Tweed Kilts

[TheOfficialBren]

I am curious about tweed kilts. I hear the phrases "as traditional as tartan" and "as Scottish as tartan" used often when discussing tweed kilts but almost always in the context of reassuring a potential tweed kilt wearer that their new purchase will be a 'real' kilt and that they will look fine.

I happen to have no qualms with tweed. In fact, I intend to purchase one when I am able; but what is the history and tradition behind tweed kilt-wearing? When did it originate? Was it favoured by certain people for a certain purpose or was it then, as now, merely personal fashion preference?

Thank you, in advance for your help. I love that we all seem to love learning here on XMTS.

:-D

[MNlad]

Tweeds, as we know them today, and tartans, particularly as associated with the clans of Scotland, both trace their roots to the 19th century. Before that folks basically wore whatever the local mills, or they themselves, produced. You will find many early paintings depicting the Scots in clothing with much more basic patterns than the tartans of today. In fact, many look more like what we would call a windowpane tweed, than a tartan. Both are proud woolen products of Scotland.

[mookien]

If you haven't already, you might read Matt Newsome's article, "Feeling The Need For (Harris) Tweed" that can be found at

http://albanach.org/articles.html

under the selection, "The Need for Tweed" in the "MISCELLANEOUS" ARTICLE MENU.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Or just click here:
http://www.albanach.org/needfortweed.html

[TheOfficialBren]

Awesome! Thanks, guys. I was aware of the basic gist of tartan history but these resources are awesome for helping me to better understand. Many thanks.

[seanachie]

I have one tweed kilt and I truly love it. It does get a few comments because of it not being tartan.
John Hart (Keltoi Gaelic Clothing) made mine and it is first rate. I have not looked very recently but he did not have a lot of tweeds listed on his website because he had not had a lot of demand for tweed, if that turns out to be the case for one you like drop him an email. I know mine was woven by Marton Mills. I have a Cairngorme Loden Antique and the hand is really nice.

[cessna152towser]

Thread moved from Forum Issues to General Kilt Talk - Kilt Advice as this relates to seeking advice re kilts rather than any specific problems with the forum and deserves to be viewed by a wider audience.
Expiring redirect left on Forum Issues sub-forum.

[Dale Seago]

I have one tweed kilt, with matching waistcoat, made by Matt from the cloth that was produced by the Islay Woolen Mill for Liam Neeson to wear in the movie Rob Roy; in fact, that's the kilt I'm wearing in my current profile pic. I plan to wear it with the waistcoat and a Harris tweed argyle in Japan at the end of next week for my martial art teacher's 82nd-birthday party. (Yes, there will be pics!)

I'll probably have at least one more tweed kilt made one of these days, as I really like the look and feel of the fabric.



Edited to add a pleat shot of the kilt -- photo by Matt Newsome just before shipping:

[mookien]

Dale: I thought that was Rob Roy in your profile pic! - standing by the Irish Sea wondering if the Campbell Clan was still on his heels.

Can't wait to see the pics from your Japan trip. I hope you have a great time.

John

[TheOfficialBren]

Wow! Thank you, everyone, for all of your help. Dale, your kilt loks great. Seanachie, thank you for the heads-up.

Cesnan152towser, thank you for moving my thread.

Y'all rock!!!