Folklore: Wearing of Kilts

Subject: Wearing of Kilts
From: selby
Date: 10 Sep 02 - 02:19 PM

Next year 2003 a group of friends have suggested that on the final night of Whitby Folk Week that we wear Kilts. How do you decide which tartan to wear I am a Richardson my Grandmother a McDougall my Great Grandmother a Burns.Who's tartan do I wear? Keith

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 10 Sep 02 - 02:29 PM

Does it matter? They all look more than a little silly...

Look like yer walking around wearing granny's picknic-table cloth...

,-)

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: Sorcha
Date: 10 Sep 02 - 02:33 PM

Wear whatever you like with the possible exception of Royal Stewart. The sassenachs made up the whole clan tartan idea anyway.

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: GUEST,Melani
Date: 10 Sep 02 - 02:34 PM

Whatever you wear, if you're not used to being in a skirt, be careful how you sit. I could tell some tales from the Renaissance Faire...

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: MMario
Date: 10 Sep 02 - 02:37 PM

According to this site most likely McDougal or Campbell (Burns is a sept of Campbell)

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: GUEST,Bill Kennedy
Date: 10 Sep 02 - 02:47 PM

given Mario's advice above, pick the one of the two you like the best, and don't forget there are 'ancient' & 'modern' & 'hunting' to choose from, the ancient usually are a softer version of the modern, very nice.

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: MMario
Date: 10 Sep 02 - 02:51 PM

"hunting" is usually simpler and less recognizable.

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: GUEST,Bill Kennedy
Date: 10 Sep 02 - 02:58 PM

and I suppose one it to where the 'hunting' when one is out hunting, so that rules out that one!

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 10 Sep 02 - 05:34 PM

My mothers maiden name is Ramsay and they have about 3 tartans. I had a kilt in the family dress tartan which was mainly red. I was a child and probably wouldn't wear one now!

Cat

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: greg stephens
Date: 10 Sep 02 - 05:42 PM

Well we've heard that the wicked sassenachs banned tartan, and also invented it.They are meant to have banned it in 1746 according to a previous thread, so when did they invent it exactly? And why?

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: Micca
Date: 10 Sep 02 - 05:42 PM

and of course you have to ask yourself whether you are a " traditionalist" or a "Modernist" and that will decide an important question...
BTW the Royal Stewart is the Universal one that anyone can wear,as a Subject of HM the Queen, usually you have to be a member of or descendant of the Clan to wear a clan tartan!! It is the most Comfortable Formal Outfit I have EVER worn in my life...!!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 10 Sep 02 - 05:51 PM

Sorcha was a bit sweeping earlier on. Certainly, many of the "named" tartans as we know them today were invented in the wake of the craze for all things Scottish that followed King George's visit (masterminded by Walter Scott) by fabric companies jumping on the bandwagon, but whether they were Scottish- or English-owned, I wouldn't know. Highland dress was proscribed (by the British, not English, government) for some years following the last Jacobite rebellion, but only in the Highlands.

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: The Walrus
Date: 10 Sep 02 - 05:57 PM

Be bold, bin the lot and wear a kilt of hodden grey Better still wear a belted plaid (philamhor?)of Hodden.

Walrus

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: greg stephens
Date: 10 Sep 02 - 05:58 PM

There's some good Cornish kilts being invented at the moment( or revived as their wearers would say). I'm a devout Cornishman, but I havent taken the plunge yet.

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 10 Sep 02 - 06:09 PM

You could always try wearing one of those those tutus that ceremonial Greek soldiers wear...

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: Bill D
Date: 10 Sep 02 - 07:19 PM

I suppose I come closest to Murray clan...but it's a bit late for me, and my ancestors have been HERE for 200 years, so it would be silly...

anyway, no kilts for me, as I don't trust Mother Nature

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: smallpiper
Date: 10 Sep 02 - 07:35 PM

The English didn't invent tartan the ancient tribes that lived in Britain prior to the roman occupation wore tartan, the whole clan tartan thing (as has already been said) was invented by the Victorians, prior to that people just wore what was made locally. So wear what ever takes your fancy.And enjoy it! However be warned Kilts are very warm, very warm indeed!

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 10 Sep 02 - 08:00 PM

Irish marching bands wear kilts which are orange instead of tartan.

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: Sorcha
Date: 10 Sep 02 - 08:08 PM

Smallpiper, that is really what I meant but you said it better. Mr. is Clan Chattan, Davison sept, but can you find Chattan in Wyoming? Hell no, and I am NOT paying the Great Big Bucks to import one!! All I've ever seen for imports are filebegs, and he wears a filemor.

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: Big Mick
Date: 10 Sep 02 - 10:49 PM

Generally the Irish don't wear clan tartans, rather they wear the colors of the County they come from, or the Irish National. I love kilts, they are comfortable and look good with a lot of different types of shirts, and footwear. I have one that is made of duck canvas with a standard cut to it. It is great for lounging, or for participating in sports. I often wear it with a t shirt and Doc Marten style boots. I always get lots of compliments that go something like "Big men look great in kilts......". How is that for a backhanded reference.....................LOL.

Mick

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: mack/misophist
Date: 10 Sep 02 - 11:05 PM

For what it's worth, I've always heard that the Black Watch was the universal 'guest' tartan.

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Sep 02 - 11:10 PM

check these out: utilikilts dot com

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: Big Mick
Date: 10 Sep 02 - 11:22 PM

Yeah kat, I have seen these before. I don't care much for them with all the pockets and such. I prefer the "traditional" cut with two buckles. But that use more utiltarian materials, such as the canvass duck. The utilikilt reminds me of an apron with pockets. I will see if I can find the website for mine.

Mick

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: GUEST,Boab
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 04:14 AM

New tartans are making their appearance almost continuously. There's a lot of truth in the statement that the Victorians were the "inventers" of the sma' kilt, AND many of the tartans which go with it. Tartan existed in the Scottish highlands [and in many another remote area] ever since the art of cloth weaving came into being. The "clan tartan" however was a phenomenon which had very vague roots, at best. Tartan as a pattern was simply the coincidental outcome of the slow weaving process , and the seasonal availability of vegetable dyes in certain areas. This resulted in the warp and weft producing a chequered pattern which we describe as "tartan". In the past times, when the [detestable] clan sytem was in place, fellow clansmen were more likely to be recognised by what they wore on their bonnets [white cockade, red hackle, grouse feather etc..] And just for the record, I own a Gordon regimental kilt which I first wore fifty-six years ago---and it still gets an occasional airing!

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: smallpiper
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 04:28 AM

"Big men look great in kilts" - its a damm good job too! My ex used to call me a fat bastard in a skirt whenever I wore my kilt - but I think that was because I have better legs than her!!!!! ;-)

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 04:36 AM

When you wera a kilt you have a few decisions to make....1) Which tartan and 2)......what are you going to wear underneath it....or not!!!!

Cat

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: smallpiper
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 04:47 AM

No there is only one decision and that is which tartan.... wear anything underneath and you have cooked bollocks - not good for the reproductive system and you have to be a "Reel man" to wear a kilt! It takes a lot of courage the first time out but after that you just get brazen!

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: GUEST,Mikey joe
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 04:58 AM

You shouldn't wear anything under the kilt, but if going to a match or something where a long walk is involved, I sometimes wear briefs to prevent ahem... chaffing. They are disposed of as soon as the all the walking is over. You could also wear the Flower of Scotland tartan which is a nice "general" tartan.

Slán Mj

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From:
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 05:06 AM

well....what can i say, as far as the question of modern or ancient? what does it matter......I've been participating in the SCA for over ten years now as a scot and a real life member of clan MacDonald and i've found out over the years that it's not what kind of kilt ya wear......but how you wear it. the best times of the year ta buy the tartan is at christmas......most of the fabric stores carry universal tartan that anyone can wear.....granted ye'll pay dearly for it...(about 12.50 to 20.00 dollars per yard) but it's worth it in the long run. all ya need to do is learn how to properly pleat it. (i own about 3 colors of tartan, I wear whatever color suits my fancy at the time) granted i would love to import some of my clan's tartan, but at 30.00+ per yard alas that dream will probably never happen, so in the meantime I make do with what i have. I also own my clan's badge so there's no question whom i'm with.

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: Gervase
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 05:57 AM

Make sure the kilt is long enough, too.
I inherited my father's kilt, but he was a good couple of inches shorter than me, and his kilt rode alarmingly high above my knees. It was something I learned to live with, until walking u Kensington Church street to a Burns Night dinner I was jolted out of a reverie by a cold hand on my arse, followed by a shriek: "Stroo! Stroo!"
I almost jumped out of my skin. I turned round and was confronted with two grinning and blushing Spanish girls, who apologised and explained that they'd been told that chaps didn't wear anything under the kilt and a long lunch had given them the Dutch courage to put it to the test when confronted with a bloke walking in front of them with a rather brief little number!
As for the tartan, I think it was Graham, which my father claimed he was vaguely entitled to wear, but he used to refer to it as 'Hunting Cohen' when asked.

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: GUEST,Davetnova
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 06:46 AM

Looking at portraits of emininent scots from the days before the uprisings it seems almost de rigeur to wear as many "tartans" as possible with jacket, trews,hose, waistcoat,plaid etc all in different patterns. Some clan septs may have all worn the same pattern but this was probably due to buying complete rolls of cloth from the weaver and clothing the whole family in it.

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: selby
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 01:14 PM

Am I right in saying that going commando means you are wearing a kilt made out of camoflage fabric!! So I think its the McDougall Tartan for me and now the difficult bit plucking up courage to wear it.Is there a drink from Scotland that makes all inhibitions dissappear? Keith

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: GUEST,Bill Kennedy
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 01:25 PM

it's not what's put on under the kilt, it's what goes on under the kilt!

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: The Walrus at work
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 01:34 PM

Should I be really pedantic and point out that tartan is the cloth the kilt is made of and not the pattern on it (that IIRC is the "Sett"). I recall, last year, seeing a "Jacobite" (1745) re-enactor in full kit (Broadsword, skein dhu, targe, dags etc.) all, I was assured (by another member of the society), carefully researched His Philamohr/plaid was of one sett, his tunic a second, his waistcoat a third (all of which clashed)[1] and these were matched with black and white diced hose and topped by a blue bonnet, he was certainly a striking figure (revolting taste to modern eyes, but striking). I wouldn't recommend the effect.

Walrus

[1] He looked like a colour-blind golfer who'd dressed in the dark.

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: MMario
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 01:54 PM

If I recall correctly the Sett is actually the pattern that would PRODUCE the tartan; at least that is how it was described in the (very old) book I practically hand copied 30 years ago. the tartan is the pattern itself when woven; (but not the cloth. tartan would be the pattern ON the cloth.)

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 04:44 PM

And a plaid ("played") is a garment.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: The Walrus
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 07:31 PM

MMario,

Officers of the British Army, certainly at the begining of the 20th century, wore a "frock" (an unlined and unstructured jacket) in "tartan", these frocks were either scarlet or blue (depending on the arm of service), but were solid coloured and not patterned. I maintain that "tartan" is the cloth (Dress regulations refer to the pattern worn by The "Black Watch" as "Government sett" or "Government pattern" not "Government tartan").

Walrus

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: Peg
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 09:40 PM

There is nothing sexier than a man in a kilt! Ask the lass that has seen her share of men of all shapes, sizes, ages and shades of handsomeness in them...mind you, you need to make sure you have appropriate footwear! Not necesarily "proper" but appropriate...the fancy woolen socks and mocs are fine, but black combat boots look nice too. Just no boat shoes or sneakers!

There is something very manly about them; maybe because many of the men you see wearing them are Scots! And of course one needs to be secure in one's manhood to feel comfortable in one and you know what they say about self-confidence...

Those utili-kilts are growing quite popular among my male and female camping compadres...

There is a new show on PBS on weekends now called Monarch of the Glen; at least one dishy young man goes about in a kilt (he's a hired hand at a big Scottish estate). Yummy.

peg

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 10:47 PM

Ah, that show was on BBC-America last year, Peg. Great show and the second season starts this month! And, I agree about the sexy part.

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: Peg
Date: 11 Sep 02 - 11:51 PM

kat; it is just starting here now from the beginning and I eat that stuff up like it's home-baked cookies. Funny how all these remote Celtic places have suhc attractive interesting people in them ain't it?

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: GUEST,Keevan6
Date: 12 Sep 02 - 12:10 AM

ok......"goin Commando" is the same thing as "regimental" meanin "no undies" i.e. no boxers, briefs, boxer-briefs, panties, panty-hose, or whatever yur furry little minds can come up with.

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Sep 02 - 12:40 AM

Yeah, Peg! Wait 'til you see the hunk who comes in later!

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 12 Sep 02 - 01:53 AM

Hey Big Mick, I'll wear my kilt this weekend at the Michigan irish Festival if you'll wear yours!

Seamus

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: GUEST,Boab
Date: 12 Sep 02 - 03:28 AM

Dave---the plaid was part and parcel of the original "kilt". The garment was , they say, donned by laying out the [ 7 yards?] of material on the ground, lying down on it and rolling over two or three times, standing up and throwing the unused length over the shoulder---that final action creating the "forerunner' of the Plaid. As to the "anything underneath" blathers, if ye fancy wearin' something to cover your equipment, go ahead! Ive worn a kilt, on and off [pun time!] for over fifty years, and the handy garment has been used as a kilt [!] a cold-weather cycling cape, a pillow and a handy "courting groundsheet". An' if oney o' youse bare-bummed zealots expect me tae sit up on a stage facin' an audience playin' a squeezebox an' tryin' tae keep ma knees thigither at the same time ye've anither think comin'!

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: smallpiper
Date: 12 Sep 02 - 04:23 AM

Just let it all hang out !!!

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: Mr Happy
Date: 12 Sep 02 - 06:01 AM

Come where the hands are clapping
Come where the toes are tapping
Come where the jocks are strapping
Down in the glen

Land of inclement weather
Land of the prickly heather
So keep your knees together
Scotland the brave!

8-)

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: gnu
Date: 12 Sep 02 - 06:23 AM

Boab... 8 yards of broadcloth was a kilt worn by the Highlanders of Scottei.

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: Peg
Date: 12 Sep 02 - 08:56 AM

My friend David has an authentic kilt and he puts it on that old-fashioned way, by laying it down and rolling in it then adjusting it. He is very good looking and has a great body so when he does this at camp every year we all love to watch!

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: GUEST,Scabby Doug
Date: 12 Sep 02 - 09:18 AM

"Join a Highland regiment, me boy. The kilt is an unrivalled garment for fornication and diarrhoea."

Can't remember whose quote this was, but it's so true...

Cheers

Steven

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: MMario
Date: 12 Sep 02 - 09:31 AM

it's possible that usage has changed since the book was published - (it was from the 1800's I remember - pre 1890 at least because I remember it was older then my grandfather)

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: GUEST,Bill Kennedy
Date: 12 Sep 02 - 09:52 AM

this is a little crossover from the thread on the Christmas Truce of 1914, but appropriate here, and acoount of the spontaneous football (that's soccer to Americans) match that occurred the first day,

"Us Germans really roared when a gust of wind revealed that the Scots wore no drawers under their kilts - and hooted and whistled every time they caught an impudent glimpse of one posterior belonging to one of "yesterday's enemies." But after an hour's play, when our Commanding Officer heard about it, he sent an order that we must put a stop to it. A little later we drifted back to our trenches and the fraternisation ended. "

Subject: RE: Help: Wearing of Kilts
From: GUEST,Lood MacLood
Date: 12 Sep 02 - 01:46 PM

For years, I've been wearing a MacLeod tartan only to find out that my family is actually MacGregor( my apoloogies to all the Gregorachs out there). I've also seen advertised in a catalog to those unfamiliar as The Scottish Lion a tartan called Jaobitewhich, I have to say, is rather stylish(being theprudent Scottish expression for LOUD).

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: Urbane Guerrilla
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 10:31 AM

Hoch aye -- the little kilt (the philibeg) runs about eight yards of fabric for an adult wearer. The great kilt, or belted plaid, is rather shorter at six yards of full-width tartan -- and is quite voluminous enough at six yards. It's the only tablecloth-cum-bedroll a man can wear all day and look good in, and throw over his head in the case of a sudden shower! The ends of the thing after you've pinned the front and back together with that big brooch, once tucked into the belt, make pockets as numerous as they are voluminous. The oddest thing I've ever carried there was a kitten. Kiltwearers also end up appreciating what the womenfolks go through -- they speedily learn the one-handed skirt-sweep as they go to sit on chilly metal folding chairs.

Women DO pay attention to you in a kilt. I think it gives them lubricious thoughts, speculating on "What would happen if I put my hand right... there?" Beyond the usual quip about "There's naething worn under the kilt, lass; it's a' in perfect working order..."

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: GUEST,Garydon
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 12:12 PM

My vote is for the MacDougall plaid. I being Gary McDowell of the MacDougall clan do support that decision. Further, may I suggest Onan Scotch from the home of the MacDougall's if you feel the dram will make the man. However, its not the dram, it is the man. I say always go the way you were born. With pride and honour.

Conquer or Die.


Gary®

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: CET
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 12:36 PM

I would like an authoritative opinion about not wearing underwear under the kilt. I know that's the ironclad rule for Highland regiments, but I have doubts about its authenticity. The pre-industrial highlanders didn't wear underwear for the simple reason that nobody did. They simply wore a long shirt. I suspect that if underwear had been available, they would have worn it. Comments?

Edmund

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 12:43 PM

if they rode horses I bet they wore something! Horsehair HURTS!

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 01:07 PM

I just did a search through some SCA archives - and they do calim to have period woodcuts of kilts being blown in the wind exposing boxer like garments under the kilt. I cannot locate the SOURCE of the woodcuts - nor can I find the reference where I read that the tails of the shirts were wrapped between the legs and belted around the waist (Whcihc would be an alternative "underwear"

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: Jim McLean
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 01:21 PM

A long shirt with a safety pin joining the tail to the front, was very common in my day and a reminder for guest Garydon, plaid is a blanket not another name for tartan.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: GUEST,Obie
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 05:56 PM

During battle the kilt was cast aside and men fought nekkid . the enemy usually fled or died from fright.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: Gareth
Date: 14 Nov 03 - 04:13 PM

Or died laughing ! Actually a Scot aquaintaence once told that the advantage of a kilt and no underwear meant the sheep werent scared by the noise of a zip !!

Gareth

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 14 Nov 03 - 04:43 PM

Back to the original question, if you can't track down a family tartan you can always sport Northumbrian tartan as Whitby was part of the ancient kingdom of Northumbria. It's black and white and sometimes called shepherd's tartan and it said to be far older than any of the more colourful clan tartans.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: Dramatist
Date: 14 Nov 03 - 04:47 PM

I am a full-time wheelchair user and find a kilt a wonderful substitute for formal wear. (I am a Fraser, by the way). I wear dress Fraser wiht formal evening wear and Hunting Fraser with a tweed jacket for less formal occasions.

There are many designs you can wear without offending anyone. The new 'Flower of Scotland' is very nice or you can pick a Scottish Football Team to support and wear their tartan - all Scottish Premier Clubs have one. (Perhaps best to avoid Celtic/Rangers if you are going to wear it in Glasgow or Hibs/Hearts if you are going to Edinburgh but for a night in Whitby you should be OK!

Jonathan.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: lady penelope
Date: 14 Nov 03 - 05:30 PM

The plaid is any piece of heavy woven cloth. Unlike today, they used to weave the cloth to either the maximum length they go get to or to the size they wanted.

Heavy material was rarely cut as it lasted longer that way. ( If you've ever had a go at weaving you'd understand how long it takes to make cloth.....)

Plaids were used for all sorts of articles of clothing, cloaks, shawls, bedding. The 'ben kilt' or great kilt was a kind of utility piece of clothing. It was worn however the wearer found it comfortable.

The most common way recorded was to lay the material on the ground and put in several pleats lengthways to gather the slack. Then the wearer lay along the pleats and folded the fabric across. A belt could then be slid underneath and then tied at the front. The remaining fabric hanging from the back was then worn like a cloak or brought over one shoulder and tucked in the belt to hold it in place.

The ben kilt was also used to roll up in to go to sleep. And probably anything else they could think of.

The tarten is definitely the pattern and not the fabric. Tartens came in all sorts of colours and were not affiliated to certain clans ( except by the fact that so and so had made 40 yards of the same pattern and every one from the chief to the latest bairn was wearing it ) until after the clearences, when it became almost a point of honour. The Victorians waded in with muted versions ( have you seen the Crawfor and Ogilvey tartens, talk about retina burning ) for the delicate sensibilities of the times and these were named 'Hunting' for the taylors who instigated them.

Frankly, wear what you like! It's nice if you pick an identafiable tarten to know something about it, but other than that go for it.

More men should wear skirts!

TTFN Lady P.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: smallpiper
Date: 14 Nov 03 - 05:36 PM

I'm having a plain kilt made - due to not being scottish and a modern kind of fella - I'm all for going commando when wearing a kilt as its to damm hot on the old gonads otherwise.

As for the wodcuts and boxers I think they may have been added for delicate sensibilities.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: Snuffy
Date: 14 Nov 03 - 07:53 PM

Jockstrap?

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: HuwG
Date: 14 Nov 03 - 09:50 PM

Somewhat belatedly for GUEST, Scabby Doug's purposes, I believe that the quote about the kilt being ideal for bowel disorders and reproduction, occurs in "Bugles and a Tiger", by John Master, part of his autobiography, this one relating his experiences at Sandhurst and as a young officer in the Indian Army before World War II.

GUEST, Obie is probably right about the highlanders' "battle dress". A well known quote runs, "The highlander's first act in battle is to pull forward his bonnet over the eyes with an emphatic 'scrug', his second, to cast off or throw back his plaid ..." Presumably, merely throwing back the plaid would free the wearer's sword arm from encumbrance. Casting off the plaid would free the wearer from er, all restraints.


My father, whose first name is Lindsay, believes that he is entitled to wear Lindsay tartan, and therefore so am I. However, I don't think I will go further than the tie which he and my mother sent me for Christmas some years ago.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: smallpiper
Date: 15 Nov 03 - 05:04 AM

HuwG - wearing a kilt is a very liberating thing once you get over the initial fear! (and learn how to fend off the curious of both genders - I always find that, in answer to a female asking what I've got on under my kilt, an answer of "probably less than you" raises a few blushes and when a man asks I reply "what would a big strong lad like you want to know that for" I've never to my knowledge had a gay man ask so you can imagine the results!)

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: Tam the Bam (Nutter)
Date: 15 Nov 03 - 05:17 AM

My name is Tom Hamilton and I can wear the Douglas or Hamilton tartan, and being a true scot I don't wear anything underneath my kilt (Not skirt), it's people who are true scots can do this.

PS
I hope France beat England in the semi finals.

Tom frae Saltcoats

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 15 Nov 03 - 03:33 PM

I would like to find somewhere I can purchase a good quality kilt made with a bright, colorful, flowery Hawaiian print. Can anyone help me out?

Mike

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: Micca
Date: 15 Nov 03 - 03:38 PM

Mike the chances of "Good quality kilt " and "made with a bright, colorful, flowery Hawaiian print."occurring in the same universe never mind garment I would reckon as being fairly remote :o)

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: Jeri
Date: 15 Nov 03 - 04:04 PM

Aloha, Mike! You mean a kilt like this one?

Go here. They aren't cheap though!

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: Micca
Date: 15 Nov 03 - 04:17 PM

Jeri That is TRULY Scary!!

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: Celtaddict
Date: 15 Nov 03 - 07:15 PM

I have long maintained (and every woman I have ever discussed it with agrees) that overall, men look GOOD in kilts. Big men. Small men. Stocky men. Slender men. Kids and white beards. Sexy. Distinguished. Interesting. Bold. Many men who look ordinary (whatever that means; I think it means I would not notice them out of a group or remember them unless I had gotten acquainted) in ordinary contemporary attire, look great in the kilt. A kilt with casual cotton short-sleeve shirt and solid kneesocks with leather shoes is vastly superior to jeans and tee shirt. And full Highland dress is gorgeous; who would ever want to wear a tuxedo, much less a suit?
It delights me that I see kilts worn more and more in situations other than ceremonial occasions in the past few years.

When a friend of mine is asked the inevitable, he answers, "Just a touch of lipstick."

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 01:56 AM

Jeri, I love it, got to have it, can't live without it. They even made it in my color. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: GUEST,Normal
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 03:56 AM

Perverted Scotch Skirt wearing Poofs

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: Tam the Bam (Nutter)
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 05:37 AM

It's a part of our national dress, normal.

Tom Frae saltcoats, even if it is a joke it's not funny.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 07:55 AM

A few years ago a gentleman was fined £100 for showing what a true Scot wears under the Kilt!



A young beautiful lady is walking along the road and sees a man in a kilt for the first time. She stops and talks with him about the garment and enquires what is worn beneath. The man says put your hand up and feel for yourself.
She does and and screams "its gruesome" as she quickly withdraws her hand.
"Do it again its grew some more" replies the man

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: Jeri
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 11:06 AM

Oops. The image I tried to link to won't display on its own.
Click here ("view more styles") and click on "Beach Kilt." Clan MacCowabunga tartan.

I don't think kilts are either great looking or horrible. I prefer jeans. You can't get a good glimpse of somebody's bum in a kilt. There are some men who go to the dances at festivals who wear those light-weight brightly-colored rayon or cotton skirts, and I think they can look very nice. You sort of have to get used to seeing bearded, hairly-legged guys in tie-died swirly skirts though.
skirts are a lot airier and cool then trousers, and if you can't dance nude, you might as well decorate yourself outrageously!

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: lady penelope
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 05:31 PM

I love these american kilt sites. The beach kilt even got Parker's attention and he claims to hate kilts ( but he does look great in a skirt......)

I shall repeat myself, more men should wear skirts, they do look good in them!

TTFN Lady P.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: GUEST,Boab
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 12:30 AM

"Guest Normal" ---I'll get my sixty-year old Gordon army kilt an' the big buits on the feet, black knife doon the stockin leg, an meet you any where o' yer choosin'---preferably in public. Ye can ask me for a kiss---an' wait a split second for the reply------
    Any Ayrshire wifie over a certain age [most grannies, I'd say]are familiar with the plaid [pronounced "plide"] in its most common use up to around the mid fifties. Kiddie-carts and prams were mostly given second place to the plaid--wrapped around the youngsters and slung in such a way that the little-uns could be carried around conveniently. Anybody else remember this?

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: Jim McLean
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 04:17 AM

Yes, Boab, In Paisley where I grew up, they were sometimes just called 'Tartan shawls' but lots of woman used them.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: Grab
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 09:30 AM

Re the sub-kilt clothing, Scotland is notorious for its midges. Now either (a) the midges have got more venomous since the kilt stopped being a standard item of clothing, (b) Scots wore underwear back then, or (c) this was a form of Scottish population control by making a man's bits too sore to do anything with!

Graham.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: smallpiper
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 10:56 AM

Nah they used to cover themselves with bog myrtle that keeps the little buggers away.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Wearing of Kilts
From: GUEST,Boab
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 01:48 PM

A good thick layer of mutton fat works wonders;smells a wee bit, but-----