Kilted Outfits VS Kilted Costumes - Where is the Tipping Point?

The lads were asked if there was one single accessory they could point to that would take a kilt outfit "over the top" and make it look like a costume.
Essentially, we feel this is a matter of "critical mass." There is not one single item you should never wear, but there is a point where too much is just too much. Other important factors that can make a kilt outfit look cheesy include cheapness and substitutions. This last faux pas is perhaps the single most important.
Rocky & Erik explain their views on what to avoid - even if you're on a tight budget. The most important piece of advice - do some homework.
Tartans in this video:
Rocky - Stewart Old
www.usakilts.com/gallery/13-1...
Erik - Philadelphia Police & Fire
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Started in 2003, USA Kilts is a team of kilt makers and artisans located in Spring City PA. In 2017, we made it our mission to build community and bring kilts and Celtic culture to the forefront with our YT show: Kilts & Culture.
www.USAKilts.com
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[@darrellhendrix5502]

Due to budgetary constraints my kilts and accessories are on the low end of the spectrum. Fortunately thanks to this channel I am confident when I go out that I am presenting myself in a manner that is not disrespectful or looking like a costume. Thank you for all the information and tips, it has made my journey into becoming a serial kilter vastly easier.

[@malgremor85]

Anything "Jacobite". Also, band uniform bits when you're not in a band. I've seen people kitted out like the Dewars drum major.

[@Jernewein]

I just came here to learn. My family's irish and I just find kilts comfortable. I wanna wear my kilts, be comfortable and enjoy it whilst not committing some grand kilt crime i was not aware of. You gentleman are my source of kilted knowledge and how to in the world of the kilt.

[@AlexanderTalks]

To me, it tends to become a costume when it is worn as a costume. As for me, I get up in the morning, put on a kilt because it is comfortable, not because I want to look Scottish, another person, in the same outfit, but with a different attitude, who picks the kilt or accessories because they look Scottish has crossed the line.

[@EmeraldVideosNL]

My husband wears highland shirts all the time (didn't know that was the name), he did since before we got together. It was one of the things that set him apart from other guys. It definitely looks more stylish than regular shirts.😊

[@raymonddavis1370]

Not to be quarrelsome-BUT how can you two make a big deal over someone wearing shirts "not historically accurate " With one of you wearing a modern dress shirt, a sweater vest (because ???) and a silk tie - Truly an accurate depiction of the "traditional Scottish Insurance salesman". Your decisions on what is accurate and appropriate seem generally to be If WE wear it or you can buy it through our store,it is the most appropriate choice.

[@elliottmcfadden6261]

To me, my kilt is a choice of lower body wear that could just as easily been jeans, slacks, or shorts depending on the weather and level of formality. There are two questions I ask myself: 1) does this accessory serve a purpose in combination with the kilt (like a sporran) and 2) if it’s not specific to kilt utility would I wear this if I were not wearing a kilt? If my answer to both is “no”, I’ve entered into costume territory and should skip it.

[@patrickleonard1410]

Keep it simple,wear a knit sweater& jacket,or a vest with jacket,don't mix tartans,that separates the men from the boys.btw kilts are better than trews....

[@rickfrazier7114]

Real highland wear was outlawed in 1746, everything after Culloden is a grey area. Bring back the Jacobite era highland wear, if you want Tradional.

[@pigeonsniper667]

HIGHLANDERS never wore T-shirts or bomber jackets but they go well with a kilt. The Granddad shirt is like a step up from the Highland shirt. Highland shirts are comfortable and great, but for heading to the pub your get your granddad shirt out.

[@aridragonbeard745]

Being descended from a line of Burleys, I appreciate the Cornish shoutout. I wear utility kilts most of the time if I'm not dressed for motorcycling, and I've definitely been asked several times if I'm Scottish or Irish (never mind that some of these people think there's anything traditional about utility kilts). Usually I just answer, "No, I just like it", but occasionally have gotten as far as mentioning my Cornish ancestry

[@johnbonner4430]

"It's like pornography; I can't define it, but I know it when I see it." 🤣 That's a great description! Thanks for the laugh.

[@nickzornart]

Love that you guys know The Real McKenzies. I used to run a punk rock booking agency down in Athens GA, we had them come play. They were awesome!

[@david.leikam]

There are budget friendly kilts and I’d recommend that accessories are the true investment long term, while you transition and save up for a top quality kilt. I am basically on the medium budget level currently with some top quality accessories as they will last longer than a piece of wool, if cared for properly. Never buy acrylic, acrylic is essentially a fancy plastic and is a fire hazard, if you ever caught on fire. Buyer be(a)ware! 😎

[@marthdaeglin]

The image you showed of the Real McKenzies is really interesting. Each one of them has a very unique look, but on 6 of the 7 of them they have kilt hose, the kilt, sporran, and belt are traditional and unmodified. It really highlights how the kilt controls the outfit, not the other way around.

[@susangrande8142]

I just received this video on my youtube feed: I like Eric’s look of hair and the beard! Nice! 👍

[@joshuahopkins8747]

I think I may have to disagree with the tartan tam assessment, at least to an extent. Lochcarron makes some incredibly nice brushed lambswool tams that look really smart when dressing casually. However, there is no excuse for the cheap, classless ones as seen at

[@InfamousWolf89]

I started wearing tall boots with my kilt (similar to black Engineer boots) in addition to knee-high Sons of Sandlars (SOS for more formal events). On one hand, I love the style but on the other I worry that I look too much the Scotsmen from 'Outlander'

[@clumsypeanut3515]

I couldn't help but snicker a bit when you guys mentionned 'you wouldn't wear a costume to the grocery store' because i kinda do, actually XD. For context, i have a degree in fashion design, with a specific (not sure that's the right term) in costume and a passion for historic dress. Thing is: i made myself some LARP outfits based on historic dress and they are so much more comfortable (and stylish) that my 'modern' clothes that they are slowly becoming my everyday wear. So yep, i'm wearing a 'costume' to the grocery XD I am well aware that i'm more of an exception to that particular rule though, i really just wanted to share a funny anecdote more than go 'well, actually' or anything.

[@prezac7]

Love the Nightwish music added. great point of emphasis. I think their music each time I hear topics of "costumes"