Walking in a Kilt--the Scottish "Swish"

[Cardinal]

The recent thread in this forum about "Pleating option: tartan flashes when walking" brought to mind a comment I remember from the interview that is included as an "extra" on the DVD for the movie "Tunes of Glory."

In the interview, the director or producer mentioned that he had to teach his actors how to walk in a kilt, as Scotsmen in kilts have a particular way of making the kilt "swish."

Could one of the gentlemen here kilt explain how one born to the kilt "swishes"? I can manage the swagger, the swooning is outside of my control, but I have a wonderful kilt by Barb T that I want to wear to its best advantage.

Thanks,
Patrick

[Calgacus]

I can't really say that I've analysed it, I just get on with it, but my girlfriend tells me that I definitely walk differently when I am wearing a kilt.

I suspect I probably walk in time with the natural pendulum of the cloth, thus amplifying the swish and keeping it going. I do know that when I'm in a kilt I feel like I'm walking 'taller'.

[Cardinal]

I understand the "walking taller" part.

I've noticed that with the kilt at my natural waist, a wide belt reminds my body to straighten my back even more than usual, chest out shoulders back and so forth. I expect it will soon be automatic.

Thanks,
Patrick

I can't really say that I've analysed it, I just get on with it, but my girlfriend tells me that I definitely walk differently when I am wearing a kilt.

I suspect I probably walk in time with the natural pendulum of the cloth, thus amplifying the swish and keeping it going. I do know that when I'm in a kilt I feel like I'm walking 'taller'.

[creagdhubh]

I can't really say that I've analysed it, I just get on with it, but my girlfriend tells me that I definitely walk differently when I am wearing a kilt.

I suspect I probably walk in time with the natural pendulum of the cloth, thus amplifying the swish and keeping it going. I do know that when I'm in a kilt I feel like I'm walking 'taller'.

Well said, and I couldn't agree more. When I blossom forth in my kilt, it's as if I have a thousand Macpherson clansmen walking behind me. Not to mention; my Highland ancestors, Chief, clan, kith and kin are all "with" me when I proudly wear the Macpherson tartan. Call it a "pride in Highland ancestry, and from whence I came." There's no doubt that I walk taller and with more of a purpose whilst wearing Highland Dress. Much along the lines of when I used to wear a U.S. Marine Corps uniform. Same feeling of pride.

Heavyweight kilt woven in the Macpherson Reproduction colours by D.C. Dalgliesh and made by our own, Barb Tewksbury.

[Dileasgubas]

For what it is worth, highland regiments march at a slower pace (90 paces per minute) than normal infantry (110 paces per minute). I can only suppose that this is done to allow the soldiers the time to add a slight swagger to their step, thus ensuring that their kilts have the proper swing...

[David]

Cant think of ever seeing a man in a kilt walking timidly or slouching about. It definitely improves my posture; and while I don't think I walk faster, I was recently conscious of "striding out" while wearing a kilt. Perhaps its this combination that gives the kilt its swing

[tpa]

Can't say I'm conscious of any deliberate change to my walking, although I'm always aware of the enjoyment I get walking in my kilts. No good asking my wife either, she says she is so used to me in a kilt she no longer notices.

[HootinHoller]

I think it just happens naturally. I mean yes, what you wear does affect how you hold yourself, but I don't think anyone needs Hula lessons to get a good swish. Then again for all I know I might swoosh while all of you guys are swishing.

[KSmedic]

I think it just happens naturally. I mean yes, what you wear does affect how you hold yourself, but I don't think anyone needs Hula lessons to get a good swish. Then again for all I know I might swoosh while all of you guys are swishing.

It's equally acceptable to swash. There ARE buckles, after all.

[Ordway]

Listen to a Gurkha Pipe Band and you will understand why highland regiments march at 90 paces per minute. The swing of the kilt is just a coincidental, positive result.