Spats?

**bchunter** · 26th March 09, 04:19 PM

I love the look of spats, but they seem to be reserved to pipers and military these days. I've seen plenty of pictures of older generations with spats, hair sporrans, etc, and I think they look awesome. How about it guys, are spats ever OK these days for general wear, formal wear, etc? Do any of you ever wear spats, outside of the pipers? McMurdo, how about you?

**beloitpiper** · 26th March 09, 04:22 PM

I vote no on the civvie spats. I tried, and they just don't seem right.

**ChattanCat** · 26th March 09, 04:45 PM

Originally Posted by beloitpiper

I vote no on the civvie spats. I tried, and they just don't seem right.

I agree, they are too miltary for us civilians. UNLESS you are in a pipe band.

**Bugbear** · 26th March 09, 04:49 PM

Do people still wear spats with their morning coats and striped pants, as well as, other non-kilt, formal attire?

I always thought that looked nice.

**bchunter** · 26th March 09, 04:50 PM

Beloitpiper, where did you try them? Just curious, but was it in a formal setting, etc?

**bchunter** · 26th March 09, 04:52 PM

Good point, Ted.

**Bugbear** · 26th March 09, 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by bchunter

Good point, Ted.

I was actually just asking because I thought they looked kind of nice in the old movies with the white spats and white gloves etc; plus, I always think of the song "Puttin' on the Ritz," when spats come up.

**EagleJCS** · 26th March 09, 09:18 PM

FYI guys, a lot of pipers (or drummers for that matter) these days don't wear spats unless they wear a military-style uniform. Generally speaking, I've only seen Drum Majors wearing military-style uniforms these days.

Just Google for the World Pipe Band Championships and you'll probably find pictures and videos that show that most of the top pipe bands are wearing civilian daywear kit at most. Some just compete in their shirtsleeves (depending on the weather of the day). The top pipe bands have an influence on what many other competing bands wear. (Not that the clothes have anything to do with their abilities, just that it may make a subliminal impression on the judges. "Hey, these guys pay attention to what's going on the the pipe band competition world. Maybe their playing is a little better too.")

**beloitpiper** · 26th March 09, 09:53 PM

Originally Posted by bchunter

Beloitpiper, where did you try them? Just curious, but was it in a formal setting, etc?

I put them on and tried a number of different "looks". Also, I saw a guy at one of the Tartan Balls in Milwaukee with spats and a Price Charlie jacket, and it just didn't work, in my opinion.

**Nick** · 27th March 09, 03:16 AM

I'm a confirmed fan of spats, but I wouldn't wear the white military style with civilian dress. There's a couple pictures of Harry Lauder wearing spats with the kilt here: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/c...ighlight=spats