such a book, and I'll be first in line to purchase it.

**An t-Ileach** · 22nd August 08, 02:10 AM

This is a great idea. When Charles Thompson's work was published in 1979 it definitely had more than a flavour of an older generation of kilt wearing (e.g. the illustrations Figures 5 and 6 on pages 60 and 62 (3rd Revised Edition)). Now, 30 years on, the styles of kilt-wearing have evolved. Whereas evening wear, and levee wear, are still essentially the same, there is the casual dress with traditional kilt (t-shirt/polo shirt, boots, socks/hose around the ankles), and then the denim, DPM, cargo pocketted, TFCK genres. Also, with pressure I suspect from economics and also the impact of the shorter TFCKs, even traditional tartan kilts are lower around the waist, and the buckles have been "rationalised". Definitely time for a newer, updated book.

**McMurdo** · 22nd August 08, 04:42 AM

Sounds like an interesting idea, I'm sure there is some merit in it, a few points of clarification I think You mean Robert not Randy when speaking of R Kilts, and it's Hamish not Hammish.

**Dean** · 22nd August 08, 04:50 AM

Oops. You are right!

R-kilts...Robert. Hamish. My mistake. I hope I did not offend.

Sometime my no work head.

**george7** · 22nd August 08, 06:18 AM

Start typing, taking photos, interviewing interviewees... type type type, sell sell sell! It's a great idea.

**macwilkin** · 22nd August 08, 06:21 AM

Why not write a book? An updated version of "So You Want to Wear the Kilt?" One that includes the newer styles and variations of kilts that are now available. (I in no way mean to disrespect the original book.) Maybe even include some of the experiences of modern kilt wearers...

Too late; it's already been done:

http://albanach.org/advice.htm

Regards,

Todd

**george7** · 22nd August 08, 06:28 AM

That's not at Barnes and Nobles though, and not likely to be. It's informative and seems accurate, but it's not flashy and it's not in wide circulation. How about one of those big books of pictures. Maybe this could be an Xmarks publication. A really good picture one one page (in full color, of course) then a small bio of what kind of kilt is and what the occasion is. http://www.amazon.com/Rear-Ends-Phot...9411627&sr=8-2 <=== This might be a good format.

**Dr Mac** · 22nd August 08, 06:32 AM

Seems indeed it has...

**macwilkin** · 22nd August 08, 06:44 AM

Originally Posted by georgeblack7

That's not at Barnes and Nobles though, and not likely to be. It's informative and seems accurate, but it's not flashy and it's not in wide circulation. How about one of those big books of pictures. Maybe this could be an Xmarks publication. A really good picture one one page (in full color, of course) then a small bio of what kind of kilt is and what the occasion is. http://www.amazon.com/Rear-Ends-Phot...9411627&sr=8-2 <=== This might be a good format.

Didn't look at the link very long, eh?

This is available from the Scottish Tartans Museum. Our own Matt Newsome is the curator. Copies are available in the museum gift shop. All one would have to do is PM him. In terms of accuracy, Matt is considered to be one of the foremost tartan scholars, so yes, it would "seem accurate".

Whilst you can't buy it at Barnes & Noble, purchasing a copy from the STM supports the museum, which is a worthwile cause for any kiltie.

Todd