KILT PARTIES & THE LONDON SCENE - by Frasers Kilt Hire

London, Scotland and Poland - and just about anywhere now - have become venues for kilt parties, the 'cool' way for men to enjoy wearing skirts

"Until now, men have considered the idea of wearing something other than trousers or long shorts in public to be nothing less than a sacrilege against humanity. Although, throughout history, the concept of men wearing skirted garments was all too common. After all, trousers were not widely used by any society more than three hundred years ago. - trousers were originally an invention to make it easier to ride a horse. The idea stuck, and the two-legged garment became standard clothing for working men to stave off cold and abrasion. Picture courtesy of Hostage, Edinburgh, Scottish Kilt Rave 2007.

At the onset of the industrial age, Levi's were probably the most popular mass-produced garment made for men. Sewn of heavy canvas, Levi's jeans were designed to stave of the scrapes of workman's toil. The political rise of the working class in the 1800's transformed the workman's attire into a symbol of raw power against the pompous and flagrantly dressed gentile statesman at the polar ends of the political and fashion spectrum. The power struggle of the working class has since greyed into the history books. So many men today live comfortable lives transporting themselves from their cozy homes, to their climaxed controlled cars, and into their environmentally shielded workspaces. Their female counterparts, transgressed long ago into the once male-dominated career lifestyle, are comfortably donning non-bifurcated garments as they go off to work and play.

The idea of men wearing skirts in today's sex polarized society is a hot subject in certain corners of the Internet. Is it cross-dressing or is it the reemergence of an old-world fashion trend? - The topic is frequently debated in various Internet discussion groups and forums. For the most part, there is relatively widespread interest and at least moderate acceptance of the 'men wearing skirts' idea in one form or another.

It seems that many men are rediscovering the comfort and practicality of the skirt. (Men's skirts are often referred to as kilts, sarongs or pareos for those who are fearful to associate the word "skirt" with men. - Get over it, it's just a word). When you step back and take an objective look at things, the idea of restricting such a broad class of garment design to women seems a bit absurd. - Especially when you consider the anatomical configuration of the male species - "The three-legged trouser just didn't take off like it should have". Skirt style garments are unarguably the least encumbering configuration of lower-body clothing that men could wear. It's more than a style statement according to some doctors, loose non-restrictive clothing can help men live healthier and reproduce easier. Picture courtesy of melomane.

The indisputable fact about skirts is that they are extremely comfortable to wear for both men and women. If one follows the cardinal rule of design; "form follows function", then it is obvious that the idea of restricting men from wearing skirts today is largely a fashion argument. Just as the idea of women wearing trousers can equally be argued as fashion in most casual living situations.

In other parts of the world such as the South Pacific, Indonesia , Africa , Middle East , India , and the Philippians it is common to see men wearing skirts and other non-bifurcated garments. Certain cultures like Scotland and Greece maintain kilts and men's style skirts as formal military attire. After many brief showings on the runways of Paris and Milan over the last couple of decades, it seams that the men's skirt trend is starting to stick. The main reason for hesitance over the years is the overwhelming fear by most men for being identified as homosexual. However, subculture stigma seams to be having a diminishing influence on the emerging men's skirt market for heterosexual males. The trend is not about feminine skirts for men but rather masculine skirt designs that are made for the male body shape.

I like wearing a kilt, it's one of the most comfortable garments I've ever worn, but after 26.2 miles I'm not sure I will have the same relationship Flt Lt Terry Cowan

Skirts made for men are appearing in a wide range of social circles from hikers and runners to carpenters and artists. Currently, the most common skirt configuration worn by men is a modern adaptation of the Scottish kilt. Previously relegated to traditional dress, the kilt has seen a recent rise in popularity beyond the borders of its Scottish heritage. (A kilt is a special type of pleated skirt that wraps around the waist and has an overlapping front.) A number of manufacturers are now offering modern kilts for men. Companies like Utilikilt, Amerikilt and Union Kilt have taken an old idea and revitalized it with heavy-duty construction complete with cargo pockets and tool holders. Other companies such as JDEZ offer lightweight cargo sarongs, and hiking skirts that convert to shorts for warm weather recreation. And Macabi Skirt, who offers a cleaver unisex skirt for backpackers and travelers. While other companies, like Men-in-Time and AMOK, make high-fashion masculine long skirts for men.

The idea of skirts made for men is both a new and old concept. While probably a long way from going mainstream, mens skirts, kilts, sarongs and the like are probably going to continue to increase in popularity."

HOW TO WEAR A KILT
"First you should close the kilt by taking the right side apron through the hole of the left buckle and adhering it to the left buckle. Fasten the left apron to the right and the fringed edge and kilt pin should be to the right. You should make sure that your Kilt falls to the center of the knee. It should sit on your natural waist also.

Make sure that the pleats are at the back of the Kilt and strap the sporran at least three fingers
below the belt. The strap will fasten in the back of the Kilt. You should also wear the kilt hose folded with two to three fingers below the knee. The kilt flashes on the outside of the leg will cover the strap with the fold of the sock.

There are a few tips that can also be associated with the Kilt as well. A plain white shirt will make the best fashion look with the Kilt. They are also used all over the world for weddings, funerals, and special events. It is also a good idea to always wear something under the Kilt. Never go completely bare under there. The wind can pick up at any moment and will leave all of you free for the world to see.

You may even want to use a pin or special tie to ensure that the kilt will stay closed even in the highest winds. Kilts are worn by all kinds of people for all different reasons. A lot of them are worn because of a special group or event. It is a good idea to understand this way of dress so that you do not offend anyone by wearing it wrong. Picture Courtesy of Style.com

Many Kilts are worn in parades around the world. There are a lot of bands that include a kilt in their dress code. This is especially nice when the group performs and plays the bagpipes. This is a great addition to any group or event. Many marching bands will incorporate this popular look into their routine and will make their band well known for this reason."
So that's how to wear your kilt - New Scotsman.
Canny Poles eager to display a blend of loyalties in new tartan - Times Online
London Party @ Billy / Go Go Boys with scottish kilt
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