Clan Crest on a Kilt---Where?

**BraveheartedO-fWolf** · 12th January 11, 04:20 PM

New to kilts.

Have a Ulitlikilt that I love.

I have my Bailey clan crest that I would like to wear on special occasions, but don't know where it goes properly.

It is about 3.5 inches tall and 2 inches wide and has three pin point fasteners, two on top, one on the bottom.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

**ForresterModern** · 13th January 11, 07:37 AM

I believe I may have the same type of heavily embroidered clan crest on a heavy felt background with three pin-post clasp attachements on the back. I bought mine more to wear at times when I could not wear my tartan, on a blazer, etc...

Some here will tell you that if you are wearing your family tartan, adding additional clan crest items (other than a cap badge) can turn into overkill, as the family tartan is supposted to speak for itself. If one wears a clan crest kilt pin, cap badge, fly plaid broach, belt buckle, and sporran, then adds the blazer patch as above you could see how this could easily get out of hand.

That said I have worn mine as a sort of kilt pin but worn higher on the right front apron edge, about halfway up, below where the kilt has to flex for my hip movement, but above the standard kilt pin location. Too high and the pins can dig into your hip joint when you sit down, too low and it really is a bit bulky and becomes less visible. But I will only wear mine with my family hunting tartan, as it is much less recognizable (outside the clan) than our standard tartan, and the two look entirely different in sett as well as coloration.

Good luck with your atemtps---let us know in pics how it turns out.

jeff

**Riverkilt** · 13th January 11, 07:49 AM

I've put patches on my Utilikilt cargo pockets - but I think your rig is much larger. Maybe guy a smaller version to put on the cargo pocket. The UK aprons are so narrow kilt pins and patches look "unusual" there - but that's just my opinion. Ain't no rules, have fun playing with it.

**BraveheartedO-fWolf** · 13th January 11, 09:39 AM

Yes...ForresterModern...sound like we have the same type badge.
Thanks for the help. My kilt does not sport my clan colors (its solid tan), so I think it will be fine to wear it where you have stated.

I also think now just pinning to my right pocket would work well (ala Riverkilt).

Thanks!

**macwilkin** · 13th January 11, 09:47 AM

Just my twa bob:

The badge that you and FM describe is in fact, a blazer badge. In the old days, bullion regimental/school/organisational badges were sewn directly to a blazer. Sometime in the last 10-20 years, companies started making them with clutchbacks (affectionally known as as "dammits") so one would not have to sew the badge to a blazer. I have one like this for our local St. Andrew's Society, and another for an organisation of altar servers/acolytes that I belong to in the Episcopal Church. Oddly enough, I find myself wearing them less and less.

In my opinion, blazer badges are just too big to be worn in place of a kilt pin. They are designed, in size and material (bullion wire) to be worn on the pocket of a blazer/club jacket.

Also, I'm not big on wearing items traditionally associated with Highland attire with contemporary kilts such a Utilikilt, because the inventor of said garment fully admits they were never based on a traditional Scottish kilt. Now again, that's just my opinion, and I know it's not a popular one around here. If you choose to do it -- great. I don't own a contemporary kilt, and probably never will -- and if I did, I wouln't try to "convert" it to a traditional kilt -- I've heard Hamish even say this that he avoids trappings of Highland attire with his modern kilts.

So again -- this is just my observations. Your mileage may very.

Respectfully,

Todd

**Tobus** · 13th January 11, 03:27 PM

I have to concur with cajunscot. I have both modern (Utilikilt) and traditional kilts, but I don't try to mix looks or accessories betwixt the two. A clan crest seems kind of out-of-place being worn with a modern non-Scot, non-clan kilt. But that's just my opinion, and it's worth exactly what you paid for it!

Practically speaking, yeah, the apron on a UK is a bad place to put a pin. It's too far to the inside, and will end up doing a lot of banging around as you walk.

If I may ask, what "special occasions" are you referring to that you're planning to bring forrit the clan crest for?

**BoldHighlander** · 13th January 11, 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

In my opinion, blazer badges are just too big to be worn in place of a kilt pin. They are designed, in size and material (bullion wire) to be worn on the pocket of a blazer/club jacket.

I have seen "mini" versions of these blazer badges that would work for your purpose, however....

I have to agree with Todd (below), but then it is just my opinion and really applies only to me.

Originally Posted by cajunscot

Also, I'm not big on wearing items traditionally associated with Highland attire with contemporary kilts such a Utilikilt, because the inventor of said garment fully admits they were never based on a traditional Scottish kilt. Now again, that's just my opinion, and I know it's not a popular one around here. If you choose to do it -- great. I don't own a contemporary kilt, and probably never will -- and if I did, I wouln't try to "convert" it to a traditional kilt -- I've heard Hamish even say this that he avoids trappings of Highland attire with his modern kilts.

So again -- this is just my observations. Your mileage may very.

**BraveheartedO-fWolf** · 13th January 11, 03:47 PM

So, what I think I get from all of your great responses is that there is some thought that combining periods (old/modern) styles is sort of a no-no or at least somewhat frowned upon.

On the the hand, there seems to be some thought that you can do as you please.

I guess what I am talking about is wearing the kilt to more formal, non-Scottish events, like say a party or a graduation from the men's initiations I am involved in. I think in that case it looks like wearing it on the pocket may work and not be too off base (heaven knows most if not all in attendance would never know it was not proper)....but to where to a Scottish event the mixing is sounding a bit improper.

Do I have that right?

**Jordan** · 13th January 11, 04:48 PM

Originally Posted by BraveheartedO-fWolf

So, what I think I get from all of your great responses is that there is some thought that combining periods (old/modern) styles is sort of a no-no or at least somewhat frowned upon.

On the the hand, there seems to be some thought that you can do as you please.

I guess what I am talking about is wearing the kilt to more formal, non-Scottish events, like say a party or a graduation from the men's initiations I am involved in. I think in that case it looks like wearing it on the pocket may work and not be too off base (heaven knows most if not all in attendance would never know it was not proper)....but to where to a Scottish event the mixing is sounding a bit improper.

Do I have that right?

Personally I wouldn't wear my utilikilt to a formal event. They are alright for general war but really don't look right when people try to dress them up.

Just my opinion of course
Jordan

**Tobus** · 14th January 11, 08:59 AM

I guess what I am talking about is wearing the kilt to more formal, non-Scottish events, like say a party or a graduation from the men's initiations I am involved in.

I have seen it done, but I can't say that a Utilikilt looks at all appropriate for dressing up. They are the "cargo pants" of the kilt world. If you would wear cargo pants to these occasions, and consider it appropriate, then by all means wear the UK.