Great Kilt Conundrum

[Ayin McFye]

I've been noticing the frequency at which I see individuals dressed in their full great kilts has been occuring less and less often.

The only time I ever really see someone wearing a great kilt like this



is at a highland games, and "normally" the person looks nowhere near as good as Liam in Rob Roy. At least here in Arizona the few that I've met typically do a poor job at wearing the great kilt properly. It may be different in other places around the world, but I only have my local environment to base my opinion off of.

I believe the reduced frequency is probably directly linked to the extra effort that someone has to put into wearing a great kilt, plus in places like Arizona (where I live) it gets pretty hot, and all that extra fabric is a heat stroke waiting to happen.

Do any of you regularly see anyone wearing a great kilt out in public? Do you consider the great kilt more of a costume than the regular kilts we all tend to wear? If so why?

Are there special occasions when a Great Kilt "should" be worn?

I'm interested in everyone's opinions on this. Please do share your thoughts, and any answers that you may have to my questions as well.

[Bugbear]

I was going to use one for a winter blanket and wrap, then hang it on the wall in the summer. The fabric deal never worked out, so I don't know.

[Nighthawk]

Personally, I never see anyone wearing them casually. I have several friends who wear them as costume, being that we're in an historical reenactment group, but the only time I ever see them outside of costumed affairs is at formal events. Quite simply, they're a pain in the rear to put on! And they're not especially practical. You ever try getting into a car wearing all that material? It ain't fun... unless you're just watching someone trying to do it. Then it's hilarious!

[piperdbh]

The only times I see them is at games.

[JRB]

Frankly, I just find my belted plaid to be too big and bulky to wear casually. Plus, it's kind of a p.i.t.a. to put on. There's a reason the Scots switched to the modern kilt. I'm glad I have one, but am only interested in donning it occasionally. They do look nice with full formal dress at events like a Burns supper.

[The Barry]

I think that we've hit the proverbial nail on the head. The great kilt, while by definition looking "great" is, as has been stated above, a PITA to put on. Making it not-so-useful for casual, out-on-the-town wear.

I would love it if I had the patience and fortitude of will to wear a great kilt out and about, but alas, I'm succumbed to the conveniences of leather straps.

[Pleater]

I had a length of fabric about great kilt size, but after a while I sewed in a few large pleats, cut it at the waist, horizontally, in the centre vertically, and ended up with a pleated 'bog coat' - or a kilt with sleeves, which is quite a cozy dressing gown sort of garment.

I'll see if I can find it and take a photo, but if you look up 'bog coat' you should see the sort of thing I mean.

Anne the Pleater

[Buckskin]

So everybody agrees the great kilt is a pain to wear even though it looks "great". A modern kilt may not look as "great", but sure does have some..uh, modern conveniences. So put on your modern kilt, and grab another 3 yds of material and wrap it around you in a "belted plaide" fashion. You get the look and the convenience. If it is too hot, don't wear the plaide. You can add or subtract it as the weather or other circumstances dictate.

For me, the belted plaide add completes the look. I love the color temperatures so I can wear both.

I'd say that I have not seen anyone around here wearing a great kilt, but I've not seen anyone in Little Rock wearing any kind of a kilt, except me!

[M. A. C. Newsome]

The "great kilt" or belted plaid is historical clothing. It was in fashion from the end of the sixteenth century till the latter part of the eighteenth century. You may have encountered it from time to time as late as the early nineteenth century, but it would have been relatively rare.

You see them worn these days primarily by reenactors.

I would say that is the main reason why you don't see them out in the streets very often. I mean, when was the last time you went out shopping at Wal*Mart and saw a guy dressed like this?


So why would you expect to see someone wearing eighteenth century Highland Dress?

[Rex_Tremende]

I mean, when was the last time you went out shopping at Wal*Mart and saw a guy dressed like this?

HOW STRANGE! That is EXACTLY how I shop at Wal*Mart!