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While the wearing of pants, slacks, trousers,
leggings, dungarees, and such, have been
the accepted fashion for western men over
the past 400 years, it is really an idea
that developed in the Renaissance Period
(1450-1600 AD). Over the centuries, it became
accepted that western men would wear bifurcated
garments (leggings, then pants/slacks) and
women would wear unbifurcated garments (dresses
and skirts). The strict conventions of the
Victorian and Edwardian Periods reenforced
the conservative fashions that had developed
in the preceding centuries and anyone choosing
to freely express themselves or live outside
these accepted conventions was quickly labeled
a deviant and subjected to ridicule and gossip. |
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| In the whole scheme of things, the pants
we wear today are a relatively new invention
and quite a departure from what men have
traditionally worn for eons. In many respects,
modern pants and slacks (as well as most
contemporary men's fashion) constitute a
stifling throw-back to Puritan attitudes
and the most conservative times in recent
human history. |
You are probably aware, as recently as 50
to 60 years ago, it was generally unacceptable for a woman to wear pants in our culture.
Why? Well, there are a lot of reasons surrounding
status, power and long-held ideas of masculinity
and femininity, but it is a battle women
finally won. Of course, throughout this time
(since the Dark Ages) there has only been
one men's unbifurcated garment that has both
"survived" and is generally accepted
in Western cultures, the kilt.
Do you know someone with strong religious
objections to men wearing kilts? Don't let
them go on being misinformed and don't let
them get you down by misquoting Christian
scripture. That battle has already been fought
and won! Please check out these two
well researched articles.
[ARTICLE #1] [ARTICLE #2] |
The kilted warriors of Celtic origin (the
Vikings/Normans and Highlanders) could be
seen as the original "rugged individualists,"
often feared and admired by their peers and
enemies. As such, they were free to do as
they pleased and held their heads high in
the face of critics and naysayers, thumbing
their noses at those that would object to
their lifestyle and traditions. Those that
choose to wear a kilt, at some level, are
carrying on that ancient warrior spirit and
keeping the tradition alive, whether they
wear a clan tartan kilt, a khaki UK or a
lava red Sportkilt!
Did you know?
There are actually a wide variety
of traditional,
kilt-like, ethnic outfits worn
by men throughout
the world; such as the Albanian kilt (also known as a Greek fustanella), Japanese hakama, East African kikoi, Indian
lungi, Mexican and Native American
sapeta,
Fijian sulu, Tongan tupenu, sarongs
and lava-lavas
found in Greater Polynesia (the
Pacific Islands),
as well as unbifurcated robe
and tunic-type
outfits such as the Japanese
kimono and yukata,
African dashiki, Middle Eastern
caftan, Moroccan
djellabah, Polish giermak, Egyptian
galabiyah,
Himalayan gho, Burmese longyi
and a host
of various cassocks and robes
regularly worn
by the Clergy of most religions,
whether
it be on a daily basis or for
most special
occasions and ceremonies.
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Members of the Fijian Legislature taking
a recess, all are clad in traditional sulu,
a sarong-like garment worn by men in Fiji. |
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Why wear a kilt?
For some, it is a matter of heritage. Kilts, as we know them, were adapted from
16th century Highland garments that are believed
to have been heavily influenced by the clothing
worn by the Vikings and Normans that conquered
the British Isles in the 8th Century. The
word kilt is thought to come from the Danish
word "kilte," meaning "to
tuck up" which is believed to have been
derived from "kjalta," meaning
"to tuck up a garment or to secure hanging
fabric with a belt" in Old Scandinavian
and/or the Old Norse word "kjilt,"
meaning "pleated or folded fabric layers."
Whatever the case, kilts came to be a symbol
of rebels and warriors and are still worn
by Scottish Regiments of the British Army.
The wearing of kilts among the Celtic/Gaelic
people spread as their tribes migrated in
all directions throughout Europe and around
the world. Over the past 200 years, the kilt
has become a potent symbol of Scottish pride
taking hold in the traditions of the many
cultures that experienced Celtic influence
from the Dark Ages through present, particularly
those wishing to demonstrate kinship and
solidarity with the Highlanders of Scotland,
whether or not they themselves were of Scottish
ancestry. [More on the history of Highland
Dress].
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| (Pictured left; A Victorian era drawing of
a Scottish Highlander wearing a short kilt
(a reduced version of the traditional "belted plaid"),
valiantly battling Cromwell's Soldiers
in the British Civil War, circa 1650) |
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
You don't have to be a cowboy to wear
blue
jeans or a cowboy hat.
You don't have to be an athlete to
wear a
tracksuit.
You don't have to be a pilot to
wear
a bomber jacket.
You don't have to be a baseball player
to
wear a ball cap.
You don't have to be a hunter
or a soldier
to wear camouflage clothing.
You don't have to be a man to wear
trousers
and...
You don't have to be a Scot to wear a kilt.
Over the past 400 to 500 years, as
trousers
have become even more rooted in the
de rigeur
of Western fashion, meanwhile, the
wearing
of the traditional kilt has spread
from Great
Britain and much of Northern Europe,
to the
the United States, Canada and Australia.
The recent concept of "casual"
kilts in North America has spawned
a new
fashion alternative for men that have
the
courage to give it a try. Below we
will explore
the heritage and history of kilts and
tartans,
as they may apply to those seeking
to add
men's kilts to their wardrobe.
As many are aware, kilts are regularly worn
by Scots and non-Scots for ceremony and sport
throughout Great Britain, the United States,
Canada and Australia, as they have been for
centuries. Frequently seen at formal events;
weddings, police and fire funerals, military
or paramilitary functions and sports functions;
Rugby matches, golf tournaments, Scottish
Games... and the list goes on.
While plaid patterns have been uncovered
in Norway dating back to the Iron Age
(the
Thorsberg mantle, 2nd century A.D.), it appears that as early as the 15th century
or as late as the 2nd half of the 18th century,
tartans (plaid patterned fabrics) were designated
or claimed by various Clans in Scotland,
Ireland, Wales and other regions of Great
Britain to show family pride and identify
Clansmen. Most Clans (families) and their
various septs employed a variety of distinctive
tartans for formal, casual and hunting activities.
Hunting patterns could be considered an ancient
form of camouflage as they were usually subdued
and muted versions of the traditional family
tartan design. As time went on, special tartans
were designated and authorized for districts
and regions as well as countries outside
Great Britain. The Clan System in Scotland
was abolished over 200 years ago and references
to it now primarily revolve around family
pride, genealogy, research and historical
preservation. (New for 2006! A Chinese-Scottish Tartan,
designated for all Chinese People, pictured
left above)
American Heritage
As noted by the U.S. Congress in their Tartan Day Resolution, "Scottish Americans successfully helped shape this country in its formative years and guided this Nation through its most troubled times.." "The designation of a National Tartan Day recognizes the invaluable role that Scottish-Americans have played in American history. It is certainly significant that one-half of the signers of the U. S. Declaration of Independence and three-fourths of all U.S. Presidents have been of Scottish ancestry."
Of course, we all know many brave and intrepid Scots, Scottish-Americans and other Celtic/Gaelic folks have played a critical role in the history of and success of America. In fact, the Declaration of Arbroath of 1320 and the Scottish National Covenant of 1638 are widely recognized as the models used for the U.S. Declaration of Independence and the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution.
For these reasons, among others, Scots and their Celtic ancestors (and their numerous accomplishments) are an important part of our national heritage, even if we are not borne of Scotland or are not certain of having any Celtic/Gaelic forbearers. |
Dress Royal Stewart Wedding attire
[More info. on formal attire] |
Caber Toss at the Highland Games |
For those that are so inclined, there are
at least 6 American Tartans (designated for
all Americans) and at least 10 Canadian Tartans.
These are most particularly intended for
individuals with no specific Scottish or
Irish clan affiliation as well as those wishing
to show National Pride. There are also at
least 4 "Universal" Tartans (designed
for use by all people, such as "Pride
of Scotland" and other corporate tartans)
as well as a host of district tartans designated
for members or alumni of universities, military branches, associations,
clubs and civic organizations as well as
residents of various countries, states, provinces and cities throughout the
world. |
American National Tartan (top) & American
District Tartan (bottom). |
American Tartans [CLICK HERE]
Canadian Tartans [CLICK HERE]
U.S. State Tartans [CLICK HERE]
Canadian Province Tartans [CLICK HERE]
U.S. Military Tartans [CLICK HERE]
To search for a specific tartan,
go to clan.com and enter a state, province, country
or family/clan name.
|
In July 2001, the State of California officially
and officially recognized a designated Scottish
District tartan that is intended for use
by all Californians (Registered Tartan #2454) [CLICK HERE]. Not to be outdone, on Tartan Day in April
2004, the State of Iowa approved a registered
Scottish District tartan intended for use
by all Iowans [CLICK HERE]. For more information on a designated District
tartan for your area, contact your local
St. Andrew's Society or go to www.District-Tartans.com. |
But, you don't have to wear a tartan plaid
kilt... Over the past century, there have been a
host of military units that have worn solid
colored or khaki kilts or solid colored canvas
protective kilt aprons. You should feel free
to sport a kilt in whatever pattern or plain
fabric you wish. There are many manufacturers of a wide variety
of casual, dress-up, sport and work kilts
that use a myriad of fabrics from denim and
chino/khaki to military and hunting camouflage
in cotton duck and twill or the highest quality
leather and premium quality suit fabrics
in an amazing array of patterns and textures.
Many that do not have any particular clan
affiliation or Celtic/Gaelic roots prefer
to wear a non-Tartan kilt made of a comfortable
solid or non-traditional fabric (such as
a lightweight camouflage pattern cotton twill
or a solid tropical khaki, which goes great
with a Hawaiian shirt). For some this is
a simple alternative that gives them the
opportunity to honor and show appreciation
for the culture and time-honored traditions
of Celts, without being perceived as infringing
upon Clan heritage or implying they are part
of any particular clan or sept.
In all honesty, you really are free
to do as you wish and the Tartan Day Resolution
clearly outlines the fact that Scottish tartans
are truly a part of the heritage of all Americans.
Additionally, it is unlikely any reasonable
person would actually get upset or feel insulted
if any type of tartan kilt is being worn
in a mature and respectful manner. But, if
this is something that particularly concerns
you, the wide variety of solid colored khaki,
camouflage and non-traditional patterns and
fabrics might be just the answer for you!
COMMENTARY: SCOTTISH "OWNERSHIP" OF THE KILT
Keeping in mind that the kilt
has evolved
dramatically over the centuries,
many feel
that UtilikiltsTM and other "non-tartan" casual,
utility and dress kilts are a natural evolution
of the traditional kilt. (poly/cotton "true
olive" khaki casual style Freedom KiltTM, shown right).
Unfortunately, there are many self-righteous
people of various Scottish descent (these
people are often lovingly referred to as
"Tartan-Nazis") that feel the kilt
is their sole property, a birthright and
entitlement, only for those of direct and
provable Scottish lineage. This disregards
the fact that the kilt may well have been
adopted by the Scots from the Vikings and
Normans about 1000+ years ago. Regardless
of its origins, the Scottish kilt was strictly
the domain of the Highland minority and various
Nordic warrior tribes for many centuries.
Only a handfull of clans even claimed or
recognized any particular tartan prior to
the 19th century. By all accounts, the kilt
and tartan plaids were scorned as being symbols
of uncultured barbarians and were openly
despised by the Lowland Scots (the vast majority
of all Scots) and the rest of Great Britain
for almost 700 years!
Nathan Warmack of Jackson, MO proudly sporting
the traditional red Clan MacRae tartan at
a high school dance
[DETAILS] [RESOLUTION] |
It was not until the Scottish (Jacobite)
rebellions, the outlawing of bagpipes and
the prohibition of the wearing of Highland
garb (both kilts and tartans) in the Fall
of 1746, that the Lowland Scots gradually
adopted Highland dress as a form of rebellion
against the Crown. Over the following century,
the popularity of Highland fashion quickly
spread across the United Kingdom and the
kilt underwent significant evolution while
hundreds of new tartans were adopted by families
and regions that had previously rejected
Highland garb. The kilt and clan/tartan fashions
became all the rage in the United Kingdom
in the 19th century and many of the long
held beliefs we have about these various
"traditions" and the myths surrounding
the wearing of the kilt and tartans were
actually developed and concocted by non-Scots
at that time.
The fact is, you don't need to play a banjo,
ride a horse or even be an American to wear
blue jeans or a cowboy hat. Similarly, anyone
that appreciates the contributions of the
Scots, Celts and those of Gaelic heritage
are perfectly within their rights to wear
a kilt and appropriate tartan as a form of
respect and honor for our common forbearers,
regardless of their bloodline. This is evidenced
by the U.S. Congress’ Tartan Day Resolution
of 1997; which demonstrates clearly how and
why all Americans are entitled to wear a kilt (and
tartan, if they so choose)
in recognition
of our national heritage,
regardless of personal
or family pedigree. |
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 For some, it is a matter of comfort. Kilts are now worn not only for ceremony and formal occasions, but for
sports (such as Rugby, Highland Games
and
long distance running), work and casual
fashion.
The recent evolution of the modern
kilt,
in the forms of the casual kilt, sport
kilt
and utility kilt, have given men a
wealth
of new opportunities to benefit from
the
freedom and comfort that women and
men have
enjoyed for centuries, without yielding
their
masculinity. The kilt is a man's garment
and is perfectly acceptable for wear
by all
men. Of course, women could wear them too.. as
they are clearly free to wear other
men's
clothing in our society.
A leather-kilted Vin Diesel at the 2003 MTV Music Awards |
For some, it is a matter of self-expression. The kilt has always been a masculine garment.
It has been the choice of true warriors and
rebels for centuries. It is sad that our culture has invested so
much energy into defining male power and
female submissiveness. The fact is, the kilt
became a casualty of the "war"
against women. Now that women have regained
their power and independence, it is the perfect
time for the kilt to make a resurgence.
American casual, sport and utility
kilt manufacturers
have started a real revolution
in men's clothing.
In just a few years, they have
rapidly put
kilts back into contemporary
men's fashion
throughout the Western world.
These kilts
are not cheap, but they are selling
them
to their grateful customers as
fast as they
can make them! Quality casual,
sport and
utility kilts are not only comfortable,
but
they are an awesome form of self-expression
and personal freedom. |
One of the most prominent American kilt makers
is UtilikiltsTM in Seattle, Washington. In 2001, they patented
a new design of modern "neo-traditional"
kilt that is both comfortable and functional.
If you have not seen their products, you
should check them out at www.Utilikilts.com! By no means are UtilikiltsTM (referred to as UKs) the only dogs on the
block! There are many others, including AmeriKiltTM (AKs) , Pittsburgh KiltsTM (PKs), Freedom KiltsTM (FKs), Bear KiltsTM (BKs), Kewl KiltsTM (KKs), NeoKiltsTM (NKs), 21st Century KiltsTM (TFCKs), Union KiltsTM and many others. We have provided a comprehensive
listing of casual and traditional kilt makers
in the "LINKS" section below.
A FEW SAMPLES OF MODERN CASUAL KILTS
(L to R) Camo Neo-Traditional Utilikilts,
Black twill AmeriKilt, Black Leather 21st
Century Kilt and the "Breacan"
tartan kilt from Kinloch Anderson
   
SEE MORE SAMPLES BELOW..
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