Ties

[JonathanB]

In the first enthusiasm of buying a kilt, I got what I thought were all the accessories: sporran, hose, pin, flashes. And then I got a woolen tie in the matching tartan to the kilt.

It's a nice tie and I've worn it with a suit.

However there are two issues about a tie and kilt. (I've not worn a kilt in a formal way or situation yet so I've not worn then together yet.)

Googling about kilts I came across the advice that any man with good legs can wear a kilt, but wearing a matching kilt and tie is naff. It might look as though I'm trying too hard.

The other issue is general. I have difficulty tying a tie so that it is above my waistband when I'm wearing trousers. It seems impossible even with a Windsor knot to wear a tie that is above the top of the kilt. Do you tuck it in the top of the kilt? That sounds even sillier.

Any suggestions?

[McElmurry]

Just an idea. If the mill that wove your tartan makes solid color ties in the colourway of your tartan (such as House of Edgar muted) get a tie in a color not in your tartan. The complimentary color will add interest to the outfit. Enjoy the journey.

[JonathanB]

For years I've had a square ended woolen tie from the defunct (?) Scotch Shop and hardly worn it. It's a colour (British spelling) not in my kilt, ie red. As it's shorter than a silk tie, it won't hang over so much.

Is it common for the tie to hang over the kilt? As a former trouser wearer it sounds odd.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

If you think your tie is too long, tie it so the the front hangs to where you think it should be. This will make the back (the narrow part) waaaay too long. Not to worry. There is a fix; several, actually.

1) tuck the overlong end of the tie into your shirt.
2) if your tie has a tag, or keeper, on the back side, fold the narrow end over on itself and tuck it through the tag or keeper.
3) a tie is a tube pressed flat; tuck the narrow end back up inside itself.
4) if you don't mind damaging the tie, simply cut off the excess length.

Finally, you can go on line and order ties in just about any length you may require.

[Phil]

The usual view is that tartan should not be worn above the waist with a kilt and I would follow McElmurry's advice and go for a self-coloured tie. I know that tartan waistcoats can be worn but that is an exception (every rule has one don't they?).

[JonathanB]

If you think your tie is too long, tie it so the the front hangs to where you think it should be. This will make the back (the narrow part) waaaay too long. Not to worry. There is a fix; several, actually.

1) tuck the overlong end of the tie into your shirt.

Or tuck it in to the kilt behind the sporran.

That's brilliant. Thanks.

PS as a newbie I've already posted on this thread but as of the present time it has not been moderated to check on any profanity, obscenity, inordinate self-promotion, etc on my part. And I'm very glad this board has that eminently sensible practice.

[Chas]

Snip ... inordinate self-promotion

Inordinate self-promotion - we're kilt wearers - it's our life-blood!

Regards

Chas

[JonathanB]

Coo. I've made ten posts. If I post this, will it appear without waiting to be moderated? Only way is to press the reply button.

Self promotion? I'm English, for goodness' sake. Just do it ironically.

[JonathanB]

I know that tartan waistcoats can be worn but that is an exception (every rule has one don't they?).

I've seen tartan waistcoats and I was not impressed. I take it tartan on outdoor wear can be OK, ie scarfs and hats.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I've seen tartan waistcoats and I was not impressed. I take it tartan on outdoor wear can be OK, ie scarfs and hats.

Only ladies should wear tartan hats.