A Definition of the Term, T R A D I T I O N A L

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Now that we have a forum for discussing Historical Highland Attire (Thank You, Mods!) I think that it may be time to put forth what "Traditionalists" generally mean by Traditional Highland Dress:

First, that this forum should only concern itself with civilian attire; military uniforms are more properly of "historical" interest, even in the case of relatively new Scottish regiments.

Second, that "traditional" spans the period of Victorian, Edwardian, and post WWI Georgian and Elizabethan Highland attire.

Third, there will, inevitably, be some cross-over subjects, flat caps probably being one such area. However, as the intent of the thread is to promote discussion about what is traditionally worn with the kilt, it is to be hoped that these topics will be addressed in the General Kilt Talk forum, rather than debated here.

Fourth, that Traditional Highland Attire has generally come to mean day wear and evening wear in all of their many and varied permutations. Casual wear, although it can encompass the traditional Highland kilt, can probably be better discussed in other forums.

Finally, allow me, on behalf of all the traditionalists on X Marks the Scot, to extend to all of you our sincere hope that you will read, and perhaps join in, the discussions on what is, and is not, traditional Highland attire. We traditionalists have no desire to change your mind about anything-- although we would hope to open it up to our point of view.

[tulloch]

I am very interested in what will come up here. I have been enjoying the historical photos and those of Prince Charles. This is certainly an image-sentitive rabble. I suspect that we will see that historically the Highlands are littered with pants. Pants, wool jackets and flat caps. I love 'em. I will gladly trade a kilt and hose for the pants any day and feel quite at home. Wool. What a wonder.

[Rex_Tremende]

Fourth, Traditional Highland Attire has come to mean day wear and evening wear in all of their many and varied permutations. Casual wear, although it can encompass the traditional Highland kilt, can probably be better discussed in other forums.

So, just to be clear, only styles 4-10 can be discussed here, but if I were to get, say, a new Tewksbury, unless my ensemble included day-wear accoutrement or better, I should discuss that somewhere else. Right?

Regards,
Rex.

[davidlpope]

What about a thread with photos that exemplify traditional highland dress? I know that several threads currently exist (Keepers of the Kingdom, HRH The Duke of Rothesay, etc.) but it would be great to have more images together in one place. I'd be very appreciative of photos from Highland Gatherings in Scotland, particularly Braemar and the Argyllshire Gathering.

Cordially,

David

[Bugbear]

Guess that works for me. Glad it finally happened.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

So, just to be clear, only styles 4-10 can be discussed here, but if I were to get, say, a new Tewksbury, unless my ensemble included day-wear accoutrement or better, I should discuss that somewhere else. Right?

Regards,
Rex.

Rather than say "...only styles 4-10 can be discussed here..." it might be more appropriate to suggest that it would be preferred if these styles were discussed here, as opposed to some of the non-traditional examples on the "1 Kilt, 10 Looks" thread.

First and foremost, the definitions put forward are merely intended to give others an idea of how the Trads define "traditional". What one posts is up to themselves. My personal take is that this would be as good a place as any to talk about your new Tewksbury although, in all fairness to Barb, a red hot review in General Kilt Talk would probably reach more folks.

No one is limiting discussion; just trying to provide a frame of reference for the term "traditional".

Regards,
Scott

[Livingston]

Scott, I, for one, am looking forward to the posts in this topic. I lean more toward the traditional and would prefer to have everything correct when I can than to look totally off. And by that I mean off according to traditionalists.

[piperdbh]

Scott, I, for one, am looking forward to the posts in this topic. I lean more toward the traditional and would prefer to have everything correct when I can than to look totally off. And by that I mean off according to traditionalists.

I, too, lean more traditional, and wish I had more opportunities to dress traditionally. Maybe when this new thread gets up and running events could be planned where we could show off a bit.

[Jock Scot]

Well done mods and thank you too Scott. There are bound to be teething problems, but there is no need to be too snooty about the odd mistake is there? A smile, a gentle joke and most importantly of all, a courteous redirection is all that is needed.I am looking foreward to this new definition of a heading.

[Rollo]

I am very interested !