Speaking as a highlander, I love that people wear kilts. It keeps it alive. Here in Scotland, as of 2021, kilt making is now listed as an endangered craft by the HCA. If people don’t wear them, kilt makers go out of business, new makers don’t get trained, and we lose the specialist knowledge and skill to make them in our own country.
Barbra Tewksbury has a book called “the art of kilt making” it’s pretty much a how to manual for traditional kilts… most North American makers have at a least read it and may have altered the order of steps layed out in the book..it’s VERY informative.. she wrote it after going to Scotland and taking courses on it.
From the lowlands, I wear the fèileadh mòr as of yesterday! I was wondering if you’ve seen anyone else wearing it? I know Fandabidozi does obviously, would love to know if there’s more of us about!
Exactly, it's only non Scottish residents that makes this an issue, we embrace the use of the kilt, we don't care what clan you are, what background you are, if you love it, we love it. It doesn't matter.
I am an Asian living in Texas. I remember seeing kilts being worn en masse at a Renaissance festival as a high schooler. That was such a weird yet amazing thing to see and it really ignited a drive to learn about the culture it came from. I always figured I was too outside the culture to really ever wear one but after finding this video and mulling it over I decided to get one. I’ll probably only ever wear it at RenFest but that’s fine. I like the style and I find the history and culture fascinating. Thanks for the advice and giving me the confidence to go for it.
I'm Asian and wore a great kilt to Ren Faire (and continue to do so) One way I get around it just in case there's that one snob is I'll just carry a bunch of starburst so I can say I'm referencing the starburst commercial with the "Scotch Korean" XD
It may be too late for this warning, but here goes. Once you buy one and wear it to Renaissance festival, you'll rationalize, and rightly so, that it's suitable for everyday wear. That is what happened to me. Most of the men were jealous I did it. And maybe I am biased but I think the gals were checking out my legs. :)
I'm a 56 YO guy from Puerto Rico. Since 28 I've been interested in Kilts but never dared to use them. But now I'm ready. Can't wait for New years Eve and surprise my family. It's been a looooong time waiting and researching (thanks in part to you). My respect to you all!!!!
I wore my Stumptown utility kilt in and around my trip to Scotland years ago and from Isle of Skye to Inverness to Edinburgh to Glenfinnan, every Scot I met...old and young, men and women...were so complimentary, supportive and in some cases assuaged my fears of cultural appropriation when I asked if I was crossing any cultural lines.
It’s the same as any traditional dress, everyone should be able to wear it. By wearing it, you keep it alive. If you gatekeep who can take part in bits of other cultures it dies and then no one can enjoy it. Before I get folks reeing, I’m Scottish. Coincidentally it’s my goal to learn to hand weave my family tartan as a hobby.
I do find it sad that it’s usually people outside the cultural dress being discussed that always try to stop others wearing things. I can’t tell you how many Americans have said people can’t wear tartan or kimono if they don’t belong to said cultures but it’s always Americans who have tried to put the breaks on. Not sure what that says about me or the Americans I’ve had interactions with. One fashion discord I’m apart of had a group of them trying to police all the others out of making some cute dresses from tartan =_= busybodies have too much time on their hands..
I’m an Arab from the Gulf, and our traditional attire (lower body) is similar to the Kilt but it’s made from lighter fabric due to the heat here, even with modern life changes we still wear our attire proudly because it is our culture and tbh it is really comfortable, I support all cultures wearing their clothes proudly.I would like to own a kilt and wear it here someday.
I'm an American, my ancestry is Irish, Swiss, and Japanese. I weak kilts daily because my work dress code at Providence Hospital doesn't allow shorts but does allow kilts. I love wearing them as an alternative, because they're comfortable, they look great, and I have learned a lot about scottish history as I've wanted to learn lots about how to wear a kilt properly, the history of them, etc. I love them.
Ask our kilt makers in Scotland and the world over. We want our bonnie kilt makers forever in work and busy. Good for them, good for us. Anyone can wear a kilt.
Oh my God! You hit the nail on the head. Watch the monty python sketch where an extra terrestrial contacts a Scots kilt maker to fill an order for 600 billion kilts. Hilarious!
I grew up in South Africa and recently found out that my grandfather was adopted and brought here at a very young age, I now proudly own my own kilt of the MacFarlane clan and wear it to every social event, no one can take away from the fact my ancestors shared in the same struggles as those who currently live in Scotland today.
@@RaibeartBoid It’s a variety of whisky called Scotch as recognized by the Scotch Whisky Regulations of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Your opinion on that name is utterly meaningless. Go try to annoy someone else with your dorky little failed attempt at being pedantic.
I'm Cuban. The Guayabera is a traditional shirt in Cuba (and a few other Spanish speaking countries). When I see a non-Cuban/non-Hispanic wearing one, I think its nice: they appreciate part of my culture. I'd look at the kilt issue the same way if I was Scottish. My ancestors are from Spain, and there were kilts there, so I guess that gives me a little extra leeway, maybe...
Luis, go for it. If you have a particular tartan you like, even if you're not of that clan, if they have a Clan Chief, write to them and ask their permission to wear the clan tartan. They will nearly always enthusiasticly grant you their approval. They are nice people and are proud that someone outside the clan is interested in wearing the clan tartan. By the way, this is sort of one way families without the clan name became septs, or children, of a Clan. Good luck to you.
Im hispanic, and I wanted to figure this question out because I just love the way the kilt looks fashion wise, but of course I didnt want to potentially offend anyone, but watching this video makes me feel more confident in wearing a kilt, thank you all ❤
To the two Hispanic guys - get your kits on, wear them with pride and strut your stuff!! There's a grand swing and sway on the kilt when you're walking!
Y'all should get some Scottish guests on to talk about this sort of thing. Be interesting to get a direct Scot's (or a few) opinions, observations, and experiences.
@@richardmacneel3819 it's what everyone needs, but no one can understand! They subtitle a lot of our shows when aired on English TV. When our next door neighbours can't understand the accent, what chance does the rest of the world have! 😂
The minority in your scenario are literally committing the “no true Scotsman” fallacy. 😂 I have Scottish heritage but I always try to open the culture to my friends and coworkers. It is a culture everyone should enjoy and take part in and seek to understand.
I'm brand new to kilt wearing. I've always liked the look. I was very ill at ease at first, but once I got a tunick and sporran I fell in love. They're light weight, comfortable and smart looking. I plan on increasing my collection to include other fabrics, leather and colors. And you guys have guided me thru the rules around wearing kilts and sporrans so I look put together. Thank you for that.
Kilt hire companies in Scotland provide commercial tartans for example, Spirit of Bannockburn, Fower of Scotland tartans etc. Then our football/Soccer/rugby clubs have their own tartans. You dont need to be tied to a surname to wear a kilt. Great seeing you guys keeping the spirit of the kilt alive. Cheers.
Ha ha thank you guys! I have several kilts and im black American. We do have Scotch- Irish roots on my father side and i was always drawn to Scottish culture. Been there twice and loved it there and the people. Please keep up the great work. And by the way most folks like it that i sport a kilt.
I have deeply rooted heritage in Scotland and Ireland and I'm starting to really get into learning about my heritage. I'm proud of it and I love my kilt. It makes me feel good to wear it.
And how does one do that exactly haha. If you know nothing about tartan and chose on aesthetics and not heritage, just wear it. You can't "respect the clan" its 2021 mate, clans are dead and gone. What a silly thing to say.
@@michaelsmyth5877 clans are dead? How does that even make sense? The word Clan means children. Are we not all children of a family? Respect is something earn through a sense of not making fun of something. Having respect for a clan means your not degrading that clans heritage.
@@DirtyOleMopar a clan was a celtic group of housolds with common ancestry, it is merely history now fella, I am from Scotland, and I have lives in the Highlands all my life, clans don't exsist anymore. The fact that you have to stTe that you won't make fun of something doesn't say much for your respect for your general appearance, I thought it was a given that clothes worn by a said person would be respected, but maybe that's just me.
@@nonameone79 exactly man, wear whatever tartan you like, chose it to the colour or theme od the event if are lucky enough to habe that ability, wearing your clan tartan is wonderful, but not everyone with scottish heritage actually has a clan tartan, and not all clan tartans are nice on the eyes haha.
Took a trip of a lifetime with my parents for two weeks in July. Mom has Scottish ancestry by way of Nova Scotia. Stopped into MacGregor and MacDuff in Glasgow to get a kilt, and everyone there was super happy that I was so interested in it. I picked the MacLeod Hebridean tartan, since we can trace Mom's ancestry to Berneray.
My parents were from Puerto Rico, and I became a bagpiper in a Scottish Pipe & Drum band and later joined the Shrine. I’ve since moved and I’m attempting to start a P&D band here. Love the kilt (Loud MacLeod)
@@tehtarik4326 Tartan is the "plaid pattern" on the kilt. The kilt is just the article of clothing. To make matters more confusing, a tartan is technically a "special type of plaid" pattern used to symbolize something specific such as a family clan or geographical area where people live. 😆
I'm a hispanic male in Houston Tx USA. I own two kilts & I wear them out whenever I want. I have met a few snobs at bars but I usually ignore the negativity. But for the most part I get complements when I wear a kilt.
I’m in the traditional family heritage camp (Smith, Stewart, Wallace) and I do like the casual utility kilt option. I wear kilts daily now, since 2020, unless other expected attire is noted for the engagement. I haven’t jumped into formal kilt wear, yet. It’s part comfort and part family wear.
Hello, I've always wanted to have a kilt since I was a kid, I think it looks badass. I'm from Bulgaria, I don't have any Scottish heritage, my mom and dad went to Scotland one week ago and I asked them to buy me a kilt and they did. I absolutely love it and now I'm wearing it a lot.
As an American who’s interested buying a kilt and love the look of it but also the historical significance of it this made me feel a lot better about actually buying one thank you
I have been curious for a while and have just recently jumped back into Kilts and traditional dress. I of course do not want to do anything that would be considered disrespectful and everything I have learned from your videos has been very helpful. I have nothing but respect for your presentations and the abundant amount of helpful information. Thank you.
Spend around $150 (US) - get your own Tartan designed and registered. It may costs a small fortune to get the material woven to make the kilt though! I have given a kilt as a gift to a Norwegian friend - he loves it - but, it's kinda chilly in the winter! Another friend is South African, with not even a shadow of a drop of Scots blood in his veins loves the kilt, it shows off his legs (ex-rugby player)!! Mini-Kilts on ladies (hmmmmm). A tartan sash on a white evening gown is classy!
I bought and wore a solid blue work kilt to work last summer, and people loved it. I wore it in Finland for one day, (the only day of the trip that was above 10C) no reaction. I even wore it through three airports and a train. I'm definitely buying another kilt for every day fashion.
Not gonna lie, I love seeing non Scots wearing kilts. The kilt will forever be a symbol of Scotland, but seeing it around the world is amazing. Plus kilts are comfy and look great
Great conversation. I agree, once the kilt crossed into fashion, generally, it’s use should hopefully not offend anyone. They are gorgeous and when done respectfully and creatively, then darn near everyone looks awesome. Too much pearl-clutching these days over “rules” of fashion, like shock over colored tuxedo jackets. We only live once, wear what you want - within propriety of course, e.g. no US Army dress uniforms and medals, unless earned, etc.
I got to wearing kilts a couple of years ago for work as it's very hot here in SE Oklahoma and shorts just don't provide the protection pleats do. Liked them so much I got some in a casual-style. Random guy the other night tried to tell me I shouldn't be wearing them if I wasn't Scottish; which I found strange because the company I bought them from is in the UK. Asked Google and this is what it gives me. Honestly, couldn't find anyone who would say it's not something one should do. Most answers were along these lines it not a definitive "it's fine." Edit: I have been a distiller at Hochatown Distilling Company since the 6th barrel they filled in 2017.
I grew up always being told our family was primarily Irish and German. Upon having my DNA done, I found very little Irish and that I had a great deal of Scottish. Very proud of that as I see Scotland as a place of great history and people. I wore a kilt once and loved it. Such a comfortable and versatile garment. I'm wanting to make my own to wear to Renaissance fairs. Wish it was a more common type of garment to wear in the US.
Though in the beginning of beginnings, the more modern sort of Scot came of Irish tribes immigrating. Quite submerging the earlier Picts of every sort.
Though Jeffrey, at worst you might avail yourself of 5-6 yards of double wide woolen plaid, learn the knack of pleating it to suit, and belt it round you as a great kilt, going very old school, back to about the late fifteenth century. For fullest authenticity, a deerskin drawstring-&-flap soft sporran to accessorize. That probably means resorting to Tandy and crafting the thing yourself... unless you've shot your own buck. I guess the tassels are a vestige of such a drawstring. Getting the great kilt, the breacan-an-feilaidh, sitting right calls for attention to the hem: make sure your hem is straight all round, and at the top of your kneecap to maybe an inch above. Better a little short than two inches too long. It's easy to tweak it up and down through your belt, and there is plenty of 'Tube on using this big plaid on hikes, etc.
@@w.reidripley1968 there's a TH-cam channel that watch. The young man that posts videos is Scottish. He has videos on folding and wearing the great kilt and how to make accessories. It's a great channel.
You should definitely look into historical records for your Scottish ancestors. The DNA tests aren’t always accurate. I wish you the best of luck reconnecting with your ancestors!
Have about 300 missing years, but family in Scotland in 1200s! In America by 1640s. We were recommended a district tartan. My husbands family was also from Scotland, part of the Keiths. So we have lovely red kilts and lovely blue/green.😊
I was at a Burns Night Dance last week , did the Ode to the Haggis and therefore wore full Highland Dress. The DJ was from Venezuela and wore the Kilt (properly). An accomplished dancer he stole the show.
I love my kilts. I got my buddy's son and daughter thier first kilts. I've got kilts without and with pockets, several tartans, a camo one, and one with skulls.
me & my boyfriend, who are planning to go and settle in Scotland in around 3 years for good, are both wearing MacKenzie tartan on kilts and I’m planning on buying scarves this Christmas! I’m reading the comments of you all saying it’s great people are wearing kilts and I’m very glad! My boyfriend wears his kilt in public proudly and since I bought it I realized it’s the most attractive thing ever and I want to see him in it everyday.
Came across this after I bought my first utility kilt. I've been wanting to try one for years and we are off to Scotland on Monday so where better to take it for it's first wear
Its just like saying, scotts can't wear trousers, suits or shorts. Kilts are the best, I am so glad I put one on ive been wearing kilts for work awesome!! More productivity and no more sore back! Thanks heaps for your chanell and advice!!!
My first Scottish ancestor of Clan Lamott came to the colonies in 1749 and fought against the British in the American Revolution. When I made my first visit to Scotland back in 1975, I was wearing a kilt and no one I ever met gave me a hard time about wearing a kilt. I visit often now to be with my Scottish relatives. The only "complaint" I have gotten was from one elderly Scot in a pub in Dunoon because I was wearing a utilikilt.
During my attendance of The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in 1975 I purchased my first kilt. It was built from the Angus modern district tartan. I wore that kilt for several years to compete in the Scottish heavy events at the G. M. H. G. and the Stone Mountain, Ga. Highland Games as well.
Red and green Tartan has also been a Christmas pattern for a long time now. Tartan is very much a part of mainstream fashion and has been for so long. He's right, Scotland gave that to the World. It should be honoured that it is so loved and embraced. Tartan is beautiful.
Everyone can wear a kilt. As Long as it is done proper and out of respect and interest. The Scottish people I‘ve met were all happy when I was wearing a kilt. I would dare say, that Tartan patterns (and for some even on a daily basis the Kilt) became a universal part of mankind’s fashion world. My Backhold wrestling coach even told me also it is totally fine, many scottish people do not wear the kilt, so great if many others do for love and interest in Scotland. So keeping it alive wherever you are from, that is a great thing. Love from Germany.
im a scot myself and i like to see people wearing a kilt as fashion. I think it's cool and keeps it alive. I have a small issue with people wearing it as "national dress" (to a formal event for example) without having a heriatage connection OR being invited to wear it by someone who has that connection. That being said, i don't care too much, i just think it's not in the best taste.
As someone who likes to learn about survival tactics and preparedness, the kilt it an incredibly awesome tool. I would wear a more male kilt when going out into the woods because it is useful and yes beautiful. Though I’m not Scottish.
I lived in Germany for a couple years and ran into a Scottish lass and while we were discussing castles, I mentioned that I was part Scottish. She asked me what my mother's maiden name was and I told her her name was Scott. She smiled and said that because my mother had the clan name that I could wear a kilt in Scotland even though I myself carried my father's German name. She did say that I was the last in my lineage, though. Just my experience. Now, around 35 years later, I would like to purchase a kilt of the Scott variety, but there are SO many.
i learned about the Kilt It is a great Scottish heritage,finding about my grandfather was one, the other is I respect the love toward the scottish dress so I have two my sept name and the heritage of Scotland Tartan I am so proud to wear both.
Ok, so I have long been told that I had Scottish heritage. I even join a pipes and drums band (I actually love the sound of bagpipes). I did the DNA thing and it shows 1/3 Scottish (more or less. , I don’t know how accurate rose are). I started a long time ago of including the great kilt in my outdoor packs. Very versatile and suited for that arena. I have had my share of comments in support one questioning my reasoning. I would not want to insult the heritage of anyone but seeing how useful the kilt is on camping and backpacking trips it would take a great deal for me to abandon it. It’s a useful garment for survival as well lending a multi use garment to keep you protected, warm and in some case camouflaged. They really knew what they were doing when they created the great kilt.
My mother is from Cìll Rónáin, County Galway on Ínishmòr, Island. So my formal kilt is The Galway tartan with a full dress full faced Sporran bag with a silver O'Shea family crest. At the same time I have at least 35 kilts for all sorts of occasions. If you are wearing a formal traditional kilt without having that connection it's disrespectful. However, if you are wearing a regular day wear kilt I have no problem with that.
As a descendant of Highlanders, I was always a"close the door behind me" type of Celt. But as I grew in my knowledge about Celtic culture, my boundaries expanded to only Celts. Now after coming to the knowledge that the plaid goes back to the Egyptian empire times and that there are people of Chinese and Celt ancestry that still wear plaid. I have loosened up on my view of who should wear kilts. We are an ancient people, whose culture spans multiple continents, time periods among many many tongues ,tribes,and nations.
I'm Spanish, living in Madrid. I've been playing fiddle for almost 30 years, Irish and mainly Scottish music. I've studied and played music by Niel Gow, William Marshall and Scott Skinner, among others. And I'm sorry if someone thinks I'm not allowed to wear a kilt while playing.
I'm an American with Stots Irish ancestry from clan Elliot. I love our tartan along with many many other patterns. I'm currently wearing a Lewis utility kilt on a regular basis. Americans seem to be well excepting of my choices. Also, let's not forget that a kilt is very comfortable to wear.
For my tuppence worth, I agree with your comments here. There are two questions here though, kilts or tartan? I own about five kilts and loads of various tartan clothes, traditional and other and, for me wearing the kilt is making a statement. I am a Scot living in the land of the Saxons and if I see others wearing the tartan it gives me a warm feeling, a kind of pride, a compliment because, as the saying goes, imitation is a high form of compliment. I only think that if a person is wearing as formal then please wear it right, show the respect but I feel that way about uniform or tuxes and any formal wear. I think all tartan looks good on women and I have seen some of those erm modern (new age?) people that wear utility kilts and I think thay they are making a statement, not the same of mine (heritage) but their own statement.
My best friend showed up for opening night of the Opera in a t-shirt. An ugly one. I very nearly DIED!! I cited TRADITION, and threw a strand of pearls on her, lol. It was an outdoor venue, but she was making some kind of juvenile statement. There's a time and place for that kind of thing! (We blazed during intermission, then planned our wardrobe for the entirety of the Season, lol!)
I've not once heard of anyone ever tell me I shouldn't because my family is so far removed from our Scottish roots. I have how ever had a few disapproval people say remarks about a man wearing a dress. It bugs me a bit when people are so naive.
Pajamas hail from India, and they have become ubiquitous. I think Kilts are on the same trajectory and are becoming more universal. Great channel guys, I would like to visit your store one day soon!
As a Scottish islander I can say from my perspective I love wearing a kilt and love seeing others wearing them wherever they’re from. It’s also fine to wear it in whatever outfit style suits. Ultimately the current outfit options aren’t going to be exactly the same as the original kilts work hundreds of years ago but does that matter? Of course not you could say the same about any modern garment no matter how traditional we might think they are. I will be honest and say I do cringe a little if I see it on someone backwards (pleats at the front) but it doesn’t ruin my day or anything. Great to see it exported around the world and without people making kilts worldwide then Scottish expats would feel underdressed at social events abroad. Keep up the good work.
I'm Scots-irish, I damn well have a right to wear a kilt! The king of England exiled my ancestors from the scottish lowlands to northern ireland in the 1600s. And both remaining scottish and Irish ancestors came to america in the 1700 &1800s. I know my pedigree! I have a great Irish first name (along with a saint!), And a good scottish last name!
Kevin Hamilton It was the king of scotland who brought your ancestors over to ireland to displace the natives they were not exiled as i said they were brought over for a purpose.Since they were originally from the scottish borders they would never have worn kilts traditionally at that time. You have a perfect right to wear a kilt but not really for reasons of heritage.
Mate, you're fine to wear a kilt, but everyone can wear a kilt, regardless of race or ancestry or family history. It's not about "muh right" or genetics. Nobody in Scotland cares about your pedigree and your schpeel here is weird and cringe to native Scots, and not in the spirit of the message the nice lads in the video are trying to convey.
I'm Irish and Scandinavian (American) and I love that men are able to wear a skirt-like garment and enjoy the benefits of wearing a garment like that, while not having to sacrifice perceived masculinity. I don't think it's un masculine to wear a skirt or dress, but I'm a feminine person where clothes don't have as much to do with femininity (such as, a woman can wear a full suit and still look feminine with long hair and makeup). It's important how people view themselves, so if that helps bridge that notion that circular bottom-garments aren't necessarily feminine, that's awesome
My grandparents are Quebecois but I love kilts so cause my last name is French and I have no clan name like my nephews I chose the black watch. Because it's not a clan and I've see the Canadian black watch. Plus I like the colors. So am I wrong?
I can't speak as a Scot as I am Canadian but my answer would be no ,you are not wrong . If you like kilts and wear them with respect to the culture then wear them .
The UK county my family is originally from has a tartan (Durham district tartan Wilson’s of Bannockburn 1847) aka Denholm or Dunholm… much like Northumberland has a tartan (shepherds tartan)
I have Scottish and Irish Heritage and I respect when I wear mine been wearing them for 2 years. I dont have Tartans yet but have done research into my Heritage and know my Clan For Scottish. I feel if you know what your wearing and you wear it proud WEAR IT FREE YOUR SELF
As the 25th great grandson of Robert the Bruce, but being American - What tartan should I wear? Is it offensive to attend a function (US Navy formal dining out for example) in a kilt? I am trying to do my due diligence in the matter....but have found comments going both ways.
The only thing I would add, and this is not so much to disagree as to clarify the point being made, whilst there are certainly people who think you should only wear a kilt if you are Scottish, are of Scottish descent or in some other way connected to Scotland, and there are other groups thinking it should be restricted to Highlanders, there is no equivalent group for the UK as a whole. Those of us living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland certainly make no claim to the kilt (apart, possibly, from those trying to make the kilt a part of a new tradition of Welsh or Cornish dress).
Can honestly say I’ve only ever heard Americans make the ‘it should be restricted to highlanders’. Just rubs me the wrong way when folks not actually from here try to put people in boxes of what they can and can’t wear. My clan were lowlanders so by those folks estimations my own family tartan I shouldn’t be allowed to wear? Crock of bull I think!
I am curious though, does it count if the lines you can trace back are not straight through only the male line? Can my son, whose father does not trace back to Scotland at all, claim Scottish heritage through me? I can trace my father’s line through the male line back to Somerled, I can trace my father’s mother also back to the same, but through her mother’s line. I have traced my ex husband’s lines back to Germany, France, and Wales. Would it be appropriate for my son to wear the MacDonald plaid? I am not sure how this is looked at.
@@vickiegentry7124 it would be fine. There's no rules about who is and isn't allowed to wear a kilt and there's no difference between male and female heritage.
Let's keep in mind that kilts originated from clothing of necessity, and then became symbols of culture. Like, oh let's say, cowboy boots. Do we have this strange stigma about needing to be a rancher in order to wear cowboy boots? Of course not. That would be silly. But what does the fashion of wearing cowboy boots represent? It represents a tradition, a history, etc. Even when worn for fashion pursposes only, cowboy boots say POSITIVE things about how the person wearing them feels about country/western culture. As an American with Scottish heritage, I LOVE it when I see people who either do not have or are unsure if they have Scottish heritage wearing kilts. To me it says, "I really like this tradition and I think it should be kept going". I appreciate that. It also gives me and that person something to talk about and maybe start a friendship over a mutual love of the culture. I'm in the wear it like you love it category.
I'll be marrying a Scot in May 2023...I've already been told I'll Have to wear a kilt...lol... I think it's awesome and the fact it represents a person's clan, house, lineage makes it even more awesome. I've always respected the kilt as well as Scots and Scotland 🏴 in general...I will wear one proudly and certainly with reverence as well. I pray I honor the tradition well... Very cool 🙏😎🙏💯👊
I live near Paris - France - my father’s family il 100% from Bretagne (Brittany), so I’m from a Celtic heritage. But to be honest I’m wearing a kilt because it’s not any dumber than to wear leggings or jeans or whatever. It’s a tribute to a beautiful culture any one could feel bound to.
I was at the highland games in so. Cal, as I was entering the event a young guy had a kilt on which appeared to be made of his granny's curtains. It's all good and I'm from Scotland. He didn't get dressed up for nothing.
I wear my kilt, when I was allowed to work before the pandemic, every day for work. I would have people from Scotland visiting Los Angeles come to where I work, and see me in my kilt and would love it. I’ve never had a negative word by anybody from Scotland personally. But that’s just my personal experience. It inevitably leads to them asking me if I have any Scottish heritage and we start talking about clans. This is when I realized that I typically know more about Scotland in Scottish clans than most Scottish people I talk to. So I’ve learned to keep it rather simple that way I don’t sound like I’m trying to educate somebody on their own culture. Well the intent or not they can turn people off.. But, if somebody took offense and was not Scottish, then I would just let them know, that I am a Scottish ancestry and I am a member of a clan. If they were from Scotland, and didn’t care because I was not born and raise in Scotland, I would ask them if they knew what their medic heritage was and if they’ve ever had a DNA test? Because if they are not 100% Highland Scott, then in my mind they would have no place to even talk let alone judge. But Fortunately that’s not something I’ve ever had to run a crossed. And I honestly don’t know anybody first hand who’s had to deal with that either. Hopefully never do.
I’m of Portuguese decent…from northern Portugal and as I learn more of my heritage, I discovered that we also wear kilts and play bagpipes. I personally love the idea of wearing a kilt but wouldn’t out of respect because I’m not Scottish however, now that I know about the Portuguese wearing kilts…I’d like to wear one but I’m confused on the different types. Again, I don’t want to offend by wearing the wrong kilt. Suggestions?
Looks so cool, coming from a 23 yr old. I'm about as white and corn fed American as it gets but the culture behind it and Scotland sounds fascinating. Looks like there's a wealth of national pride there and I can certainly appreciate that!
I'm apart of the Barry clan in Ireland I wish my clan had a tartan pattern...we have an aran pattern which is nice but I would like a tartan linked to my family. Guess I'll just go with the cork tartan.
I’m a Gael and personally, I encourage anyone to wear a kilt unless they have an imperialistic mindset. Then you don’t deserve it because you would do to other cultures what England tried to do to ours.
While I do have a number of Scottish ancestors I don't know how I'd feel about wearing a kilt here in Canada. 😐 I'd personally probably feel strange and would probably get weird looks but I absolutely respect the clothes and I truly belief everyone has the right to own and wear one if they want. Great channel by the way. It's a gem!
I wore one for my wedding, it certainly was a conversation starter! Considering that many were family AND a retired CF member. His wife did enquire if i was regimental, i politely offerer her to check! The only thing holding me back from owning and wearing kilts is, lack of funds.
You should start wearing a kilt. There are many Canadians in the Kilt and Culture FB page and it is all positive. There is alot of kilted Canadians. Don't let that worry get to you. I guarantee the comment and remarks you get will be mostly positive
@@KiltedVeteran Thanks man I'll keep that in mind! 🙂 I'm from Alberta and I've never seen someone over here wear one unless they're in a parade or a remembrance day ceremony. Idk... Maybe they are just considered very formal wear in western Canada. My wife and I are planning to go to Scotland in late September so maybe I'll pick up a MacKenzie kilt while I visit Edinburgh. 🏴 My great grandma is from that line. I really like their tartan pattern too! Dark and conservative in color.
I've worn a kilt all over the United States for 30+ years. Until about 20 years ago, I got a lot of negative comments regarding my masculinity and/or judgement but at this point I can honestly say I almost never get a negative comment but very commonly get positive comments. Of course, I long ago quit giving a crap how other people feel about my sartorial choices, so your results may vary.
I live in a very small town north of Toronto , Ontario . I am the only person that wears a kilt and that is all I wear now . I promise you that the compliments will outnumber and outshine any negative comments for wearing a kilt . I have gotten the thumb's up from people that frankly surprised me . I don't purposely look for peoples reactions when I am out so If I do get an disapproving stare I never see it and frankly don't care . There is a guy on this forum site that lives in Mexico City I believe that wears a kilt . If he can do it you can do it ! As Rocky said a while ago " take that small step off the curb " and get out there with a kilt . You will kick your butt for not doing it sooner ! Cheers .
The best way for others to learn about other cultures is to experience other cultures, so it doesn't make sense to me why people gatekeep this stuff. As long as it's done respectfully, I think it's awesome when Non-Scottish people wear kilts.
![ILLSLICK - KILLSHOT REMIX [FULL VERSION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RIK8RrqIAzE/mqdefault.jpg)
Speaking as a highlander, I love that people wear kilts. It keeps it alive. Here in Scotland, as of 2021, kilt making is now listed as an endangered craft by the HCA. If people don’t wear them, kilt makers go out of business, new makers don’t get trained, and we lose the specialist knowledge and skill to make them in our own country.
Barbra Tewksbury has a book called “the art of kilt making” it’s pretty much a how to manual for traditional kilts… most North American makers have at a least read it and may have altered the order of steps layed out in the book..it’s VERY informative.. she wrote it after going to Scotland and taking courses on it.
Speaking as Galician we wore the kilt (skirt) centuries before you all. You highlanders basically wore a toga .
@@KortovElphame Speaking as a Manchego you are still dudes wearing a skirt. Your cider is good though, they had a women's touch. ;)
@@KortovElphame have you got any proof at all of “toga” wearing?
From the lowlands, I wear the fèileadh mòr as of yesterday! I was wondering if you’ve seen anyone else wearing it? I know Fandabidozi does obviously, would love to know if there’s more of us about!
"Kilt and tartan are Scotland's gifts to the world". Very well said!
Anyone can wear a kilt. No one should be able to tell you no. I'm Scottish and I've never been offended by non-Scots wearing it.
yeah, as long as it's done in a way that does not mock them, it's fine, a appreciation to their culture.
@@maximilianolimamoreira5002 what if they secretly mock them and no one gets offended about it? Which phone number do you call then?
Exactly, it's only non Scottish residents that makes this an issue, we embrace the use of the kilt, we don't care what clan you are, what background you are, if you love it, we love it.
It doesn't matter.
Yes!!! 🙌
Am Mexican can i wear it?
I am an Asian living in Texas. I remember seeing kilts being worn en masse at a Renaissance festival as a high schooler. That was such a weird yet amazing thing to see and it really ignited a drive to learn about the culture it came from.
I always figured I was too outside the culture to really ever wear one but after finding this video and mulling it over I decided to get one. I’ll probably only ever wear it at RenFest but that’s fine. I like the style and I find the history and culture fascinating. Thanks for the advice and giving me the confidence to go for it.
Do it. I'm American and I think it's a good way to appreciate the culture.
Do it. Please. We take it as a huge compliment
I'm Asian and wore a great kilt to Ren Faire (and continue to do so)
One way I get around it just in case there's that one snob is I'll just carry a bunch of starburst so I can say I'm referencing the starburst commercial with the "Scotch Korean" XD
@@aragorn1780 or say to them "Awa' 'n' boil yer heid" or any other scots insult, should do the trick
It may be too late for this warning, but here goes. Once you buy one and wear it to Renaissance festival, you'll rationalize, and rightly so, that it's suitable for everyday wear. That is what happened to me. Most of the men were jealous I did it. And maybe I am biased but I think the gals were checking out my legs. :)
I'm a 56 YO guy from Puerto Rico. Since 28 I've been interested in Kilts but never dared to use them. But now I'm ready. Can't wait for New years Eve and surprise my family. It's been a looooong time waiting and researching (thanks in part to you). My respect to you all!!!!
I wore my Stumptown utility kilt in and around my trip to Scotland years ago and from Isle of Skye to Inverness to Edinburgh to Glenfinnan, every Scot I met...old and young, men and women...were so complimentary, supportive and in some cases assuaged my fears of cultural appropriation when I asked if I was crossing any cultural lines.
Cultural appreciation!😊
Cultural appropriation only exists if it’s a non white culture
It’s the same as any traditional dress, everyone should be able to wear it. By wearing it, you keep it alive. If you gatekeep who can take part in bits of other cultures it dies and then no one can enjoy it.
Before I get folks reeing, I’m Scottish. Coincidentally it’s my goal to learn to hand weave my family tartan as a hobby.
I do find it sad that it’s usually people outside the cultural dress being discussed that always try to stop others wearing things. I can’t tell you how many Americans have said people can’t wear tartan or kimono if they don’t belong to said cultures but it’s always Americans who have tried to put the breaks on. Not sure what that says about me or the Americans I’ve had interactions with. One fashion discord I’m apart of had a group of them trying to police all the others out of making some cute dresses from tartan =_= busybodies have too much time on their hands..
Yes!!! 🙌
I think you’re really cool :)
Oooo! What's your clan?
I have a kilt from my great uncle, clan Colquhoun/Calhoun/however else you can spell that shit. I’d wear it a lot if there wasn’t a hole in it
I'm scottish and it makes me proud to know people around the world want to wear and promote tartan and the kilt.
I’m an Arab from the Gulf, and our traditional attire (lower body) is similar to the Kilt but it’s made from lighter fabric due to the heat here, even with modern life changes we still wear our attire proudly because it is our culture and tbh it is really comfortable, I support all cultures wearing their clothes proudly.I would like to own a kilt and wear it here someday.
What is the attire called?
Do it!
I'm an American, my ancestry is Irish, Swiss, and Japanese. I weak kilts daily because my work dress code at Providence Hospital doesn't allow shorts but does allow kilts. I love wearing them as an alternative, because they're comfortable, they look great, and I have learned a lot about scottish history as I've wanted to learn lots about how to wear a kilt properly, the history of them, etc.
I love them.
Ask our kilt makers in Scotland and the world over. We want our bonnie kilt makers forever in work and busy. Good for them, good for us.
Anyone can wear a kilt.
Oh my God! You hit the nail on the head.
Watch the monty python sketch where an extra terrestrial contacts a Scots kilt maker to fill an order for 600 billion kilts. Hilarious!
Absolutely! I'm also tied to the Maxwells by the way.
Your comment about people wanting to "close the door" reminds me of something my dad used to say, "Pull the ladder up, boys, I'm aboard."
I grew up in South Africa and recently found out that my grandfather was adopted and brought here at a very young age, I now proudly own my own kilt of the MacFarlane clan and wear it to every social event, no one can take away from the fact my ancestors shared in the same struggles as those who currently live in Scotland today.
I live in Britany (north west of France) and I wear a kilt every week end ! More and more Breton wear kilt and that sooooo cooool !
Anyone who is “allowed” to drink Scotch is “allowed” to wear a kilt.
Best comment. I’m stealing this
"Scotch is what ye drink; Scots is what ye arrrre."
there is no such thing as a drink called "Scotch", it's Whisky.
@@RaibeartBoid It’s a variety of whisky called Scotch as recognized by the Scotch Whisky Regulations of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Your opinion on that name is utterly meaningless. Go try to annoy someone else with your dorky little failed attempt at being pedantic.
@@RaibeartBoid specifically whiskey made in scotland. Its sort of like how champagne tends to only be called that when it's made in France.
I'm Cuban. The Guayabera is a traditional shirt in Cuba (and a few other Spanish speaking countries). When I see a non-Cuban/non-Hispanic wearing one, I think its nice: they appreciate part of my culture. I'd look at the kilt issue the same way if I was Scottish.
My ancestors are from Spain, and there were kilts there, so I guess that gives me a little extra leeway, maybe...
Guayabera and khakis plus straw cowboy hat is the summer uniform of south Texas cattlemen.
As a hispanic who lives in a mountainous area, I'd love to even have a custom coloured one
Getting a custom tartan is an option. My family is a sept of "MacDonald of the Isles" but I think I'll have a custom tartan made.
Luis, go for it. If you have a particular tartan you like, even if you're not of that clan, if they have a Clan Chief, write to them and ask their permission to wear the clan tartan. They will nearly always enthusiasticly grant you their approval. They are nice people and are proud that someone outside the clan is interested in wearing the clan tartan. By the way, this is sort of one way families without the clan name became septs, or children, of a Clan. Good luck to you.
@@brianhowe1982 I, can assure you, you are on the right path as a lobbian hobbiest.
Im hispanic, and I wanted to figure this question out because I just love the way the kilt looks fashion wise, but of course I didnt want to potentially offend anyone, but watching this video makes me feel more confident in wearing a kilt, thank you all ❤
I'm hispanic too but have 5 percent Scottish ancestry I found out lmao not a lot but I felt the same way despite the distant ancestry!
To the two Hispanic guys - get your kits on, wear them with pride and strut your stuff!! There's a grand swing and sway on the kilt when you're walking!
Do it guys!
I'm a highland and islander. Im quite happy to see others around the world wearing kilts.
Y'all should get some Scottish guests on to talk about this sort of thing. Be interesting to get a direct Scot's (or a few) opinions, observations, and experiences.
We are in the comments John! Just read :)
@@sierralarars but not the sweet Scottish burr! That’s what we need!
@@richardmacneel3819 it's what everyone needs, but no one can understand! They subtitle a lot of our shows when aired on English TV. When our next door neighbours can't understand the accent, what chance does the rest of the world have! 😂
@@bunchofives313 don't all tvs come with sub titles now anyway.
Remember _Trainspotting._
The minority in your scenario are literally committing the “no true Scotsman” fallacy. 😂 I have Scottish heritage but I always try to open the culture to my friends and coworkers. It is a culture everyone should enjoy and take part in and seek to understand.
I'm brand new to kilt wearing. I've always liked the look.
I was very ill at ease at first, but once I got a tunick and sporran I fell in love.
They're light weight, comfortable and smart looking. I plan on increasing my collection to include other fabrics, leather and colors.
And you guys have guided me thru the rules around wearing kilts and sporrans so I look put together.
Thank you for that.
Kilt hire companies in Scotland provide commercial tartans for example, Spirit of Bannockburn, Fower of Scotland tartans etc. Then our football/Soccer/rugby clubs have their own tartans. You dont need to be tied to a surname to wear a kilt. Great seeing you guys keeping the spirit of the kilt alive. Cheers.
Ha ha thank you guys! I have several kilts and im black American. We do have Scotch- Irish roots on my father side and i was always drawn to Scottish culture. Been there twice and loved it there and the people. Please keep up the great work. And by the way most folks like it that i sport a kilt.
I have deeply rooted heritage in Scotland and Ireland and I'm starting to really get into learning about my heritage. I'm proud of it and I love my kilt. It makes me feel good to wear it.
These two gentlemen are just great! I have just recently discovered their videos, and enjoy every one.
This is 2021 everyone should wear a kilt! I just only have one issue, if you wear a kilt respect the clan you choose to wear.
And how does one do that exactly haha. If you know nothing about tartan and chose on aesthetics and not heritage, just wear it. You can't "respect the clan" its 2021 mate, clans are dead and gone. What a silly thing to say.
@@michaelsmyth5877 clans are dead? How does that even make sense? The word Clan means children. Are we not all children of a family? Respect is something earn through a sense of not making fun of something. Having respect for a clan means your not degrading that clans heritage.
@@DirtyOleMopar a clan was a celtic group of housolds with common ancestry, it is merely history now fella, I am from Scotland, and I have lives in the Highlands all my life, clans don't exsist anymore.
The fact that you have to stTe that you won't make fun of something doesn't say much for your respect for your general appearance, I thought it was a given that clothes worn by a said person would be respected, but maybe that's just me.
I stick with the highland grey tartan I'm just now learning that we had Scots Irish family so maybe our family tartan will be revealed.
@@nonameone79 exactly man, wear whatever tartan you like, chose it to the colour or theme od the event if are lucky enough to habe that ability, wearing your clan tartan is wonderful, but not everyone with scottish heritage actually has a clan tartan, and not all clan tartans are nice on the eyes haha.
Took a trip of a lifetime with my parents for two weeks in July. Mom has Scottish ancestry by way of Nova Scotia. Stopped into MacGregor and MacDuff in Glasgow to get a kilt, and everyone there was super happy that I was so interested in it. I picked the MacLeod Hebridean tartan, since we can trace Mom's ancestry to Berneray.
My parents were from Puerto Rico, and I became a bagpiper in a Scottish Pipe & Drum band and later joined the Shrine. I’ve since moved and I’m attempting to start a P&D band here. Love the kilt (Loud MacLeod)
Aye, you can have your own tartan made for yourself or your family name at the kilt makers in Selkirk, Scotland.
May i know, is there any difference between tartan and kilt or it's just the same thing?😅
@@tehtarik4326 Tartan is the "plaid pattern" on the kilt. The kilt is just the article of clothing. To make matters more confusing, a tartan is technically a "special type of plaid" pattern used to symbolize something specific such as a family clan or geographical area where people live. 😆
I'm a hispanic male in Houston Tx USA.
I own two kilts & I wear them out whenever I want. I have met a few snobs at bars but I usually ignore the negativity. But for the most part I get complements when I wear a kilt.
You might be from the lost Scottish Garcia clan, who settled around Houston long, long ago. ; )
@@onerider808 didn't know Garcia was also a Scottish surname, i thought it was only a Spanish surname of Basque origin.
@@maximilianolimamoreira5002 it’s a smaller clan who’s lineage has only just been discovered
The Celts of Galicia Spain have lots of history . Some of their descenedants
live in Northern New Mexico ,USA !
@@maximilianolimamoreira5002 it's a joke
As a Scottish man, anybody who wears a kilt in a RESPECTFUL manner, is fine by me
I’m in the traditional family heritage camp (Smith, Stewart, Wallace) and I do like the casual utility kilt option. I wear kilts daily now, since 2020, unless other expected attire is noted for the engagement. I haven’t jumped into formal kilt wear, yet. It’s part comfort and part family wear.
As a Texan who wears a kilt, here is what I say to those who would tell me I can't. "Bless your heart."
Ha! I’m a Kansan and thought the same thing
And Louisianian! Who currently lives in Kansas... 😁
If you’re a Texan, or southerner, you really understand what he means by “bless your heart”🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Another Texan who wears a kilt agrees.
Hello, I've always wanted to have a kilt since I was a kid, I think it looks badass.
I'm from Bulgaria, I don't have any Scottish heritage, my mom and dad went to Scotland one week ago and I asked them to buy me a kilt and they did.
I absolutely love it and now I'm wearing it a lot.
As an American who’s interested buying a kilt and love the look of it but also the historical significance of it this made me feel a lot better about actually buying one thank you
I was born and raised in the Great State of Texas but I am a piper and so I wear the kilt proudly as a symbol of my heritage and my musical choice.
I always felt that the tartan and kilt is Scotland's wonderful gift to the whole world.
I have been curious for a while and have just recently jumped back into Kilts and traditional dress. I of course do not want to do anything that would be considered disrespectful and everything I have learned from your videos has been very helpful. I have nothing but respect for your presentations and the abundant amount of helpful information. Thank you.
This makes me feel better starting my Kilt path. I ordered my first Kilt last week
Spend around $150 (US) - get your own Tartan designed and registered. It may costs a small fortune to get the material woven to make the kilt though!
I have given a kilt as a gift to a Norwegian friend - he loves it - but, it's kinda chilly in the winter! Another friend is South African, with not even a shadow of a drop of Scots blood in his veins loves the kilt, it shows off his legs (ex-rugby player)!!
Mini-Kilts on ladies (hmmmmm). A tartan sash on a white evening gown is classy!
I live in Florida i wear a utility kilt about 3 times a week comes in handy with working outside
I bought and wore a solid blue work kilt to work last summer, and people loved it. I wore it in Finland for one day, (the only day of the trip that was above 10C) no reaction. I even wore it through three airports and a train. I'm definitely buying another kilt for every day fashion.
Not gonna lie, I love seeing non Scots wearing kilts. The kilt will forever be a symbol of Scotland, but seeing it around the world is amazing. Plus kilts are comfy and look great
Great conversation. I agree, once the kilt crossed into fashion, generally, it’s use should hopefully not offend anyone. They are gorgeous and when done respectfully and creatively, then darn near everyone looks awesome. Too much pearl-clutching these days over “rules” of fashion, like shock over colored tuxedo jackets. We only live once, wear what you want - within propriety of course, e.g. no US Army dress uniforms and medals, unless earned, etc.
I got to wearing kilts a couple of years ago for work as it's very hot here in SE Oklahoma and shorts just don't provide the protection pleats do.
Liked them so much I got some in a casual-style. Random guy the other night tried to tell me I shouldn't be wearing them if I wasn't Scottish; which I found strange because the company I bought them from is in the UK.
Asked Google and this is what it gives me. Honestly, couldn't find anyone who would say it's not something one should do.
Most answers were along these lines it not a definitive "it's fine."
Edit: I have been a distiller at Hochatown Distilling Company since the 6th barrel they filled in 2017.
that sounds like an amazing job!
One who can look at your face despite your clothing and pinpoint your heritage is by far a greater person than I am.
I grew up always being told our family was primarily Irish and German. Upon having my DNA done, I found very little Irish and that I had a great deal of Scottish. Very proud of that as I see Scotland as a place of great history and people. I wore a kilt once and loved it. Such a comfortable and versatile garment. I'm wanting to make my own to wear to Renaissance fairs. Wish it was a more common type of garment to wear in the US.
Though in the beginning of beginnings, the more modern sort of Scot came of Irish tribes immigrating. Quite submerging the earlier Picts of every sort.
Though Jeffrey, at worst you might avail yourself of 5-6 yards of double wide woolen plaid, learn the knack of pleating it to suit, and belt it round you as a great kilt, going very old school, back to about the late fifteenth century. For fullest authenticity, a deerskin drawstring-&-flap soft sporran to accessorize. That probably means resorting to Tandy and crafting the thing yourself... unless you've shot your own buck.
I guess the tassels are a vestige of such a drawstring.
Getting the great kilt, the breacan-an-feilaidh, sitting right calls for attention to the hem: make sure your hem is straight all round, and at the top of your kneecap to maybe an inch above. Better a little short than two inches too long. It's easy to tweak it up and down through your belt, and there is plenty of 'Tube on using this big plaid on hikes, etc.
@@w.reidripley1968 there's a TH-cam channel that watch. The young man that posts videos is Scottish. He has videos on folding and wearing the great kilt and how to make accessories. It's a great channel.
@@r1verman I think I've seen him... went on a long hike à la 16th century, living on bannocks and sleeping in his plaid?
You should definitely look into historical records for your Scottish ancestors. The DNA tests aren’t always accurate. I wish you the best of luck reconnecting with your ancestors!
Have about 300 missing years, but family in Scotland in 1200s! In America by 1640s. We were recommended a district tartan. My husbands family was also from Scotland, part of the Keiths. So we have lovely red kilts and lovely blue/green.😊
I was at a Burns Night Dance last week , did the Ode to the Haggis and therefore wore full Highland Dress. The DJ was from Venezuela and wore the Kilt (properly). An accomplished dancer he stole the show.
Your book covers are amazing!
I love my kilts. I got my buddy's son and daughter thier first kilts. I've got kilts without and with pockets, several tartans, a camo one, and one with skulls.
It's my appreciation to a culture I love as tradition and history..
From Malta
I wear my kilt to honor my grandpa and my family history to prevent it being forgotten, noone can tell me that I can't
same here, buddy.
me & my boyfriend, who are planning to go and settle in Scotland in around 3 years for good, are both wearing MacKenzie tartan on kilts and I’m planning on buying scarves this Christmas! I’m reading the comments of you all saying it’s great people are wearing kilts and I’m very glad! My boyfriend wears his kilt in public proudly and since I bought it I realized it’s the most attractive thing ever and I want to see him in it everyday.
Came across this after I bought my first utility kilt.
I've been wanting to try one for years and we are off to Scotland on Monday so where better to take it for it's first wear
Its just like saying, scotts can't wear trousers, suits or shorts. Kilts are the best, I am so glad I put one on ive been wearing kilts for work awesome!! More productivity and no more sore back! Thanks heaps for your chanell and advice!!!
My first Scottish ancestor of Clan Lamott came to the colonies in 1749 and fought against the British in the American Revolution. When I made my first visit to Scotland back in 1975, I was wearing a kilt and no one I ever met gave me a hard time about wearing a kilt. I visit often now to be with my Scottish relatives. The only "complaint" I have gotten was from one elderly Scot in a pub in Dunoon because I was wearing a utilikilt.
During my attendance of The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in 1975 I purchased my first kilt. It was built from the Angus modern district tartan. I wore that kilt for several years to compete in the Scottish heavy events at the G. M. H. G. and the Stone Mountain, Ga. Highland Games as well.
Red and green Tartan has also been a Christmas pattern for a long time now. Tartan is very much a part of mainstream fashion and has been for so long. He's right, Scotland gave that to the World. It should be honoured that it is so loved and embraced. Tartan is beautiful.
Everyone can wear a kilt. As Long as it is done proper and out of respect and interest. The Scottish people I‘ve met were all happy when I was wearing a kilt. I would dare say, that Tartan patterns (and for some even on a daily basis the Kilt) became a universal part of mankind’s fashion world. My Backhold wrestling coach even told me also it is totally fine, many scottish people do not wear the kilt, so great if many others do for love and interest in Scotland. So keeping it alive wherever you are from, that is a great thing. Love from Germany.
im a scot myself and i like to see people wearing a kilt as fashion. I think it's cool and keeps it alive. I have a small issue with people wearing it as "national dress" (to a formal event for example) without having a heriatage connection OR being invited to wear it by someone who has that connection. That being said, i don't care too much, i just think it's not in the best taste.
As someone who likes to learn about survival tactics and preparedness, the kilt it an incredibly awesome tool. I would wear a more male kilt when going out into the woods because it is useful and yes beautiful. Though I’m not Scottish.
I lived in Germany for a couple years and ran into a Scottish lass and while we were discussing castles, I mentioned that I was part Scottish. She asked me what my mother's maiden name was and I told her her name was Scott. She smiled and said that because my mother had the clan name that I could wear a kilt in Scotland even though I myself carried my father's German name. She did say that I was the last in my lineage, though. Just my experience.
Now, around 35 years later, I would like to purchase a kilt of the Scott variety, but there are SO many.
i learned about the Kilt It is a great Scottish heritage,finding about my grandfather was one, the other is I respect the love toward the scottish dress so I have two my sept name and the heritage of Scotland Tartan I am so proud to wear both.
I am german and wearing Kilts since 2005 in different tartans. I just love to walk with it.
Ok, so I have long been told that I had Scottish heritage. I even join a pipes and drums band (I actually love the sound of bagpipes). I did the DNA thing and it shows 1/3 Scottish (more or less. , I don’t know how accurate rose are). I started a long time ago of including the great kilt in my outdoor packs. Very versatile and suited for that arena. I have had my share of comments in support one questioning my reasoning. I would not want to insult the heritage of anyone but seeing how useful the kilt is on camping and backpacking trips it would take a great deal for me to abandon it. It’s a useful garment for survival as well lending a multi use garment to keep you protected, warm and in some case camouflaged. They really knew what they were doing when they created the great kilt.
My mother is from Cìll Rónáin, County Galway on Ínishmòr, Island.
So my formal kilt is The Galway tartan with a full dress full faced Sporran bag with a silver O'Shea family crest.
At the same time I have at least 35 kilts for all sorts of occasions.
If you are wearing a formal traditional kilt without having that connection it's disrespectful.
However, if you are wearing a regular day wear kilt I have no problem with that.
As a descendant of Highlanders, I was always a"close the door behind me" type of Celt. But as I grew in my knowledge about Celtic culture, my boundaries expanded to only Celts. Now after coming to the knowledge that the plaid goes back to the Egyptian empire times and that there are people of Chinese and Celt ancestry that still wear plaid. I have loosened up on my view of who should wear kilts. We are an ancient people, whose culture spans multiple continents, time periods among many many tongues ,tribes,and nations.
I'm Spanish, living in Madrid. I've been playing fiddle for almost 30 years, Irish and mainly Scottish music. I've studied and played music by Niel Gow, William Marshall and Scott Skinner, among others.
And I'm sorry if someone thinks I'm not allowed to wear a kilt while playing.
I'm an American with Stots Irish ancestry from clan Elliot. I love our tartan along with many many other patterns. I'm currently wearing a Lewis utility kilt on a regular basis. Americans seem to be well excepting of my choices. Also, let's not forget that a kilt is very comfortable to wear.
We could never forget that!
For my tuppence worth, I agree with your comments here. There are two questions here though, kilts or tartan? I own about five kilts and loads of various tartan clothes, traditional and other and, for me wearing the kilt is making a statement. I am a Scot living in the land of the Saxons and if I see others wearing the tartan it gives me a warm feeling, a kind of pride, a compliment because, as the saying goes, imitation is a high form of compliment. I only think that if a person is wearing as formal then please wear it right, show the respect but I feel that way about uniform or tuxes and any formal wear. I think all tartan looks good on women and I have seen some of those erm modern (new age?) people that wear utility kilts and I think thay they are making a statement, not the same of mine (heritage) but their own statement.
My best friend showed up for opening night of the Opera in a t-shirt. An ugly one. I very nearly DIED!!
I cited TRADITION, and threw a strand of pearls on her, lol. It was an outdoor venue, but she was making some kind of juvenile statement. There's a time and place for that kind of thing!
(We blazed during intermission, then planned our wardrobe for the entirety of the Season, lol!)
I want to get the Gunn clan tartan scarf. My paternal grandmother’s maiden name was Gunn.
I've not once heard of anyone ever tell me I shouldn't because my family is so far removed from our Scottish roots. I have how ever had a few disapproval people say remarks about a man wearing a dress. It bugs me a bit when people are so naive.
I understand how you feel, but you have to feel sad for those folks, they are missing out.
Pajamas hail from India, and they have become ubiquitous. I think Kilts are on the same trajectory and are becoming more universal. Great channel guys, I would like to visit your store one day soon!
I’m Scottish and my boyfriend is from Delhi, so our pub quiz team name is Kilts & Pyjamas 😂 there’s no way he’s not gonna wear a kilt at our wedding!
@@lauraswinton8458 Very Cool! Wishing you guys all the best🙂
As a Scottish islander I can say from my perspective I love wearing a kilt and love seeing others wearing them wherever they’re from. It’s also fine to wear it in whatever outfit style suits. Ultimately the current outfit options aren’t going to be exactly the same as the original kilts work hundreds of years ago but does that matter? Of course not you could say the same about any modern garment no matter how traditional we might think they are. I will be honest and say I do cringe a little if I see it on someone backwards (pleats at the front) but it doesn’t ruin my day or anything.
Great to see it exported around the world and without people making kilts worldwide then Scottish expats would feel underdressed at social events abroad. Keep up the good work.
I'm Scots-irish, I damn well have a right to wear a kilt!
The king of England exiled my ancestors from the scottish lowlands to northern ireland in the 1600s.
And both remaining scottish and Irish ancestors came to america in the 1700 &1800s.
I know my pedigree!
I have a great Irish first name (along with a saint!), And a good scottish last name!
If you're referring to James the VI, he was the King of Scotland, mate... Be sure to get his FULL title right.
Do you know how cringey you sound to actual Scottish and Irish people?
Kevin Hamilton It was the king of scotland who brought your ancestors over to ireland to displace the natives they were not exiled as i said they were brought over for a purpose.Since they were originally from the scottish borders they would never have worn kilts traditionally at that time.
You have a perfect right to wear a kilt but not really for reasons of heritage.
Mate, you're fine to wear a kilt, but everyone can wear a kilt, regardless of race or ancestry or family history. It's not about "muh right" or genetics. Nobody in Scotland cares about your pedigree and your schpeel here is weird and cringe to native Scots, and not in the spirit of the message the nice lads in the video are trying to convey.
You should visit Hamilton in Scotland, it would give you a shock mate haha
I'm Irish and Scandinavian (American) and I love that men are able to wear a skirt-like garment and enjoy the benefits of wearing a garment like that, while not having to sacrifice perceived masculinity. I don't think it's un masculine to wear a skirt or dress, but I'm a feminine person where clothes don't have as much to do with femininity (such as, a woman can wear a full suit and still look feminine with long hair and makeup). It's important how people view themselves, so if that helps bridge that notion that circular bottom-garments aren't necessarily feminine, that's awesome
My grandparents are Quebecois but I love kilts so cause my last name is French and I have no clan name like my nephews I chose the black watch. Because it's not a clan and I've see the Canadian black watch. Plus I like the colors. So am I wrong?
I can't speak as a Scot as I am Canadian but my answer would be no ,you are not wrong . If you like kilts and wear them with respect to the culture then wear them .
The UK county my family is originally from has a tartan (Durham district tartan Wilson’s of Bannockburn 1847) aka Denholm or Dunholm… much like Northumberland has a tartan (shepherds tartan)
I have Scottish and Irish Heritage and I respect when I wear mine been wearing them for 2 years. I dont have Tartans yet but have done research into my Heritage and know my Clan For Scottish. I feel if you know what your wearing and you wear it proud WEAR IT
FREE YOUR SELF
As the 25th great grandson of Robert the Bruce, but being American - What tartan should I wear? Is it offensive to attend a function (US Navy formal dining out for example) in a kilt? I am trying to do my due diligence in the matter....but have found comments going both ways.
The only thing I would add, and this is not so much to disagree as to clarify the point being made, whilst there are certainly people who think you should only wear a kilt if you are Scottish, are of Scottish descent or in some other way connected to Scotland, and there are other groups thinking it should be restricted to Highlanders, there is no equivalent group for the UK as a whole. Those of us living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland certainly make no claim to the kilt (apart, possibly, from those trying to make the kilt a part of a new tradition of Welsh or Cornish dress).
Can honestly say I’ve only ever heard Americans make the ‘it should be restricted to highlanders’. Just rubs me the wrong way when folks not actually from here try to put people in boxes of what they can and can’t wear. My clan were lowlanders so by those folks estimations my own family tartan I shouldn’t be allowed to wear? Crock of bull I think!
I am curious though, does it count if the lines you can trace back are not straight through only the male line? Can my son, whose father does not trace back to Scotland at all, claim Scottish heritage through me? I can trace my father’s line through the male line back to Somerled, I can trace my father’s mother also back to the same, but through her mother’s line.
I have traced my ex husband’s lines back to Germany, France, and Wales.
Would it be appropriate for my son to wear the MacDonald plaid? I am not sure how this is looked at.
@@vickiegentry7124 it would be fine. There's no rules about who is and isn't allowed to wear a kilt and there's no difference between male and female heritage.
4:14 what pattern is that? I love the combination of black and grey with just a touch of red.
That is the Glyndwr tartan! You can check it out with the link below.
www.usakilts.com/gallery/12-oz-poly-viscose/glyndwr-universal/view
Let's keep in mind that kilts originated from clothing of necessity, and then became symbols of culture. Like, oh let's say, cowboy boots. Do we have this strange stigma about needing to be a rancher in order to wear cowboy boots? Of course not. That would be silly. But what does the fashion of wearing cowboy boots represent? It represents a tradition, a history, etc. Even when worn for fashion pursposes only, cowboy boots say POSITIVE things about how the person wearing them feels about country/western culture. As an American with Scottish heritage, I LOVE it when I see people who either do not have or are unsure if they have Scottish heritage wearing kilts. To me it says, "I really like this tradition and I think it should be kept going". I appreciate that. It also gives me and that person something to talk about and maybe start a friendship over a mutual love of the culture. I'm in the wear it like you love it category.
Well said BT.
I'll be marrying a Scot in May 2023...I've already been told I'll Have to wear a kilt...lol... I think it's awesome and the fact it represents a person's clan, house, lineage makes it even more awesome. I've always respected the kilt as well as Scots and Scotland 🏴 in general...I will wear one proudly and certainly with reverence as well. I pray I honor the tradition well... Very cool 🙏😎🙏💯👊
I live near Paris - France - my father’s family il 100% from Bretagne (Brittany), so I’m from a Celtic heritage.
But to be honest I’m wearing a kilt because it’s not any dumber than to wear leggings or jeans or whatever.
It’s a tribute to a beautiful culture any one could feel bound to.
I do not know how to ensure that I am getting the tartan of my clan and if I am getting a good one.
They are all good, enjoy.
I was at the highland games in so. Cal, as I was entering the event a young guy had a kilt on which appeared to be made of his granny's curtains. It's all good and I'm from Scotland.
He didn't get dressed up for nothing.
I wear my kilt, when I was allowed to work before the pandemic, every day for work. I would have people from Scotland visiting Los Angeles come to where I work, and see me in my kilt and would love it. I’ve never had a negative word by anybody from Scotland personally. But that’s just my personal experience. It inevitably leads to them asking me if I have any Scottish heritage and we start talking about clans. This is when I realized that I typically know more about Scotland in Scottish clans than most Scottish people I talk to. So I’ve learned to keep it rather simple that way I don’t sound like I’m trying to educate somebody on their own culture. Well the intent or not they can turn people off..
But, if somebody took offense and was not Scottish, then I would just let them know, that I am a Scottish ancestry and I am a member of a clan. If they were from Scotland, and didn’t care because I was not born and raise in Scotland, I would ask them if they knew what their medic heritage was and if they’ve ever had a DNA test? Because if they are not 100% Highland Scott, then in my mind they would have no place to even talk let alone judge. But Fortunately that’s not something I’ve ever had to run a crossed. And I honestly don’t know anybody first hand who’s had to deal with that either. Hopefully never do.
@@cecircinn2908 Good information!
Ya dobber!
I'm of Galician descent so I usually wear the Galicia tartan. I'm a piper but I prefer non clan/family tartans or solid colors
I’m of Portuguese decent…from northern Portugal and as I learn more of my heritage, I discovered that we also wear kilts and play bagpipes. I personally love the idea of wearing a kilt but wouldn’t out of respect because I’m not Scottish however, now that I know about the Portuguese wearing kilts…I’d like to wear one but I’m confused on the different types. Again, I don’t want to offend by wearing the wrong kilt. Suggestions?
Pick one you like and go for it.
Looks so cool, coming from a 23 yr old. I'm about as white and corn fed American as it gets but the culture behind it and Scotland sounds fascinating. Looks like there's a wealth of national pride there and I can certainly appreciate that!
Am born and breadth in Scotland I say each to their own.
I'm apart of the Barry clan in Ireland I wish my clan had a tartan pattern...we have an aran pattern which is nice but I would like a tartan linked to my family. Guess I'll just go with the cork tartan.
I’m a Gael and personally, I encourage anyone to wear a kilt unless they have an imperialistic mindset. Then you don’t deserve it because you would do to other cultures what England tried to do to ours.
While I do have a number of Scottish ancestors I don't know how I'd feel about wearing a kilt here in Canada. 😐 I'd personally probably feel strange and would probably get weird looks but I absolutely respect the clothes and I truly belief everyone has the right to own and wear one if they want. Great channel by the way. It's a gem!
I wore one for my wedding, it certainly was a conversation starter! Considering that many were family AND a retired CF member. His wife did enquire if i was regimental, i politely offerer her to check! The only thing holding me back from owning and wearing kilts is, lack of funds.
You should start wearing a kilt. There are many Canadians in the Kilt and Culture FB page and it is all positive. There is alot of kilted Canadians. Don't let that worry get to you. I guarantee the comment and remarks you get will be mostly positive
@@KiltedVeteran Thanks man I'll keep that in mind! 🙂 I'm from Alberta and I've never seen someone over here wear one unless they're in a parade or a remembrance day ceremony. Idk... Maybe they are just considered very formal wear in western Canada. My wife and I are planning to go to Scotland in late September so maybe I'll pick up a MacKenzie kilt while I visit Edinburgh. 🏴 My great grandma is from that line. I really like their tartan pattern too! Dark and conservative in color.
I've worn a kilt all over the United States for 30+ years. Until about 20 years ago, I got a lot of negative comments regarding my masculinity and/or judgement but at this point I can honestly say I almost never get a negative comment but very commonly get positive comments. Of course, I long ago quit giving a crap how other people feel about my sartorial choices, so your results may vary.
I live in a very small town north of Toronto , Ontario . I am the only person that wears a kilt and that is all I wear now . I promise you that the compliments will outnumber and outshine any negative comments for wearing a kilt . I have gotten the thumb's up from people that frankly surprised me . I don't purposely look for peoples reactions when I am out so If I do get an disapproving stare I never see it and frankly don't care . There is a guy on this forum site that lives in Mexico City I believe that wears a kilt . If he can do it you can do it ! As Rocky said a while ago " take that small step off the curb " and get out there with a kilt . You will kick your butt for not doing it sooner ! Cheers .
As a Canadian I found the best answer to the " You Have no right to wear a kilt!" is " kis ye div nae spik german. oor bleed bocht ye aat privlage "
That's easy for you to say.
What's that mean?
@@jakwolfe3025 Translates to " Because you do not speak German. Our ( Families) blood bought us that privilege."
The best way for others to learn about other cultures is to experience other cultures, so it doesn't make sense to me why people gatekeep this stuff. As long as it's done respectfully, I think it's awesome when Non-Scottish people wear kilts.
Some kilts are “general” ie not connected with a particular clan. Black watch for example,