How Walter Scott made us wear the kilt ua-cam.com/video/TV-KMVWXZ9g/v-deo.html Find Marion's the Kilt College at www.scotlandhistorytours.co.uk/kiltmaking
One of my great-grandfathers was in the Black Watch in WW1 and he asked a sergeant about the kilt's obvious drawbacks in trench warfare. The sergeant's response was 'see when ye raid a trench laddie and ye meet a German? Well y'll both cack yerselves but for you it'll jist fa' oot and then he'll be jumping aboot with his breeks full and then you kin bayonet the bugger.' Not the sort of thing military histories tend to mention...
My great-uncle served with the 8th (Service) Battalion. Here's a quote from the Wauchope history of that battalion - talking about an episode from early July 1915: "War, however, was found to have a humorous as well as a serious side, and all ranks chuckled when Sergeant McHardy, machine gun section, had to go kiltless because the kilt which he had hung up to dry was blown away by a shell."
@@coppertopv365 😂 Yes! Especially with all that barbed-wire about.... Might give the Hun a bit of a shock though (visions of "Carry-on Up The Khyber"!).
Several years ago, my son (Polish-Greek-German 😂😂) came home and asked me to make him a kilt as he was going to participate in a Highland Games competition. On Saturday. It was Wednesday. I sew a lot, it is a pleated skirt, how hard can it be?? Obviously I knew nothing. So I looked it up to get some hints. Oh my word!!! This is hard! People apprentice for years to learn this skill! My husband said, “Well, you’ve got 2 days.” 😂😩 Late nights, but I did it. No way near professional, but I tried to follow the rules and it came out great. He got a ton of compliments and he is so proud of it. That’s all I care about. Interesting history lesson.
My Gramma a Scottish woman and very skilled seamstress wouldn't even bother making kilts because of exactly what you mentioned 😆 she respected anyone who ever tried to make one. Much respects madam, that's one frickin cool story
My father was an Argyll and Sutherland Highlander. After Dunkirk, a lot of the English regiments were depleted and they decided to take a hundred Argylls and put them in the Royal Artillery. They only agreed to this as long as they kept their kilts and cap badges. They were the regiment that discovered Belsen concentration camp. Dad married an English girl during the war and was married in his uniform with kilt. Fortunately, she was handy with a needle and made kilts for both Dad and myself. In 1962, we migrated to Australia but Dad still wore his kilt to every special occasion. When he died, he was buried in a suit (his choice) so that his kilts could be handed down, first to me and later to his grandson who wore it when he travelled back to Scotland.
When my late grandfather moved south after the war, he wore his Gordan Highlanders kilt to every Burns' Night. I treasure the photographs of him and the piper of the haggis.
Basically, the same thing happened to kimono. It was once everyday dress, then banned for a bit, then resurrected as prescribed formal dress for heritage events. Where once you dressed according to your class, you now dress according to occasion.
It is quite different though. The Japanese never had foreigners enforce it. Also, having specific ritual types of kimono have a long tradition among the classes where it was economically possible. Having special types of dress codes for ceremonies and sacred spaces is something widespread all over the world.
Also, the kimono bows used to be in the front, then gradually moved to the back so they could both be grander, and appeal to the flat front. Since not all women are the same, methods were devised to grant the more buxom a flat front for the kimono, something still used today.
Yeah, that’s not really true at all. During the Meiji Restoration, Japan wanted to modernize (read by many as ‘westernize’). The Kimono and ‘traditional’ clothing was “frowned upon” as they tried to modernize, but it was never legally “banned.” Kimonos were basically worn at ALL stations of life/class; they higher classes just had fancier kimonos and accessories.
The original kilt was truly a wonder garment. When you wrap yourself in wet wool, the wool produces heat as it dries, at the same time it draws moisture to its own center, keeping you warm and dry. Wool can also keep you cool. Nature's insulator.
Wool garments have a natural water repellent quality (and in the old days this was probably even better due to less of the natural oils being washed out during production). Therefore, unless it was really belting down, you would have remained relatively dry underneath a multi-layered wool kilt.
Hello Bruce, I have worn the kilt since my mid-twenties, nearly 40 years ago. The basic rule I follow is "It's not a costume. It's in memory and to the honor of my ancestors. If it looks good - do it." Cheers.
Hi Bruce. I'm a clothing historian and the first article I ever published was titled "The Evolution of the Kilt". I'm not a kilt expert, but I have a great fondness for it. But what I am passionate about is bespoke tailoring and the cottage industry for garment making. Thank you for supporting small makers and encouraging your subscribers to do so also. It's not just good for the small business owners. Bespoke clothing is good for the environment because it reduces waste and clothing lasts longer. And bespoke tailors can rather famously make a hunchback look like a supermodel. So it's good for our self esteem too. Bravo, Bruce. And thank you. Kass McGann of Reconstructing History.
Also the most important thing about bespoke clothing... it fits you just right especially if you're tall and/or broad chested and in some cases it gives you a better range of motion or at least more comfortable range of motion, no more t-shirts riding up when you put your arms over your head or jumper sleeves that pull too far up the arm or cover your hands, no more trousers that are too restrictive in the... legs, I have fat thighs ok, don't know what you were thinking i was thinking about.
You actually think you're saying something profound? EVERYONE would prefer to have 'bespoke' clothing. Do you anything about it...at all? New York garment district has fabric that 'bespoke' tailors use. It starts at about $600 a YARD. How many pairs of socks can you afford?
@@debbylou5729 1) it's "Do you KNOW anything about it", 2) Manhattan Garment District, 3) bespoke means made to measure, if i make myself a t-shirt it's bespoke and if i can get dyed cotton for £5.50 (after taxes) for a 0.5m by 1.5m bolt, you picked a product specifically to say no one but the rich can afford it, or trained tailors can make clothes, 4) Profound, i think you need to look that up in a dictionary, no one in this particular message thread has said anything that has show great knowledge or insight, they have just pointed out that getting clothes made for you, by anyone, means they will fit better than off the rack clothing, that's made for a mathematically impossible to find average, 5) I would say have a nice day, but you don't appear to be a nice person, i'll say instead, may you live in interesting times.
@@MrTrilbe oh, so you're petty. You might have yours turned off or maybe you don't know about it , but there's this thing called spell check that sometimes doesn't. You are describing home made....ask anyone. The GARMENT DISTRICT is a neighborhood in New York City. Ever been ? I lived in Fairfield Connecticut and went several times. I've seen clothing since I was 16 and just because I made items to fit doesn't make them bespoke. A typical bespoke shirt from a tailor begins at around $600 up to $1000. I'm happy you learned a new word 'bespoke' but the fact that this is your direction is funny. Most people I know that buy 'off the rack' take the items to a tailor (not a dry cleaner's alterations department) and have the item adjusted to fit them. You might be a great little seamstress, but with out the training you aren't a tailor
This really explains some of the difficulties I had when trying to make my own plaid skirt. After a lot of difficulty finding quality fabric, I ended up hand stitching my own design and hoping I won't offend any Scottish people. I'm happy to hear I probably was on the right track, making a quality garment I'm proud to wear.
I'm from Cornwall, and love visiting Scotland (and Scottish history). While Cornwall has a rich past, somewhat divided from England, Scotland has such a strong feeling of being connected to it's historical and cultural identity. It's fantastic to hear you speak so eloquently and interestingly about this particular subject. Thanks so much!
I was staying with friends in Pendeen for months, 20 years ago. I think the last fluent Kernow Gaelic speaker was very old or had passed. The coastal people of the island had more in common with each other than those nearer to them inland.
I wear a tartan sash pinned with a broach as part of my Cherokee regalia as a nod to my father's people, and have worn this to both Native American powwows and Highland/Scots cultural events here in the States. Even met The Shaw at the highland Games in North Carolina and he seemed to appreciate it. All in all, it's been positive and I'm sure someone would correct me were I wearing it wrong. I like to think that ancestors on both sides feel honored. As for those Scots in the military, every history I've read spoke of their courage, ferocity, and ability to scare the hell out of the enemy. I remember one comedy skit about the Highland regiments by Billy Connolly where he said that when situation required some bloody balls, you didn't send in a Nigel, you sent in an Angus.
At 63 I tried on my first " kilt" at a highlands games in Canada . Three and a half years later I have 18 wool kilts including three 4 yd. box pleated kilts . I haven't worn trousers for two years now and probably never will . The first thing I did was educate myself to find out how to wear it as so many people instantly offered advice that I knew didn't have a clue .I have also seen many people on UA-cam and various forums that are very " sticky beak " about how someone should wear highland dress . I found my own way that is respectful and looks right and am not apposed to bending the current " rules " . I wish I had started kilting a long time ago but am grateful to Scotland for such a fantastic form of dress that allows an incredible variation in men's fashion that is not possible elsewhere . Thanks for a video that caught me by surprise . I think I owe you another coffee . Cheers Bruce
Bonsoir depuis le sud de la France, je vous écris en français je ne suis pas assez fort en anglais même si j'ai des notions, ; moi-même je suis porteur de kilts au quotidien depuis 5 ans après avoir été porteur occasionnel pendant dix ans. Oui, c'est un vêtement fantastique, qui allie élégance, virilité (les femmes adorent), et confort incroyable, liberté de mouvements sans équivalents. Mes kilts sont des tartans traditionnels ou des utily-kilts en tissus unis, j'en ai aussi 4 en cuir. Je ne porte plus de pantalons, ni de shorts, ni de bermudas (je les ai tous donné), je vais au travail en utily-kilts. L'occasion pour moi d'en finir avec la dictature du "torture tube fabric" alias le pantalon. Le port du kilt commence à se développer ici en France, des associations ont déposé de nombreux tartans. j'ai lu votre témoignage avec un grand plaisir, bravo et bonne continuation.
@@Davidinkilt I don't speak French ( I wish I did ) but know enough words to understand most of what you said . I will get one or two lines translated to fully appreciate your post but is sounds like you running pretty much the same path as me . I hope you are having a great Christmas . Cheers
There is *a lot* of Scottish history and culture in the American South that is overlooked or forgotten. It's just so ingrained. Even Texas has a registered Tartan and nearly half their cities named after Scots people or words. I heard a theory (can't confirm or deny) that classes "Southern Hospitality" was influenced by Scottish culture.
Your comment about "stack 'em high, sell 'em cheap" is so true and, unfortunately, it is true of most clothing, not just kilts. The demand and respect for bespoke and learning high quality clothing creation at home is shrinking dramatically. There is actually a global glut, mountains of cast-off clothing. Thank you for your educational talk about quality kilts and their history - and for introducing Marion and her classes.
Years ago, when my son got into competing in the Highland Games, I made him a kilt in our "family tartan", with no experience or pattern to follow. It would have been much easier with Marion's instruction I'm sure, but it did turn out good. Another interesting video, Thank you.
@@huntclanhunt9697 Last year I saw a lady wearing a plaid the same as that of one of my paternal line. It turned out she was from a village in Central Europe and it was also their tartan. Have you ever looked at the two tartan found with the truly ancient natural mummies of the Tarim Basin?
I'm not a kilt guy myself, though my buddy Jerry is, who is fiercely proud of his scots heritage. And he cuts a fair profile in hi kilt. I di wear one at his wedding, which my wife loved. I do enjoy your passion for home made quality an skill. Craftsmanship is a wonder to behold, and a joy to do.
Fascinating video. Other YT videos kept talking about anachronistic the kilt was for a certain time period without explaining why. This finally explains how the kilt evolved into it's current form.
Going back to earlier periods (pre-45-rebellion) it's not that the kilt was so anachronistic or something, it's that the old tartans from back then have mostly been lost. Going into the decades following the 'Forty-five, then we have the forbidding of the kilt, the tartans, weapons and so on (unless of course you were in the British army). Then a bit later comes the huge popularity in England and lowland Scotland of *almost everything* Highland Scottish. Passion for everything Highland including the kilt. Eventually later on then you get more of the Highlanders (and those with Highland ancestry all over the world) joining in too. And yes, they are very definitely supposed to explain that, like he did here.
The actual history of the kilt itself is older than most of what he's talking about. This video is primarily about the renewed interest in the kilt, tartan patterns and all things Scottish and Highland, which developed into what we have today. And yes, he was very definitely right to mention that the British army is basically what kept the wearing of the kilt alive until everybody else could get in on the act. But the actual history of the kilt begins long before this. This is mostly just the history of its *revival* in comparatively modern times.
The people who talk about "how anachronistic the kilt was for a certain time period without explaining why". If it's the period from 1746 to about the early 1800's or so then they are assuming that everyone with any knowledge of Scottish history about that period *already knows* perfectly well why. And it is explained in many other places online including Wikipedia and a multitude of other websites. So they may actually have a right to suppose that you already know. On the other hand, if you *didn't* already know then you're certainly not going to learn much about it from them. So I am glad that there are people on UA-cam remembering to keep people informed about that sort of thing. Apparently not everyone already knows.
I’m Irish. I wear a plain coloured kilt, black or green every day. I run my own farm. Boots, no socks. My family are original Campbells. You know, before we sent a few to live in Scotland.
God, your storytelling is incredible. There's a saying that goes the son tries to forget, the grandson tries to remember. To blend in to their new home, my grandparents did not give as much as they may have to my dad. Thanks for helping me remember. It's important and interesting to me to know about this excellent garment. Cheers and keep yourself safe!
One thing I love about USAkilts is that they are more than just a kilt making company and their youtube videos are more than just how to wear a kilt. They talk about history and tradition but also modern practicality and everyday wear. So thanks for this video Bruce. It adds to the discussion of kilts as a practical garment
I wore my clan kilt at my wedding, it was the Edinburgh district tartan and sewn in Scotland. This or Nithsdale were my only choice at the time, however we finally have our own tartan and is registered with the tartan authority.
I found your channel through Tasting History. I’ve been watching it constantly since. Great content and story telling, always insightful! Much love from a fellow tour guide 👍🏼
Hi Bruce! I live in Texas, and I am of Scottish decent. about 10 years ago I started wearing kilts, more for comfort reasons than for cultural reasons. since I learned I was of Scottish decent since I was little, I was always interested in wearing them, but everyone I knew then were very judgmental and all, and there were no kilt makers in America at the time. Today, there are many kilt makers in America, most that I read up on got started in 1995, the same year two great movies came out: Braveheart and Rob Roy. Now they are all I wear, and people come up to me all the time and talk to me about it.
The great kilt reminds me of a tartan blanket/shawl my granny securely wrapped around me and my baby niece(I was nine). It didn't need a belt and was a way of carrying bairns while working around the house.
Afraid not, i was about 8 when she did it and she passed away when I was 14 so I didn't get a chance to ask her, she was a wee feisty Irish woman. Suppose you could google it
I wear a kilt daily. Granted, it *is* mass-produced, but I've never been happier or more comfortable than I am when I wear it. Thank you for this video, sir!
I cracked up so hard when you tried a pirouette, I did pretty much the same thing when I tried taking ballet. Lasted 3 weeks and got tired of falling flat on my face in front of the whole class. And there wasn't even a kilt involved! Love how you explain things
I'd always wanted to take ballet. Finally, classes were available at the university so I signed up for the second level, first level being filled. First day of class, happy and excited I started. In short order I fell twice. The instructor came over to me and asked what was I doing in this class, and told me I should be in the first level. That was the end of classes for me. Oh, well.
You know I never had interest in my Scottish heritage because I grew up in South Africa and it had no relevance to me. Your videos are extremely interesting though and I find myself watching them start to finish. I wish I wasn't so dismissive to my uncles back home when they were expressing their love and interest for Scotland and their heritage.
I’m an American of Scottish decent on my mother’s side tracing back to the Highland clearances. I have worn a great kilt as cosplay for Renaissance Festivals, SF conventions, and fantasy combat events. Definitely comfortable in a campground setting, somewhat less so for driving a car.
Such an inspirational video. So glad my wife made my kilts. She learned from videos and the kilts are awesome, including the final one, where she went back to basics and made a box pleated model.
I enjoyed this so much. I made my first kilt when I was twelve without a pattern. I hadn't sewn anything before. My teacher looked at me hard.My family is from Sutherland and Inverness but moved to the states as a small child. Loved your video! Many thanks!
Can’t thank you enough for the wonderful insight into the history of our wonderful islands and in-depth of Scotland, I am a man of Kent but have chosen to live in the borders for approximately 30 years and have made it my pleasure to visit and experience as much of Scotland as possible and continue to do so and your beautiful historical teaching’s have and continue to inherence the hole experience , many thanks indeed sir. Yours sincerely Mark Fouracres.
The word Kilt is Norse, it is used to this day in Norway and Denmark, it means "wedged" From the great kilt being locked in to place by wedging it under a leather belt somehow. It is believed that the last Viking King of Norway used one, he was called Magnus Barefeet for that. Was even killed in Scotland.
The Scottish kilt is an evolution of the Irish mantle, as the highland Scots were, until the later 16th century, virtually identical to the Irish in culture. In the late 16th century, they were noted to put their belts on top of their mantles instead of under, and hence starts the story of the great kilt.
The kilt is an adaptation of the Irish/Gaelic brat aka the mantle. The Scottish Highlander wore the léine, Brat and Ionar before the had to adapt to the Féileadh Mór.
I had a beautiful kilt built for me by a bespoke tailor in New York. It honors my military service with the U.S. Air Force tartan. I also have a Black-watch tartan kilt to honor my great-grandfather who was a Gordon Highlander in WW1. Another great video Bruce.
My father was given a plaque with the kilt pin and sample of the Polaris tartan from the USNA pipe band, having been the first piper at the Naval Academy back in the early '50s.
I knew the kilt wass victim of the military and commercialization but I didn't realize quite the extent. Cheers from Canada (roots in Scotland some generations ago) on another wonderful, informative video!
the kilt is not a victim of militarisation. the military are now pretty much the only group that wear highland dress in all its forms correctly. They're the ones to look to for those interested in looking smart
@pUnPoetic Come to one of my live shows in Canada in 2024. Shows in Halifax, Annapolis, New Glasgow, Moncton, Montreal, Perth , Ottawa, Toronto, Fergus, Seaforth, Calgary, Vancouver and Victoria. Most of the details are here. www.brucefummey.co.uk/shows.aspx
This really scratches my 'an item, especially a necessity, that has multiple uses is invaluable' itch, lol. (I've always thanked & credited my Irish ancestors for that💚.) Thank you so very much for sharing and teaching so much the traditions, the nuanced and everyday-type stuff...one of the best storytellers I've ever listened to.
just moved up to Scotland from the north of England and absolutely love it here, Thank you for your informative video will be keeping an eye out for more and looking back on what you have uploaded. Your character captures what I have experienced living here so far what an amazing person you are thank you
What a wonderful video, so informative and such fantastic production quality. There aren't enough Scottish youtubers out there so I really appreciate what you're doing here :)
Ok, I was a sideline watcher. You pulled me in. I hit the button. It's Shaun's fault, his video's led me here. LOL You are an amazing story teller! I enjoy learning of my heritage and you make it all so real.
Hi Bruce. I so enjoyed your Burns reading on Max's haggis video that I had to visit your channel.. This video was fascinating. I love the history knowledge and your humor. Looking forward to more. All the best.
I've worn my kilt in The US and while working in Erbil and Baghdad and the first thing asked is always about any underware, followed by what tartan it is and if its my Clan. I must admit that it is a great way to distinguish yourself from others and usualy leads to a fare few free drams and plenty of photo oppertunities!!
I remember as a child looking at an old book of my grandads that had pictures of the great kilts, the small wrap, trews - fascinating to a child in the US, excellent video BTW - fascinating
My first kilt was, as you state, from one of those ‘stack ‘em high/sell ‘em cheap’ places of the Royal Mile in Edinburg. My second kilt is a bespoke. I wear it proudly. The quality of the bespoke is certainly top notch. When my Celtic band, The Jacobites By Name (check us out online!) plays, we all wear kilts.
My husbands family name is Marrs. They were under the Gordon plaid. We were in Scotland and found a kilt maker and he was nice enough to show us the Gordon plaid. What beautiful piece of fabric. 🤠💕
Absolutely love your channel mate honestly can’t get enough. Please never change I’m now hunting for a auld kilt for my wedding next year! Thank you!!!!
Great video Bruce, learned alot. I have worn my kilt at many a function outside of Scotland and there are always two questions that I get asked, the first is "what is worn under the kilt?", my answer was always, "nothing is worn, it's all in perfect working order". The second question was "is that the Mitchell tartan?" and my answer was "there is no Mitchell Tartan, iits a Wallace tartan, my Mither was a Wallace" Occasionally I's get a third question, "what is the knife in your sock for?" and my answer was "to stop people who what to check out the answer to my first question".
My father was born in Scotland. He brought me a kilt for my 30th birthday. I wore it backwards (unknowingly) for a few hours before my dad told me it was backwards. 🤦🏻♂️
I became aware of the myth regarding different clan tartan back in my early teens. I was disappointed when I didn’t find my own family tartan: The Wood family. Also, the majority of ordinary people in the Highland Clans didn’t have tartan designed kilts. Their kilts were woven from basic sheep’s wool, just like a big woollen blanket wrapped around them. Some people actually called them the Hawden Grey.
Clan Bell lass here. One of our weaves is only Black and White (wool from Black and White sheep). It's called the "Southern Bell" or "Bell South" tartan. Original clan, tartan weaves were generally not brightly colored; perhaps a bit of red,, blue, or green here and there. Reasons are many, but namely, Scotland being an jsland nation, not connected to mainland Europe, with a history that includes enforced trade restrictions by England. Furthermore, hand dyeing was arduous, and sourcing and gathering enough natural materials, such as berries, to create a dye bath resulted in most people owning and wearing a single kilt of muted or natural colors.for life. England's expansionism, by force, or by mutually beneficial trade negotiations, generated imports from India, Africa, France, and many other nations. Side note: The long and tumultuous history of Indigo,, the "gold stamdard" for creating BLUE dye, is an ancient tradition, carried on for generations in primarily three African nations, where the bushes grow, as well as INDIA, hence the name. A German immigrant and a tailor who sewed tents and wagon covers, became partners, ultimately creating the most universally recognized and iconographic piece of dyed clothing for the last 200 years: blue jeans. And though Scottish tartan has a far longer, more colorful, and meaningful, history of identifying family clans and national pride, the influence of blue jeans has even extended to blue jean kilts as a fashion statement. I LOVE THE SCOTTISH PEOPLE AND MY HERITAGE. Alba go bragh and thank you for your wonderful videos. P.s. your video about slavery and architecture in Scotland was a true eye opener. You might take a peek on Google and see how indigo has its place in Scottish history and the dyeing of tartan wool. Lyn from NY
@@lynb2039 Surely woad was the original historical blue dye in Britain? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Anthem_of_the_Ancient_Britons#:~:text=%22National%20Anthem%20of%20the%20Ancient,%26%20Son%20Ltd%2C%201921).
I play in a local police pipe band and so I know well the rules of Highland dress. To visualize, our uniform is a dark blue, long sleeve, police tunic with a solid black tie. There is a shield and appropriate agency badges. The kilt is Ramsay Ancient tartan combined with ancient blue hose, thin blue line flashes and well polished ghellie brogues. It's all topped off with a black glengarry sporting a agency badge. I tell you this to set the scene. I was walking to my car after a gig. I had my pipe case and I was walking rather briskly, swinging my kilt. I met two gentlemen coming toward me. One of them stopped and addressed me directly. He said "you look sharp!" And I did. The funny thing was. This was on Tribal land in Oklahoma.
As a person of Native American descent that makes total sense to me. Anyone who has been to a Powow knows we love our bright colors and designs and appreciate craftsmanship!
As a non Scottish American, I found the accent difficult to cut through...praise God for captions! Sir, this video, I've stumbled across, captured my attention soundly. I thank you for the intricate detail you have shared. The work it demanded is obvious..well done!
Thanks again for an interesting and fact-based video. Who would have thought that the history of the kilt through the 18th and 19th centuries would be so complex.
Great video, I really need to see this. I've been wearing kits daily for just over a month and had no idea that it was linked to black folks so directly. Thanks for giving a black & British man even more confidence, knowledge, and ammunition to deal with the rare kilt police when they pop up.
@@joltjolt5060 ' You ruined your comment with your "the bible sez'. That aside: Homo sapiens has invented any type of loin & ass covering thinkable. It most probably goes back to the time when clothing became a habit: Prehistoric man started to wear a frontal flap for protection of the genitals (and in particular the testicals). People do not realize that originality rarely exists. What is original about the kilt is its definition: the method of stitching the fabric, the tartan and, as of the 18th century, the sporran.
That original kilt with its folding and shoulder section reminds me of wrapping a sari. Interesting that different cultures should have developed a similar garment. Now I have to do some research about other instances of folding a single piece of cloth to make a shole garment. Thanks!
Great video. I am an occasional kilt wearer, mostly Renaissance faires and conventions or highland games. It's good to remember that the so called rules come mostly after the kilt fell from daily use.
Ah, very good content. Another reason for more, heavier material is that it seldom rises in the wind and is warmer much like the original blanket styled kilt.
I'm the owner of a few kilts, 2 are off the peg Royal Mile jobbies, one is my regimental Black Watch 3rd Scots and another from my wedding I had made by an aunt on Lewis. I wear my kilts with oride, yes even the knock offs, it's the symbolism that is more important for me. Giving the finger to the English establishment in clothing. Good video Bruce.
Great video mate! I myself have the full Bonnie Prince Charlie plus! Have the over the shoulder throw with large brooch. As a member of the St Andrews Society of New York, I've gone formal many times. I've also gone casual with my Kilt on many more occasions. One notable was, that I flew back to NYC from London for the first "Tartan Day Parade" in the US, and marched alongside with the "Sean" (Sir Connery). I wear The Black Watch colors as my family was Black Watch and I was also military myself. Cheers to a great video! Slainte!
The one and only time I've worn a kilt in public with no drawers underneath, I went to visit a lighthouse on the Oregon coast. Wind gave me some problems as i approached the place but I thought they'd be over once i got inside. HOWEVER... this lighthouse sent visitors up the central spiral staircase in groups, so I made sure I was the last person going up. After a few steps another group began to form below. Naturally they watched our group ascend while they awaited their turn. This is when I realized the folly of my clothing choice. A few more steps and I also discovered that a strong breeze gusts up the center of a lighthouse, and if you're wearing a dress, skirt or kilt, you WILL have a Marilyn Monroe experience. And if you're not wearing underwear, and a group of people are already looking up your kilt from below, well... They certainly were treated to a show that day, not only once but several times, in addition to the comedy of me trying to fight the good fight. But as the man said, "Ah cannae change that laws of physics, Captain!"
I grew up with Dad wearing a kilt and playing his bagpipes. Often in the house. We went to Scottish Games and loved it. We lived close to the city cemetery and would often hear Dad playing in there. Sometimes we would go with him and have a blast. My two oldest siblings both learned to play the pipes and got into the high school pipe band. I nearly got in. I learned some highland dancing. Still remember a little. I am of the clan Douglas and I love my Scottish heritage.
There is a lot of ridiculous snobbery involved in kilt-wearing, on the one hand and there are some folks who see it as 'fancy dress' on the other hand and never give a thought to quality. It is a tricky road to venture down. Marion seems like the lass to help you navigate. Great stuff!
A lot of people don’t realize there is an actual kilting community. People that wear the kilt as every day wear. The kilt itself is quickly becoming not just a symbol of Scotland, but a of Celtic/Gaelic heritage and culture. It’s growing and evolving at and incredible pace. And those of us that do where the kilt quite often simply say, you do you. But there are certain rules. Pleats in the back, and if you wanna wear it at true waist or your hips, it should fall about mid knee for males. And be careful mixing brown and black leathers. Last one if you were in a clan tartan that is not yours, no worries. But don’t claim to be part of a clan that you have no affiliation to. Other than that just be respectful and sport it with pride.
Oh, you answered my question about wearing a tartan that is not mine. Thanks! I want to wear one but finding our my clan(s) is probably impossible or close to it. Now I think it's safe to choose a color and pattern without offending.
@@lyndavonkanel8603 that's how it's been done in history, wear whatever colours you like and can afford. Or the ones you're legally allowed, as in Early Medieval Irish laws (which also applied to parts of Scotland that the Irish took over) various social classes were only allowed certain colours and colour combinations.
@@pavelstaravoitau7106 Thank you for you input and kind advice! My favorite color combination is green and blue so I'll get a tartan. If only a sash, in those colors.
I just discovered your channel and already love it! Thank you so much for this. Discovered recently that on my Swiss (mother) side of the family we have Scottish and Irish ancestry. I have regrettably never been to Scotland but some years ago I visited Ireland and I felt there more at home than anywhere else I lived before. Once my current predicament is resolved, I intend to travel to Scotland, hopefully on two wheels.
Brilliant video Bruce. I'm English with some DNA from the Glasgow area , so the tests say. I haven't found the genealogical link yet, but I am keen to do so. I only knew two definite things about the Kilt before watching this video. ! That is was completely banned after 1845 and 2. that the rules are very complicated. In the first couple of minutes, I discovered I knew NOTHING about the kilt. But you soon filled me in. That's the kind of video I like, and even the advert was relevant and interesting. Now I want a real kilt....
I bought mine,bespoke,22 years ago....cost me £700 but it has been worn to every conceivable occasion,from weddings and funerals to dames and sporting events....I just love how it goes with everything,from brogues to baffies!!
Hello Bruce, in the early 1960's I stayed in Cardow, Morayshire. Every Sunday I would attend Knockando church on three occasions, 10:00 for the morning service, 13:00 for Sunday school and 18:00 for the evening service. The kilt was my Sunday wear and I always wore mine when I went to the church, unfortunately for me photos of me in my kilt have survived over the sixty -odd years since they were taken.
This is interesting. I started making my own little kilts for all the kids in my family because I couldn't wear a wool and the tartans from our clans are so hard to find. But they turned out really cute and we just have fun at the Scottish games every year dancing, eating and watching the games. Thanks for the video 😀
As a National Service Man in 1955 I was introduced to the kilt at Stirling Castle. The kilt had no straps and buckles but was secured by two pins at the top. The corporal in our squad gave a demonstration. 'Up on the table' he instructed and pointed at one of us. The poor guy leapt on to the table. The corporal wrapped the kilt around him. He secured the top pin making sure that the length was the middle of his kneecap. He then inserted the second pin. The soldier screamed. The corporal told him to shut up which he did. Demonstration over the subject took off the kilt. He had two holes in the top of his thigh, entrance and exit of the pin!
Very interesting I have lost a bit of weight and my kilts are a little too big and they bunch up on my waist. I might take off the straps, pin it, and cinch it with my belt
First introduction to a kilt was strangely in Germany, while in the US Army when a Friend who was into Rock music went to a shop and got a kilt to wear into a concert.. I went with and thought he was Loony getting a kilt for a rock concert. He wore shorts under the kilt but still the idea was strange to me then as it is now but I reckon some punk rockers or something have their own "Style"..
Circa 8:28 - for me, that's one of the fascinating things about fashion, it's not unusual for fashions to have their origins among the poor, then get taken up by the rich trendies, then go mainstream and finally, end up ossified in uniforms. A perfect example of this is the mini-skirt. Initially, it was worn by typists, then it got taken up by the fashionable, then it went mainstream and finally, the 60s style of dress ended up as "workwear" for women who are quite often near the bottom of the social heap.
very informative video, Bruce. thank you. when I was visiting Scotland in my youth, I resisted the urge/temptation to purchase a kilt. also, being a US Army GI, my budget wasn't allowing for such a purchase. again, thank you for another great and informative video.
I was just in La Sylphide which made me curious about the history of kilts which is what brought me to this video and you really caught me off guard when you mentioned it! I wore the kind with only the back pleated.
Gosh Im glad I found this channel. It teaches me about my heritage. I am doing my family history so I might be able to get a pedigree from my Clan, being three generations removed and the first of two to discover our heritage. My great great grandfather hailed from Scotland, before emigrating to New Zealand, and was a Maitland. As my grandmother's maiden name was.
The only kilt I own was passed on to me by my great grandmother who was from Edinburgh. It was her favorite tartan, and not of our clan, but dress blue Stuart. I may have to get one for clan Kerr, or better yet make one myself! She wore a tartan she loved, and was not a rule follower ;)
@Scotland History Tours. Sometimes you just randomly stumbles upon a really good and interesting video and this is one of those videos for me. The visual presentation and your way of behaving on screen is really good and i could just sit back and learn. I had to stop at 3.52 to write this. Keep making videos and have a wonderful day
Just wearing a kilt regularly is quite the learning curve. Oh yes, I've tried "sport" kilts--I learned t hate them--and even those cheap crumpled things (the mind reels). I even have an 8 yard kilt, which is beautiful and theatrical, but not very practical. The kilts I wear regularly are all bespoke, box-pleated, and no more than 5 1/2 yards of material.
I have had much the same journey. I have been wearing the kilt since a young man into the punk scene in America to today 45 years later. Most of what I wear out and about is bespoke and box pleat. Most of what I wear around the house and out on my property working is either my own great kilt creation or a simple SportKilt, just because of the simplicity of modern velcro :)
@@vespadavidson2315 I can understand that, but I bet the kilt makers that the highland great evolved from shook their heads. As well when the kilt the highlanders loved and wore proudly was anglicized I am sure they bemoaned the loss of utility their beloved kilt lost. I am a serial kilter, I wear at work sometimes, sometimes not. 90% or more of the rest of the time I am wearing a kilt. That may be a casual or sport kilt with velcro around the house. Or out on my property, it might be a travesty of a utility kilt. (hard to find one for 6'6") It might be a number of my other proper kilts, with belt, and sporan. Etc. I just made the decision that I would embrace kilts, even very comfortable ones before I would wear needlessly bifurcated garments without a practical reason. :)
I think the point being missed here is the fact that a kilt doesn’t always need to be bespoke. I have bespoke kilt that I wear with a jacket if I need to be in a formal occasion. But I also have quite a few “cheap ones” that I use to just lounge around, play golf or as casual everyday wear. Trust me, you don’t want to wear a real wool kilt in a golf course if it is 85-90F… but you would certainly wear a sport kilt that is polyester blend and super light and breezy. Just like you don’t wear a tailored linen suit anytime you want to wear pants, sometimes you just want to wear jeans or store bought khakis from the gap or Old Navy.
Love the video mate... I own three kilts, one in Gordon and pleated to the stripe, and which was quite dearly priced... The other two are "sport kilts" which I have no problem doing yard work, hiking, etc in... The first however is worn only for special occasions...
Thanks yet again, not really one to care for fashion but this was really interesting and tells much more a story of culture and class that shaped not just Scotland but also the wider Isles
Outstanding as always. My kilt dates back to HRH Victoria, obtained from another Marine 40 years ago, Black Watch with vegetable dyes and will pass to my son. We both wore kilts for his wedding and there was might craigh that night indeed. Thanks.
Fandabi Dozi also had shared about the great kilt and its use to the people of that time. You have rounded out the information with the details of the later changes and rules. Thank you.
Great video, as always. I purchased my first kilt from Chisholm’s in Inverness, another small, family run, shop. I have been very satisfied with the quality!
I came here from 'Tasting History' channel. I'm live in Texas. I know that I'm half Scottish, on my mother's side. I'm gonna have to go through all your videos, because I wasn't brought up with the lore and traditions of my ancesters.
Another really good one Bruce. Exposing so many myths and ignorance surrounding the Scottish Kilt. Very much enjoyed. Thank you. & BTW Viva Marion`s Kilt College.
Playing pipes in school bands means I was seeped in the military style rules, with the tutors/bandmasters being ex army WW2 veterans. Grandad had old prints of highlanders in their feileadh mor dress and he had a fair idea of the history of highland dress, having a more in depth presentation here, adds to the fascinating history of highland dress.
If you want a kilt but not an awful polyester one but can't go for a bespoke one, don't forget the second hand market: If you are not too fuzzy about the "right" tartan, there are quite a lot to find on ebay and similar 2nd hand sites. And even if the waist size is too small or too large, letting out or taking in a pleated skirt is really, really easy (especially if it is a kilt made with lots of yardage).
My time in Scotland was so short but probably the best travel experience I’ve had so far. I only got to try a few manhood stones but I’d love to make a 2-3 week trip and do a full stone tour plus lift the Dinnie stones. The highland culture is my favorite and I wish I could have had time to get a quality kilt but I’m glad I didn’t just get a cheap one from a shop now that I’ve watched this.
As a novice sewist and a historical dress nerd, I would dearly love to take one of Marion's courses. I don't doubt it's worth the money, but I just don't happen to *have* the money. My mom and I had kilts from a kilt shop in Bermuda, and I wore mine religiously--even through my "get anything resembling a skirt away from me" years--until it no longer fit me. I would probably fit into Mom's now, but it vanished, probably into a donation bin, sometime between when I last saw it and when she died. Anyway, thanks for this video, Bruce. it's been a fun trip down memory lane, as well as the usual delightful history lesson.
How Walter Scott made us wear the kilt ua-cam.com/video/TV-KMVWXZ9g/v-deo.html
Find Marion's the Kilt College at www.scotlandhistorytours.co.uk/kiltmaking
Thanks very much, Bruce and Marion!
You look at Romans, in History, no Panks Greek no panks 🥃🍺🇬🇧😇
Galicians wore kilt centuries b4 Scots. Tartan Authority confirms this . What the Scots wore was basically a toga.
The Galicians wore a skirt proper .
Ur full of shit history is written by the winners we lost so the English made a lot of this bullshit up
"There are no surviving photographs". Anyone would think you disappeared them all 😅👍
One of my great-grandfathers was in the Black Watch in WW1 and he asked a sergeant about the kilt's obvious drawbacks in trench warfare. The sergeant's response was 'see when ye raid a trench laddie and ye meet a German? Well y'll both cack yerselves but for you it'll jist fa' oot and then he'll be jumping aboot with his breeks full and then you kin bayonet the bugger.' Not the sort of thing military histories tend to mention...
My great-uncle served with the 8th (Service) Battalion. Here's a quote from the Wauchope history of that battalion - talking about an episode from early July 1915:
"War, however, was found to have a humorous as well as a serious side, and all ranks chuckled when Sergeant McHardy, machine gun section, had to go kiltless because the kilt which he had hung up to dry was blown away by a shell."
Rather than trying to write shit in phonics, just write in English and we can all understand what the fuck you are saying.
@@douglasherron7534 that would be a bugger to go on a bare ass charge into Germany lines
@@coppertopv365 😂 Yes! Especially with all that barbed-wire about.... Might give the Hun a bit of a shock though (visions of "Carry-on Up The Khyber"!).
Yes I understood that?
Several years ago, my son (Polish-Greek-German 😂😂) came home and asked me to make him a kilt as he was going to participate in a Highland Games competition. On Saturday. It was Wednesday. I sew a lot, it is a pleated skirt, how hard can it be?? Obviously I knew nothing. So I looked it up to get some hints. Oh my word!!! This is hard! People apprentice for years to learn this skill! My husband said, “Well, you’ve got 2 days.” 😂😩 Late nights, but I did it. No way near professional, but I tried to follow the rules and it came out great. He got a ton of compliments and he is so proud of it. That’s all I care about. Interesting history lesson.
The Greek fustanella is *almost* a kilt.
My Gramma a Scottish woman and very skilled seamstress wouldn't even bother making kilts because of exactly what you mentioned 😆 she respected anyone who ever tried to make one. Much respects madam, that's one frickin cool story
So, uh, up for a second Kilt?
If you wanted to be petty, you could've given him 5 yards of cloth and a belt and called it a great kilt
My father was an Argyll and Sutherland Highlander. After Dunkirk, a lot of the English regiments were depleted and they decided to take a hundred Argylls and put them in the Royal Artillery. They only agreed to this as long as they kept their kilts and cap badges. They were the regiment that discovered Belsen concentration camp. Dad married an English girl during the war and was married in his uniform with kilt. Fortunately, she was handy with a needle and made kilts for both Dad and myself. In 1962, we migrated to Australia but Dad still wore his kilt to every special occasion. When he died, he was buried in a suit (his choice) so that his kilts could be handed down, first to me and later to his grandson who wore it when he travelled back to Scotland.
❤
When my late grandfather moved south after the war, he wore his Gordan Highlanders kilt to every Burns' Night. I treasure the photographs of him and the piper of the haggis.
Kin! ❤ although I’m from the Caribbean my father’s ancestors are from that clan and we still carry the name.
Love the family story, thank you for sharing!
Wonderful family stories, traditions
Basically, the same thing happened to kimono. It was once everyday dress, then banned for a bit, then resurrected as prescribed formal dress for heritage events. Where once you dressed according to your class, you now dress according to occasion.
That’s interesting, it’s human behaviour I suppose.
It is quite different though. The Japanese never had foreigners enforce it. Also, having specific ritual types of kimono have a long tradition among the classes where it was economically possible. Having special types of dress codes for ceremonies and sacred spaces is something widespread all over the world.
Also, the kimono bows used to be in the front, then gradually moved to the back so they could both be grander, and appeal to the flat front. Since not all women are the same, methods were devised to grant the more buxom a flat front for the kimono, something still used today.
Yeah, that’s not really true at all. During the Meiji Restoration, Japan wanted to modernize (read by many as ‘westernize’). The Kimono and ‘traditional’ clothing was “frowned upon” as they tried to modernize, but it was never legally “banned.”
Kimonos were basically worn at ALL stations of life/class; they higher classes just had fancier kimonos and accessories.
The original kilt was truly a wonder garment. When you wrap yourself in wet wool, the wool produces heat as it dries, at the same time it draws moisture to its own center, keeping you warm and dry. Wool can also keep you cool. Nature's insulator.
Wool garments have a natural water repellent quality (and in the old days this was probably even better due to less of the natural oils being washed out during production). Therefore, unless it was really belting down, you would have remained relatively dry underneath a multi-layered wool kilt.
@@douglasherron7534 you can buy lanolin and put the oils back into the fabric.
@@gustavmeyrink_2.0 Sure, but I don't think that would have been possible (or necessary) in the Highlands pre-1746.
Ask any sheep.
Hello Bruce, I have worn the kilt since my mid-twenties, nearly 40 years ago. The basic rule I follow is "It's not a costume. It's in memory and to the honor of my ancestors. If it looks good - do it." Cheers.
Hi Bruce. I'm a clothing historian and the first article I ever published was titled "The Evolution of the Kilt". I'm not a kilt expert, but I have a great fondness for it. But what I am passionate about is bespoke tailoring and the cottage industry for garment making. Thank you for supporting small makers and encouraging your subscribers to do so also. It's not just good for the small business owners. Bespoke clothing is good for the environment because it reduces waste and clothing lasts longer. And bespoke tailors can rather famously make a hunchback look like a supermodel. So it's good for our self esteem too. Bravo, Bruce. And thank you. Kass McGann of Reconstructing History.
Also the most important thing about bespoke clothing... it fits you just right especially if you're tall and/or broad chested and in some cases it gives you a better range of motion or at least more comfortable range of motion, no more t-shirts riding up when you put your arms over your head or jumper sleeves that pull too far up the arm or cover your hands, no more trousers that are too restrictive in the... legs, I have fat thighs ok, don't know what you were thinking i was thinking about.
@@MrTrilbe yeah legs. Totally what I was thinking 😀
You actually think you're saying something profound? EVERYONE would prefer to have 'bespoke' clothing. Do you anything about it...at all? New York garment district has fabric that 'bespoke' tailors use. It starts at about $600 a YARD. How many pairs of socks can you afford?
@@debbylou5729 1) it's "Do you KNOW anything about it", 2) Manhattan Garment District, 3) bespoke means made to measure, if i make myself a t-shirt it's bespoke and if i can get dyed cotton for £5.50 (after taxes) for a 0.5m by 1.5m bolt, you picked a product specifically to say no one but the rich can afford it, or trained tailors can make clothes, 4) Profound, i think you need to look that up in a dictionary, no one in this particular message thread has said anything that has show great knowledge or insight, they have just pointed out that getting clothes made for you, by anyone, means they will fit better than off the rack clothing, that's made for a mathematically impossible to find average, 5) I would say have a nice day, but you don't appear to be a nice person, i'll say instead, may you live in interesting times.
@@MrTrilbe oh, so you're petty. You might have yours turned off or maybe you don't know about it , but there's this thing called spell check that sometimes doesn't. You are describing home made....ask anyone. The GARMENT DISTRICT is a neighborhood in New York City. Ever been ? I lived in Fairfield Connecticut and went several times. I've seen clothing since I was 16 and just because I made items to fit doesn't make them bespoke. A typical bespoke shirt from a tailor begins at around $600 up to $1000. I'm happy you learned a new word 'bespoke' but the fact that this is your direction is funny. Most people I know that buy 'off the rack' take the items to a tailor (not a dry cleaner's alterations department) and have the item adjusted to fit them. You might be a great little seamstress, but with out the training you aren't a tailor
Whatever your country or culture, it’s important to keep traditional dress and customs alive. Love kilt history and such a fan of plaids and tartans.
This really explains some of the difficulties I had when trying to make my own plaid skirt. After a lot of difficulty finding quality fabric, I ended up hand stitching my own design and hoping I won't offend any Scottish people. I'm happy to hear I probably was on the right track, making a quality garment I'm proud to wear.
Meh....if anyone gives you grief
A Glasgow kiss will set them right
If they are offended tell them to buggar off, sincerely a Scottish lass.
post skirt pic/vid pls
@@sierralarars aye
Interesting, Americans really do say "plaid skirt". I thought Robbie Coltrane was joking.
I'm from Cornwall, and love visiting Scotland (and Scottish history). While Cornwall has a rich past, somewhat divided from England, Scotland has such a strong feeling of being connected to it's historical and cultural identity. It's fantastic to hear you speak so eloquently and interestingly about this particular subject. Thanks so much!
Thanks
I was staying with friends in Pendeen for months, 20 years ago. I think the last fluent Kernow Gaelic speaker was very old or had passed. The coastal people of the island had more in common with each other than those nearer to them inland.
There is a Cornish Kilt. When my Mum remarried her friends husband, who is Cornish wore it.
My father wore the Cornish tartan at his wedding to my mum, and I'll wear the same tartan when I marry my fiancée. It's a beautiful tartan.
@@Marie-Elaine There is a Cornish kilt, in a yellow and black 'tartan,' but there no records of it before the 20th century.
I wear a tartan sash pinned with a broach as part of my Cherokee regalia as a nod to my father's people, and have worn this to both Native American powwows and Highland/Scots cultural events here in the States. Even met The Shaw at the highland Games in North Carolina and he seemed to appreciate it. All in all, it's been positive and I'm sure someone would correct me were I wearing it wrong.
I like to think that ancestors on both sides feel honored.
As for those Scots in the military, every history I've read spoke of their courage, ferocity, and ability to scare the hell out of the enemy. I remember one comedy skit about the Highland regiments by Billy Connolly where he said that when situation required some bloody balls, you didn't send in a Nigel, you sent in an Angus.
Here in America tartan is called plaid. Plaid is actually what you are wearing as a sash .
@@christabell-zc9rn tartan sounds better than plaid
Tartan and plaid are 2 different patterns.
@@christabell-zc9rn What I am wearing is a tartan sash, not a plaid.
@@allisonshaw9341since when were the injuns tied into tartans? Is it like the Maasi type deal?
At 63 I tried on my first " kilt" at a highlands games in Canada . Three and a half years later I have 18 wool kilts including three 4 yd. box pleated kilts . I haven't worn trousers for two years now and probably never will . The first thing I did was educate myself to find out how to wear it as so many people instantly offered advice that I knew didn't have a clue .I have also seen many people on UA-cam and various forums that are very " sticky beak " about how someone should wear highland dress . I found my own way that is respectful and looks right and am not apposed to bending the current " rules " . I wish I had started kilting a long time ago but am grateful to Scotland for such a fantastic form of dress that allows an incredible variation in men's fashion that is not possible elsewhere . Thanks for a video that caught me by surprise . I think I owe you another coffee . Cheers Bruce
Bonsoir depuis le sud de la France, je vous écris en français je ne suis pas assez fort en anglais même si j'ai des notions, ; moi-même je suis porteur de kilts au quotidien depuis 5 ans après avoir été porteur occasionnel pendant dix ans. Oui, c'est un vêtement fantastique, qui allie élégance, virilité (les femmes adorent), et confort incroyable, liberté de mouvements sans équivalents. Mes kilts sont des tartans traditionnels ou des utily-kilts en tissus unis, j'en ai aussi 4 en cuir. Je ne porte plus de pantalons, ni de shorts, ni de bermudas (je les ai tous donné), je vais au travail en utily-kilts.
L'occasion pour moi d'en finir avec la dictature du "torture tube fabric" alias le pantalon.
Le port du kilt commence à se développer ici en France, des associations ont déposé de nombreux tartans. j'ai lu votre témoignage avec un grand plaisir, bravo et bonne continuation.
@@Davidinkilt I don't speak French ( I wish I did ) but know enough words to understand most of what you said . I will get one or two lines translated to fully appreciate your post but is sounds like you running pretty much the same path as me . I hope you are having a great Christmas . Cheers
Hello and got to say I totally endorse your eloquent statement.
Many of us hillbillies in the Appalachia, Ozarks, Ouachita mountains still were kilts. Some wear them often, some on special.
Flora would be proud😊
There is *a lot* of Scottish history and culture in the American South that is overlooked or forgotten. It's just so ingrained.
Even Texas has a registered Tartan and nearly half their cities named after Scots people or words.
I heard a theory (can't confirm or deny) that classes "Southern Hospitality" was influenced by Scottish culture.
Many being the descendants of confusingly named Scots Irish. A term which only gets used in USA.
Many of Scots-Irish/Ulster-Scots descent
Your comment about "stack 'em high, sell 'em cheap" is so true and, unfortunately, it is true of most clothing, not just kilts. The demand and respect for bespoke and learning high quality clothing creation at home is shrinking dramatically. There is actually a global glut, mountains of cast-off clothing. Thank you for your educational talk about quality kilts and their history - and for introducing Marion and her classes.
Years ago, when my son got into competing in the Highland Games, I made him a kilt in our "family tartan", with no experience or pattern to follow. It would have been much easier with Marion's instruction I'm sure, but it did turn out good. Another interesting video, Thank you.
"Clan tartans" aren't really historical so colors shouldn'tt matter.
@@huntclanhunt9697 Last year I saw a lady wearing a plaid the same as that of one of my paternal line. It turned out she was from a village in Central Europe and it was also their tartan.
Have you ever looked at the two tartan found with the truly ancient natural mummies of the Tarim Basin?
I'm not a kilt guy myself, though my buddy Jerry is, who is fiercely proud of his scots heritage. And he cuts a fair profile in hi kilt. I di wear one at his wedding, which my wife loved. I do enjoy your passion for home made quality an skill. Craftsmanship is a wonder to behold, and a joy to do.
Fascinating video. Other YT videos kept talking about anachronistic the kilt was for a certain time period without explaining why. This finally explains how the kilt evolved into it's current form.
Fascinating information shared. Thank you , your passion is inspiring.
Going back to earlier periods (pre-45-rebellion) it's not that the kilt was so anachronistic or something, it's that the old tartans from back then have mostly been lost.
Going into the decades following the 'Forty-five, then we have the forbidding of the kilt, the tartans, weapons and so on (unless of course you were in the British army).
Then a bit later comes the huge popularity in England and lowland Scotland of *almost everything* Highland Scottish. Passion for everything Highland including the kilt.
Eventually later on then you get more of the Highlanders (and those with Highland ancestry all over the world) joining in too.
And yes, they are very definitely supposed to explain that, like he did here.
The actual history of the kilt itself is older than most of what he's talking about.
This video is primarily about the renewed interest in the kilt, tartan patterns and all things Scottish and Highland, which developed into what we have today.
And yes, he was very definitely right to mention that the British army is basically what kept the wearing of the kilt alive until everybody else could get in on the act.
But the actual history of the kilt begins long before this. This is mostly just the history of its *revival* in comparatively modern times.
The people who talk about "how anachronistic the kilt was for a certain time period without explaining why".
If it's the period from 1746 to about the early 1800's or so then they are assuming that everyone with any knowledge of Scottish history about that period *already knows* perfectly well why.
And it is explained in many other places online including Wikipedia and a multitude of other websites.
So they may actually have a right to suppose that you already know.
On the other hand, if you *didn't* already know then you're certainly not going to learn much about it from them.
So I am glad that there are people on UA-cam remembering to keep people informed about that sort of thing.
Apparently not everyone already knows.
I’m Irish. I wear a plain coloured kilt, black or green every day. I run my own farm. Boots, no socks. My family are original Campbells. You know, before we sent a few to live in Scotland.
Ha ha ha ha your welcome tae them back cousin.
@@alanwilkin8869 all yon Scots came from here. For years I thought Scotland and Australia were the same place. Where one sent the bad lads……..😂.
My mother was a Campbell!
@@tjleonard5254
Shshshshsh
The Campbells are coming, you can tell by the smell.
The dirty rascals are smelling like hell.
A wee rhyme I mind fae a wis wee....
cheers, Bruce, for making scottish history accessible to more and making it exciting to learn.
God, your storytelling is incredible.
There's a saying that goes the son tries to forget, the grandson tries to remember. To blend in to their new home, my grandparents did not give as much as they may have to my dad.
Thanks for helping me remember. It's important and interesting to me to know about this excellent garment.
Cheers and keep yourself safe!
One thing I love about USAkilts is that they are more than just a kilt making company and their youtube videos are more than just how to wear a kilt. They talk about history and tradition but also modern practicality and everyday wear. So thanks for this video Bruce. It adds to the discussion of kilts as a practical garment
Also their customer service (at least as far as I've experienced it) is great
I wore my clan kilt at my wedding, it was the Edinburgh district tartan and sewn in Scotland. This or Nithsdale were my only choice at the time, however we finally have our own tartan and is registered with the tartan authority.
I found your channel through Tasting History. I’ve been watching it constantly since. Great content and story telling, always insightful! Much love from a fellow tour guide 👍🏼
Yay! Welcome on board and thanks to Max
Me too!
Hi Bruce! I live in Texas, and I am of Scottish decent. about 10 years ago I started wearing kilts, more for comfort reasons than for cultural reasons. since I learned I was of Scottish decent since I was little, I was always interested in wearing them, but everyone I knew then were very judgmental and all, and there were no kilt makers in America at the time. Today, there are many kilt makers in America, most that I read up on got started in 1995, the same year two great movies came out: Braveheart and Rob Roy. Now they are all I wear, and people come up to me all the time and talk to me about it.
The great kilt reminds me of a tartan blanket/shawl my granny securely wrapped around me and my baby niece(I was nine). It didn't need a belt and was a way of carrying bairns while working around the house.
My granny did the same, I remember my wee sister getting wrapped up in her plaid (plide) stuck to my gran, bit like a papoose or a kanga 😆
@@sharonalexander4327 can you remember how to wrap? I can't, it was so quick/ efficient xo
Afraid not, i was about 8 when she did it and she passed away when I was 14 so I didn't get a chance to ask her, she was a wee feisty Irish woman. Suppose you could google it
@@sharonalexander4327 Thank You
my daughter did this with her daughter.
I wear a kilt daily. Granted, it *is* mass-produced, but I've never been happier or more comfortable than I am when I wear it. Thank you for this video, sir!
I think I mentioned this in another video, I wear kilts daily, and rules be damned, I do what's comfortable for me. I love your content, huge fan!!
Keep wearing that Kilt
Cheers brother. Kilt on!
@@TheKiltedAdventurer 👍🏾👍🏾 Will do!
Hell yes!
Well done! 👍❤️
I cracked up so hard when you tried a pirouette, I did pretty much the same thing when I tried taking ballet. Lasted 3 weeks and got tired of falling flat on my face in front of the whole class. And there wasn't even a kilt involved! Love how you explain things
😜
I'd always wanted to take ballet. Finally, classes were available at the university so I signed up for the second level, first level being filled. First day of class, happy and excited I started. In short order I fell twice. The instructor came over to me and asked what was I doing in this class, and told me I should be in the first level. That was the end of classes for me. Oh, well.
You know I never had interest in my Scottish heritage because I grew up in South Africa and it had no relevance to me. Your videos are extremely interesting though and I find myself watching them start to finish. I wish I wasn't so dismissive to my uncles back home when they were expressing their love and interest for Scotland and their heritage.
Scottish-born, I cried when I heard the pipe band at the opening of Parliament in Cape Town (mid-80s)
I’m an American of Scottish decent on my mother’s side tracing back to the Highland clearances. I have worn a great kilt as cosplay for Renaissance Festivals, SF conventions, and fantasy combat events. Definitely comfortable in a campground setting, somewhat less so for driving a car.
Nice thing about kilts is that you never have to worry about busting out the butt seam! But they do tend to be a bit drafty...
Such an inspirational video. So glad my wife made my kilts. She learned from videos and the kilts are awesome, including the final one, where she went back to basics and made a box pleated model.
I enjoyed this so much. I made my first kilt when I was twelve without a pattern. I hadn't sewn anything before. My teacher looked at me hard.My family is from Sutherland and Inverness but moved to the states as a small child. Loved your video! Many thanks!
That is awesome!
Can’t thank you enough for the wonderful insight into the history of our wonderful islands and in-depth of Scotland, I am a man of Kent but have chosen to live in the borders for approximately 30 years and have made it my pleasure to visit and experience as much of Scotland as possible and continue to do so and your beautiful historical teaching’s have and continue to inherence the hole experience , many thanks indeed sir.
Yours sincerely
Mark Fouracres.
The word Kilt is Norse, it is used to this day in Norway and Denmark, it means "wedged" From the great kilt being locked in to place by wedging it under a leather belt somehow. It is believed that the last Viking King of Norway used one, he was called Magnus Barefeet for that. Was even killed in Scotland.
The Scottish kilt is an evolution of the Irish mantle, as the highland Scots were, until the later 16th century, virtually identical to the Irish in culture. In the late 16th century, they were noted to put their belts on top of their mantles instead of under, and hence starts the story of the great kilt.
The kilt is an adaptation of the Irish/Gaelic brat aka the mantle. The Scottish Highlander wore the léine, Brat and Ionar before the had to adapt to the Féileadh Mór.
That makes sense. There appears to be a lot of Norse influence on the ancient Scots.
@@Ryan_Dye-r Not true. Also Magnus Barefoot wore a tunic/Léine.
@@pavelstaravoitau7106mantle is German for coat shelter covering.
I had a beautiful kilt built for me by a bespoke tailor in New York. It honors my military service with the U.S. Air Force tartan. I also have a Black-watch tartan kilt to honor my great-grandfather who was a Gordon Highlander in WW1. Another great video Bruce.
Must have been a north east lad being a Gordon
Im from the Gordon clan as well. Take care out there.
Impressive
lineage.
My father was given a plaque with the kilt pin and sample of the Polaris tartan from the USNA pipe band, having been the first piper at the Naval Academy back in the early '50s.
I knew the kilt wass victim of the military and commercialization but I didn't realize quite the extent. Cheers from Canada (roots in Scotland some generations ago) on another wonderful, informative video!
the kilt is not a victim of militarisation. the military are now pretty much the only group that wear highland dress in all its forms correctly. They're the ones to look to for those interested in looking smart
@pUnPoetic Come to one of my live shows in Canada in 2024. Shows in Halifax, Annapolis, New Glasgow, Moncton, Montreal, Perth , Ottawa, Toronto, Fergus, Seaforth, Calgary, Vancouver and Victoria. Most of the details are here. www.brucefummey.co.uk/shows.aspx
This really scratches my 'an item, especially a necessity, that has multiple uses is invaluable' itch, lol. (I've always thanked & credited my Irish ancestors for that💚.)
Thank you so very much for sharing and teaching so much the traditions, the nuanced and everyday-type stuff...one of the best storytellers I've ever listened to.
just moved up to Scotland from the north of England and absolutely love it here, Thank you for your informative video will be keeping an eye out for more and looking back on what you have uploaded. Your character captures what I have experienced living here so far what an amazing person you are thank you
😘
What a wonderful video, so informative and such fantastic production quality. There aren't enough Scottish youtubers out there so I really appreciate what you're doing here :)
I'm a Suðrland & Young. So glad Max recommended your channel! I enjoy listening to you telling stories & learning our history. Thank you! ❤
😘
Ok, I was a sideline watcher. You pulled me in. I hit the button. It's Shaun's fault, his video's led me here. LOL You are an amazing story teller! I enjoy learning of my heritage and you make it all so real.
Brilliant
Hi Bruce. I so enjoyed your Burns reading on Max's haggis video that I had to visit your channel..
This video was fascinating. I love the history knowledge and your humor.
Looking forward to more. All the best.
I've worn my kilt in The US and while working in Erbil and Baghdad and the first thing asked is always about any underware, followed by what tartan it is and if its my Clan. I must admit that it is a great way to distinguish yourself from others and usualy leads to a fare few free drams and plenty of photo oppertunities!!
I remember as a child looking at an old book of my grandads that had pictures of the great kilts, the small wrap, trews - fascinating to a child in the US, excellent video BTW - fascinating
My first kilt was, as you state, from one of those ‘stack ‘em high/sell ‘em cheap’ places of the Royal Mile in Edinburg. My second kilt is a bespoke. I wear it proudly. The quality of the bespoke is certainly top notch. When my Celtic band, The Jacobites By Name (check us out online!) plays, we all wear kilts.
My husbands family name is Marrs. They were under the Gordon plaid. We were in Scotland and found a kilt maker and he was nice enough to show us the Gordon plaid.
What beautiful piece of fabric. 🤠💕
Absolutely love your channel mate honestly can’t get enough. Please never change I’m now hunting for a auld kilt for my wedding next year! Thank you!!!!
Ah thanks man
Great video Bruce, learned alot. I have worn my kilt at many a function outside of Scotland and there are always two questions that I get asked, the first is "what is worn under the kilt?", my answer was always, "nothing is worn, it's all in perfect working order". The second question was "is that the Mitchell tartan?" and my answer was "there is no Mitchell Tartan, iits a Wallace tartan, my Mither was a Wallace" Occasionally I's get a third question, "what is the knife in your sock for?" and my answer was "to stop people who what to check out the answer to my first question".
My father was born in Scotland. He brought me a kilt for my 30th birthday. I wore it backwards (unknowingly) for a few hours before my dad told me it was backwards. 🤦🏻♂️
Did he laugh?
u were right way backwards its better
I became aware of the myth regarding different clan tartan back in my early teens. I was disappointed when I didn’t find my own family tartan: The Wood family. Also, the majority of ordinary people in the Highland Clans didn’t have tartan designed kilts. Their kilts were woven from basic sheep’s wool, just like a big woollen blanket wrapped around them. Some people actually called them the Hawden Grey.
Another from the Wood clan here. I think that there is a Wood tartan.
You mean every clan didn't have one of those three ring binders of "clan tartans" to check if a pattern was in use before they made a new one?
Clan Bell lass here. One of our weaves is only Black and White (wool from Black and White sheep). It's called the "Southern Bell" or "Bell South" tartan. Original clan, tartan weaves were generally not brightly colored; perhaps a bit of red,, blue, or green here and there. Reasons are many, but namely, Scotland being an jsland nation, not connected to mainland Europe, with a history that includes enforced trade restrictions by England. Furthermore, hand dyeing was arduous, and sourcing and gathering enough natural materials, such as berries, to create a dye bath resulted in most people owning and wearing a single kilt of muted or natural colors.for life. England's expansionism, by force, or by mutually beneficial trade negotiations, generated imports from India, Africa, France, and many other nations. Side note: The long and tumultuous history
of Indigo,, the "gold stamdard" for creating BLUE dye, is an ancient tradition, carried on for generations in primarily three African nations, where the bushes grow, as well as INDIA, hence the name. A German immigrant and a tailor who sewed tents and wagon covers, became partners, ultimately creating the most universally recognized and iconographic piece of dyed clothing for the last 200 years: blue jeans. And though Scottish tartan has a far longer, more colorful, and meaningful, history of identifying family clans and national pride, the influence of blue jeans has even extended to blue jean kilts as a fashion statement.
I LOVE THE SCOTTISH PEOPLE AND MY HERITAGE. Alba go bragh and thank you for your wonderful videos. P.s. your video about slavery and architecture in Scotland was a true eye opener. You might take a peek on Google and see how indigo has its place in Scottish history and the dyeing of tartan wool.
Lyn from NY
@@lynb2039 Surely woad was the original historical blue dye in Britain?
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Anthem_of_the_Ancient_Britons#:~:text=%22National%20Anthem%20of%20the%20Ancient,%26%20Son%20Ltd%2C%201921).
I play in a local police pipe band and so I know well the rules of Highland dress. To visualize, our uniform is a dark blue, long sleeve, police tunic with a solid black tie. There is a shield and appropriate agency badges. The kilt is Ramsay Ancient tartan combined with ancient blue hose, thin blue line flashes and well polished ghellie brogues. It's all topped off with a black glengarry sporting a agency badge. I tell you this to set the scene. I was walking to my car after a gig. I had my pipe case and I was walking rather briskly, swinging my kilt. I met two gentlemen coming toward me. One of them stopped and addressed me directly. He said "you look sharp!" And I did. The funny thing was. This was on Tribal land in Oklahoma.
To be fair, tribal peoples often respect one another, unlike “civilized” people
As a person of Native American descent that makes total sense to me. Anyone who has been to a Powow knows we love our bright colors and designs and appreciate craftsmanship!
@@bendover9813 Id say history begs to disagree
Ah. There we go. It's a highland 'dress'.
@@bendover9813 This has indeed been my experience, when attending pow-wows in Highland garb.
As a non Scottish American, I found the accent difficult to cut through...praise God for captions!
Sir, this video, I've stumbled across, captured my attention soundly. I thank you for the intricate detail you have shared. The work it demanded is obvious..well done!
Thanks again for an interesting and fact-based video. Who would have thought that the history of the kilt through the 18th and 19th centuries would be so complex.
Great video, I really need to see this. I've been wearing kits daily for just over a month and had no idea that it was linked to black folks so directly. Thanks for giving a black & British man even more confidence, knowledge, and ammunition to deal with the rare kilt police when they pop up.
Kilts were Egyptian, like bagpipes, brought by Scota, and look up tartan in the bible. It's north African.
@@joltjolt5060 say what
Anyone can wrap a blanket around them. Tartan is literally Gàidhlig for "blanket," now go appropriate somewhere else.
@@joltjolt5060 '
You ruined your comment with your "the bible sez'.
That aside: Homo sapiens has invented any type of loin & ass covering thinkable. It most probably goes back to the time when clothing became a habit: Prehistoric man started to wear a frontal flap for protection of the genitals (and in particular the testicals).
People do not realize that originality rarely exists. What is original about the kilt is its definition: the method of stitching the fabric, the tartan and, as of the 18th century, the sporran.
Love your videos! Not only are they informative but the cinematography is absolutely wonderful!
I'm not Scottish as far as I know but I love wearing kilts. Modern or traditional, they're comfortable and functional.
Brilliant as ever Bruce, thank you for passing on your knowledge 👍
Very welcome
That original kilt with its folding and shoulder section reminds me of wrapping a sari. Interesting that different cultures should have developed a similar garment. Now I have to do some research about other instances of folding a single piece of cloth to make a shole garment. Thanks!
I have to look up the word - but there are animals around the world that would “appear” to be related but are similar but unique evolution of traits.
Great video. I am an occasional kilt wearer, mostly Renaissance faires and conventions or highland games. It's good to remember that the so called rules come mostly after the kilt fell from daily use.
Ah, very good content. Another reason for more, heavier material is that it seldom rises in the wind and is warmer much like the original blanket styled kilt.
I'm the owner of a few kilts, 2 are off the peg Royal Mile jobbies, one is my regimental Black Watch 3rd Scots and another from my wedding I had made by an aunt on Lewis. I wear my kilts with oride, yes even the knock offs, it's the symbolism that is more important for me. Giving the finger to the English establishment in clothing. Good video Bruce.
Great video mate! I myself have the full Bonnie Prince Charlie plus! Have the over the shoulder throw with large brooch. As a member of the St Andrews Society of New York, I've gone formal many times. I've also gone casual with my Kilt on many more occasions. One notable was, that I flew back to NYC from London for the first "Tartan Day Parade" in the US, and marched alongside with the "Sean" (Sir Connery). I wear The Black Watch colors as my family was Black Watch and I was also military myself. Cheers to a great video! Slainte!
Standing at the top of Arthur's seat,overlooking Edinburgh,on a windy day,wearing a kilt,is one of the most horrific experiences known to man!
The one and only time I've worn a kilt in public with no drawers underneath, I went to visit a lighthouse on the Oregon coast. Wind gave me some problems as i approached the place but I thought they'd be over once i got inside.
HOWEVER... this lighthouse sent visitors up the central spiral staircase in groups, so I made sure I was the last person going up. After a few steps another group began to form below. Naturally they watched our group ascend while they awaited their turn. This is when I realized the folly of my clothing choice.
A few more steps and I also discovered that a strong breeze gusts up the center of a lighthouse, and if you're wearing a dress, skirt or kilt, you WILL have a Marilyn Monroe experience. And if you're not wearing underwear, and a group of people are already looking up your kilt from below, well... They certainly were treated to a show that day, not only once but several times, in addition to the comedy of me trying to fight the good fight. But as the man said, "Ah cannae change that laws of physics, Captain!"
@@mikemilne Hilarious 😂
I grew up with Dad wearing a kilt and playing his bagpipes. Often in the house. We went to Scottish Games and loved it. We lived close to the city cemetery and would often hear Dad playing in there. Sometimes we would go with him and have a blast. My two oldest siblings both learned to play the pipes and got into the high school pipe band. I nearly got in.
I learned some highland dancing. Still remember a little.
I am of the clan Douglas and I love my Scottish heritage.
There is a lot of ridiculous snobbery involved in kilt-wearing, on the one hand and there are some folks who see it as 'fancy dress' on the other hand and never give a thought to quality. It is a tricky road to venture down.
Marion seems like the lass to help you navigate.
Great stuff!
I consider all kilt wearers as cosplayers who watched Braveheart too often
A lot of people don’t realize there is an actual kilting community. People that wear the kilt as every day wear. The kilt itself is quickly becoming not just a symbol of Scotland, but a of Celtic/Gaelic heritage and culture. It’s growing and evolving at and incredible pace. And those of us that do where the kilt quite often simply say, you do you. But there are certain rules. Pleats in the back, and if you wanna wear it at true waist or your hips, it should fall about mid knee for males. And be careful mixing brown and black leathers. Last one if you were in a clan tartan that is not yours, no worries. But don’t claim to be part of a clan that you have no affiliation to. Other than that just be respectful and sport it with pride.
Oh, you answered my question about wearing a tartan that is not mine. Thanks! I want to wear one but finding our my clan(s) is probably impossible or close to it. Now I think it's safe to choose a color and pattern without offending.
@@lyndavonkanel8603 that's how it's been done in history, wear whatever colours you like and can afford. Or the ones you're legally allowed, as in Early Medieval Irish laws (which also applied to parts of Scotland that the Irish took over) various social classes were only allowed certain colours and colour combinations.
@@pavelstaravoitau7106 Thank you for you input and kind advice! My favorite color combination is green and blue so I'll get a tartan. If only a sash, in those colors.
This guy is great, his warmth and storing telling are infectious. He smashes that wee ork Neil Oliver, get him on the telly.
Ah thanks man
Totally agree 💯. Heard Bruce last week on Sportsound and he fitted in to BBC Scotland like a glove! 🤙
I just discovered your channel and already love it! Thank you so much for this. Discovered recently that on my Swiss (mother) side of the family we have Scottish and Irish ancestry. I have regrettably never been to Scotland but some years ago I visited Ireland and I felt there more at home than anywhere else I lived before. Once my current predicament is resolved, I intend to travel to Scotland, hopefully on two wheels.
Brilliant video Bruce. I'm English with some DNA from the Glasgow area , so the tests say. I haven't found the genealogical link yet, but I am keen to do so. I only knew two definite things about the Kilt before watching this video. ! That is was completely banned after 1845 and 2. that the rules are very complicated. In the first couple of minutes, I discovered I knew NOTHING about the kilt. But you soon filled me in. That's the kind of video I like, and even the advert was relevant and interesting. Now I want a real kilt....
the thing is .... there are no rules. It is all makey-uppy stuff.
I bought mine,bespoke,22 years ago....cost me £700 but it has been worn to every conceivable occasion,from weddings and funerals to dames and sporting events....I just love how it goes with everything,from brogues to baffies!!
Hello Bruce, in the early 1960's I stayed in Cardow, Morayshire. Every Sunday I would attend Knockando church on three occasions, 10:00 for the morning service, 13:00 for Sunday school and 18:00 for the evening service. The kilt was my Sunday wear and I always wore mine when I went to the church, unfortunately for me photos of me in my kilt have survived over the sixty -odd years since they were taken.
This is interesting. I started making my own little kilts for all the kids in my family because I couldn't wear a wool and the tartans from our clans are so hard to find. But they turned out really cute and we just have fun at the Scottish games every year dancing, eating and watching the games. Thanks for the video 😀
As a National Service Man in 1955 I was introduced to the kilt at Stirling Castle. The kilt had no straps and buckles but was secured by two pins at the top. The corporal in our squad gave a demonstration. 'Up on the table' he instructed and pointed at one of us. The poor guy leapt on to the table. The corporal wrapped the kilt around him. He secured the top pin making sure that the length was the middle of his kneecap. He then inserted the second pin. The soldier screamed. The corporal told him to shut up which he did. Demonstration over the subject took off the kilt. He had two holes in the top of his thigh, entrance and exit of the pin!
🤯
Very interesting
I have lost a bit of weight and my kilts are a little too big and they bunch up on my waist.
I might take off the straps, pin it, and cinch it with my belt
First introduction to a kilt was strangely in Germany, while in the US Army when a Friend who was into Rock music went to a shop and got a kilt to wear into a concert.. I went with and thought he was Loony getting a kilt for a rock concert. He wore shorts under the kilt but still the idea was strange to me then as it is now but I reckon some punk rockers or something have their own "Style"..
I still have one of those pins but no kilt to use it on 😂 or
@@coppertopv365 I wear a kilt to Drama all the time. Always get a great reaction. It's a great icebreaker too. Greeting from Celtic Ireland.
Circa 8:28 - for me, that's one of the fascinating things about fashion, it's not unusual for fashions to have their origins among the poor, then get taken up by the rich trendies, then go mainstream and finally, end up ossified in uniforms. A perfect example of this is the mini-skirt. Initially, it was worn by typists, then it got taken up by the fashionable, then it went mainstream and finally, the 60s style of dress ended up as "workwear" for women who are quite often near the bottom of the social heap.
Capitalist bastards take take take
very informative video, Bruce. thank you. when I was visiting Scotland in my youth, I resisted the urge/temptation to purchase a kilt. also, being a US Army GI, my budget wasn't allowing for such a purchase. again, thank you for another great and informative video.
I was just in La Sylphide which made me curious about the history of kilts which is what brought me to this video and you really caught me off guard when you mentioned it! I wore the kind with only the back pleated.
Brilliant
Gosh Im glad I found this channel. It teaches me about my heritage.
I am doing my family history so I might be able to get a pedigree from my Clan, being three generations removed and the first of two to discover our heritage.
My great great grandfather hailed from Scotland, before emigrating to New Zealand, and was a Maitland. As my grandmother's maiden name was.
Wonderful!
I love your pace. It's not only delightful to listen to your video, but relaxing too.
The only kilt I own was passed on to me by my great grandmother who was from Edinburgh. It was her favorite tartan, and not of our clan, but dress blue Stuart. I may have to get one for clan Kerr, or better yet make one myself! She wore a tartan she loved, and was not a rule follower ;)
@Scotland History Tours.
Sometimes you just randomly stumbles upon a really good and interesting video and this is one of those videos for me. The visual presentation and your way of behaving on screen is really good and i could just sit back and learn. I had to stop at 3.52 to write this. Keep making videos and have a wonderful day
Welcome aboard!
Just wearing a kilt regularly is quite the learning curve. Oh yes, I've tried "sport" kilts--I learned t hate them--and even those cheap crumpled things (the mind reels). I even have an 8 yard kilt, which is beautiful and theatrical, but not very practical.
The kilts I wear regularly are all bespoke, box-pleated, and no more than 5 1/2 yards of material.
I have had much the same journey. I have been wearing the kilt since a young man into the punk scene in America to today 45 years later. Most of what I wear out and about is bespoke and box pleat. Most of what I wear around the house and out on my property working is either my own great kilt creation or a simple SportKilt, just because of the simplicity of modern velcro :)
@@feardoesstuff1660 I am certain that..” kilt & velcro” is some kind of heathen oxymoron….
@@vespadavidson2315 I can understand that, but I bet the kilt makers that the highland great evolved from shook their heads. As well when the kilt the highlanders loved and wore proudly was anglicized I am sure they bemoaned the loss of utility their beloved kilt lost. I am a serial kilter, I wear at work sometimes, sometimes not. 90% or more of the rest of the time I am wearing a kilt. That may be a casual or sport kilt with velcro around the house. Or out on my property, it might be a travesty of a utility kilt. (hard to find one for 6'6") It might be a number of my other proper kilts, with belt, and sporan. Etc. I just made the decision that I would embrace kilts, even very comfortable ones before I would wear needlessly bifurcated garments without a practical reason. :)
I think the point being missed here is the fact that a kilt doesn’t always need to be bespoke. I have bespoke kilt that I wear with a jacket if I need to be in a formal occasion. But I also have quite a few “cheap ones” that I use to just lounge around, play golf or as casual everyday wear. Trust me, you don’t want to wear a real wool kilt in a golf course if it is 85-90F… but you would certainly wear a sport kilt that is polyester blend and super light and breezy.
Just like you don’t wear a tailored linen suit anytime you want to wear pants, sometimes you just want to wear jeans or store bought khakis from the gap or Old Navy.
Love the video mate... I own three kilts, one in Gordon and pleated to the stripe, and which was quite dearly priced... The other two are "sport kilts" which I have no problem doing yard work, hiking, etc in... The first however is worn only for special occasions...
Thanks yet again, not really one to care for fashion but this was really interesting and tells much more a story of culture and class that shaped not just Scotland but also the wider Isles
Outstanding as always. My kilt dates back to HRH Victoria, obtained from another Marine 40 years ago, Black Watch with vegetable dyes and will pass to my son. We both wore kilts for his wedding and there was might craigh that night indeed. Thanks.
Heard you the radio last week Bruce and must say you need a show for yourself on the auld wireless! Radio 📻🎙💯
Great stuff as per always! 👊
Max from Max tasting history sent me over so glad he did I am going to enjoy learning about Scotland
Welcome
This is amazing! I'm not Scottish but I love this video. Free the kilt!!!
Fandabi Dozi also had shared about the great kilt and its use to the people of that time. You have rounded out the information with the details of the later changes and rules. Thank you.
Excellent work. We Irish wore something similar to a Kilt, called a Leána (Dress in Irish) but it wasn't as beautiful.
Correct… and you are right it wasn’t so poncy.
Excellent show sir. I served with the Liverpool Scottish and still have my kilt. Always proud to wear it.
Good to hear!
Great video, as always. I purchased my first kilt from Chisholm’s in Inverness, another small, family run, shop. I have been very satisfied with the quality!
I came here from 'Tasting History' channel. I'm live in Texas. I know that I'm half Scottish, on my mother's side. I'm gonna have to go through all your videos, because I wasn't brought up with the lore and traditions of my ancesters.
Another really good one Bruce. Exposing so many myths and ignorance surrounding the Scottish Kilt. Very much enjoyed. Thank you. & BTW Viva Marion`s Kilt College.
Many thanks!
I loved Marion's dress. Thank you for this video it was really interesting, shall look for more
Playing pipes in school bands means I was seeped in the military style rules, with the tutors/bandmasters being ex army WW2 veterans. Grandad had old prints of highlanders in their feileadh mor dress and he had a fair idea of the history of highland dress, having a more in depth presentation here, adds to the fascinating history of highland dress.
If you want a kilt but not an awful polyester one but can't go for a bespoke one, don't forget the second hand market: If you are not too fuzzy about the "right" tartan, there are quite a lot to find on ebay and similar 2nd hand sites. And even if the waist size is too small or too large, letting out or taking in a pleated skirt is really, really easy (especially if it is a kilt made with lots of yardage).
My time in Scotland was so short but probably the best travel experience I’ve had so far. I only got to try a few manhood stones but I’d love to make a 2-3 week trip and do a full stone tour plus lift the Dinnie stones. The highland culture is my favorite and I wish I could have had time to get a quality kilt but I’m glad I didn’t just get a cheap one from a shop now that I’ve watched this.
I could follow this lad around all day just to listen to his marvelous way of speaking. And the information! Wow!
Subscribed. 💗
Ah thanks
As a novice sewist and a historical dress nerd, I would dearly love to take one of Marion's courses. I don't doubt it's worth the money, but I just don't happen to *have* the money.
My mom and I had kilts from a kilt shop in Bermuda, and I wore mine religiously--even through my "get anything resembling a skirt away from me" years--until it no longer fit me. I would probably fit into Mom's now, but it vanished, probably into a donation bin, sometime between when I last saw it and when she died.
Anyway, thanks for this video, Bruce. it's been a fun trip down memory lane, as well as the usual delightful history lesson.
It's the donation Binns gain