# Would you wear a kilt if you were not Scottish? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 3, 2012, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-kilt-if-you-were-not-scottish/608287 "2012-01-03T20:15:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![XT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xt/32/456_2.png) [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2012, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-kilt-if-you-were-not-scottish/608287/61 "2012-01-04T14:16:10Z")
[QUOTE=PaulParkhead] Is a kilt useful for fencing? I mean, I’ve never fenced and I’ve never worn a kilt but the garment wouldn’t necessarily be my first choice for protection if I were to engage in swordfights. [/QUOTE] Depends on what kind of fencing we are talking about. It was pretty effective in helping me pick up chicks at the fair, which was the whole point. 😉 -XT ---
**Author:** ![Malthus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2012, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-kilt-if-you-were-not-scottish/608287/62 "2012-01-04T14:42:53Z")
> [@Martian Bigfoot](#): > > I read that as ferocious _midgets_. Now I have a mental image of very tiny Scotsmen (maybe some Scottish variety of a leprechaun) running up to you and under your kilt, then jumping up and grabbing your unprotected junk… Here’s a picture: > **[Redirect Notice](http://www.google.ca/imgres?q=wee%2Bfree%2Bmen&um=1&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-US&biw=1024&bih=585&tbm=isch&tbnid=qA8ohv17EERstM:&imgrefurl=http:%2F%2Fwww.toplessrobot.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fthe_10_most_awesome_non-human_discworld_characters.php%3Fpage%3D2&docid=_zRjMvv80u60FM&imgurl=http:%2F%2Fwww.toplessrobot.com%2FThe%252520Wee%252520Free%252520Men.jpg&w=531&h=362&ei=NmUET_KeNabw0gGmnenCAg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=587&vpy=173&dur=1110&hovh=185&hovw=272&tx=139&ty=124&sig=115763278985769863220&page=1&tbnh=105&tbnw=141&start=0&ndsp=25&ved=1t:429,r:5,s:0)** ---
**Author:** ![An\_Gadai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2012, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-kilt-if-you-were-not-scottish/608287/63 "2012-01-04T15:18:15Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > IIRC, Irish tartans are by county rather than by clan, right? Haven’t a notion, as I said it all seems a tad made up to me. ---
**Author:** ![Cinnamon\_Imp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/58956e/32.png) [@Cinnamon\_Imp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cinnamon_Imp)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2012, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-kilt-if-you-were-not-scottish/608287/64 "2012-01-04T15:39:30Z")
Hey, where’s the option for “I’m Scottish AND a girl but wanted to vote anyway”?! > [@PaulParkhead](#): > > It comes back to me now - you came from Motherwell, originally, IIRC. That’s per the “Scottish Dopefest” thread, which needs to be resurrected, in the interests of actually having a Scottish Dopefest. Yeah, think that was my fault. Seem to remember I killed it by getting snarky at someone, when actually it was me who’d been a bit vague and misunderstood. I’ll just blame sleep deprivation… ---
**Author:** ![Bridget\_Burke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7cd45c/32.png) [@Bridget\_Burke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bridget_Burke)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2012, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-kilt-if-you-were-not-scottish/608287/65 "2012-01-04T17:54:50Z")
> [@An\_Gadai](#): > > Haven’t a notion, as I said it all seems a tad made up to me. Yup, made up. The Scottish Register of Tartans seems to be fairly new; many of the Irish tartans were designed by Viking Technology Limited–owned by [Tartanweb](http://www.tartanweb.org/). Here’s [Galway’s](http://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/tartanDetails.aspx?ref=5937)–with “colours based on the County Heraldic Arms.” I’ll bet that visitors to Scottish shops (online or real world) wanted a “meaningful” souvenir–probably a scarf rather than the full outfit. And I’ll bet they sell more to Irish-Americans than actual Irish. Anyone can register a tartan. Some of the modern ones are restricted–like [this gaudy thing](http://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/tartanDetails.aspx?ref=10121)… ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2012, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-kilt-if-you-were-not-scottish/608287/66 "2012-01-05T03:49:18Z")
I have, although it was as an usher in a wedding in Scotland (Aberdeen, to be particular). I don’t think I’d wear one here in Texas even at a wedding; that’s a little too much on the ren-fair geek side of things for me. ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2012, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-kilt-if-you-were-not-scottish/608287/67 "2012-01-05T05:03:16Z")
I’ve got a couple Utilikilts, and I’ve also done the full nine yards of (non clan) wool variety at Faire. Those are “fun” to assemble, especially in a tent, or next to a hotel ice machine since the room itself did not have enough clear floor space to pleat the fabric, much less do the “human burrito” impersonation. ---
**Author:** ![amanset](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8dc957/32.png) [@amanset](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amanset)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2012, 6:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-kilt-if-you-were-not-scottish/608287/68 "2012-01-05T06:52:57Z")
I’m half Scottish and wouldn’t. If word got out to the Scottish side of my family, or even worse if they saw me do it, they’d probably lynch me. ---
**Author:** ![Una\_Persson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/una_persson/32/346_2.png) [@Una\_Persson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Una_Persson)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2012, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-kilt-if-you-were-not-scottish/608287/69 "2012-01-28T04:00:50Z")
> [@PaulParkhead](#): > > Is a kilt useful for fencing? I mean, I’ve never fenced and I’ve never worn a kilt but the garment wouldn’t necessarily be my first choice for protection if I were to engage in swordfights. I would never use a kilt for fencing, as there is absolutely no protection for the knees, but for women a long skirt of broadcloth or serge can be wonderful for catching rapiers and smallswords and tangling them up while you either finish your counter-attack or riposte. I know this from experience. I guess if you’re using a “wimpy” foil, or fencing sabre with a skilled opponent who won’t hit you off-target (except on purpose), then it probably doesn’t matter so much. I don’t like bare knees with epees though. ---
**Author:** ![JustinC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/justinc/32/8083_2.png) [@JustinC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JustinC)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2012, 7:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-kilt-if-you-were-not-scottish/608287/70 "2012-01-29T07:54:03Z")
I have, at my sister’s wedding which also happened to coincide with the hottest day of the freakin’ year :eek:. Even after soaking in a cold bath (for an hour) before dressing I wasn’t spared from the heat those thick woolen socks, kilt, waistcoat and jacket retained. I stuffed my sporran with tissues to wipe the sweat from my brow and offered some out to older relatives. ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2012, 11:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-kilt-if-you-were-not-scottish/608287/71 "2012-01-29T11:43:27Z")
I am only slightly Scotch through a great-grandfather’s marriage. But I own and wear several kilts. Including a Utilikilt, a modern dress kilt and a phili-beg. ---
**Author:** ![Katriona](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/katriona/32/113_2.png) [@Katriona](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Katriona)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2012, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-kilt-if-you-were-not-scottish/608287/72 "2012-01-29T17:15:37Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > “Is your clan from the lowlands or the highlands?” Well, that’s just a silly question. The clan system was specific to the highlands. ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2012, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-kilt-if-you-were-not-scottish/608287/73 "2012-01-29T19:30:45Z")
The highlands… …of Ohio. Hey, I am from _Summit_ county. ---
**Author:** ![foolsguinea](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foolsguinea/32/14751_2.png) [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2012, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-kilt-if-you-were-not-scottish/608287/74 "2012-01-29T19:50:25Z")
An uncle was in the SCA. I borrowed his greatkilt a couple of times. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2012, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-kilt-if-you-were-not-scottish/608287/75 "2012-01-29T20:15:17Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > No. Outside of a Scottish context they just look stupid. I’ve seen guys wearing them here in Portland (not the tartan plaid, but some sort of “urban sombrero” notion), and they look ridiculous. This is exactly my view. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2012, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-kilt-if-you-were-not-scottish/608287/76 "2012-01-29T20:29:32Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > IIRC, Irish tartans are by county rather than by clan, right? The whole “clan tartan” thing is phony. It was invented by garment manufacturers to hike sales. ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2012, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-kilt-if-you-were-not-scottish/608287/77 "2012-01-29T20:44:06Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > The whole “clan tartan” thing is phony. It was invented by garment manufacturers to hike sales. Indeed, in the early 19th century. The colours and patterns before that were more regional than clan, depending on what the local weavers were making, and what dyes were available. ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2012, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-kilt-if-you-were-not-scottish/608287/78 "2012-01-29T21:12:04Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > This is exactly my view. We need a “rasberry” smilie. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2012, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-kilt-if-you-were-not-scottish/608287/79 "2012-01-29T22:27:32Z")
> [@BMalion](#): > > We need a “rasberry” smilie. I’m not usually one to care about, or certainly comment on, what other people wear. So, I keep my opinions quiet, except at times like this when people like the OP are asking. In my opinion, men wear kilts as some kind of “look at me, I’m not afraid to be weird” statement more than because they’re “comfortable” or “fashionable.” ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2012, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-kilt-if-you-were-not-scottish/608287/80 "2012-01-30T00:59:25Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > I’m not usually one to care about, or certainly comment on, what other people wear. So, I keep my opinions quiet, except at times like this when people like the OP are asking. In my opinion, men wear kilts as some kind of “look at me, I’m not afraid to be weird” statement more than because they’re “comfortable” or “fashionable.” Well, I’d make an exception for, say, bagpipers or members of a Scottish infantry regiment and the like. But some random guy in Portland? Yup, a kilt says “I need attention.” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-kilt-if-you-were-not-scottish/608287.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-kilt-if-you-were-not-scottish/608287.md?page=5)