"What do they really wear under the Kilt?"

The other day I got asked this question - "What do you wear under your Kilt?".

The person asking is a missionary from Texas and he has been teaching a person with a strong Scottish background.

So I happened to have a copy of a Scottish products catalog and showed him a version of the famous shirt that has the top ten responses.

You may view the t-shirt on the Celtic Croft website in detail here.

Here is what they have on the t-shirt and part of the list.  For those that want something a little cleaner you'd have to dump about half the list.

1.   My shoes and socks
2.   Nothing worn - Everything is in perfect working order
3.   My furry pouch - oh wait that is on top.
4.   A very fine set of accessories
5.   My used beer dispenser
6.   Good girls don't ask, bad girls find out
7.   My Claymore - and it's in need of a good polishing.....
8.   Lipstick when I'm lucky....
9.   If your brave enough to ask, you're brave enough to find out
10. I'll show you mind if you show me yours

Another interesting version can be viewed here from USA Kilts

There are also some great responses in the must read book for those that will be using a kilt.  It's called "So you're going to wear the Kilt!"  by  J. Charles Thompson.  They are much cleaner but basically, rest on the 'plumbing is working do you need a demonstration?'





So as you can see there are a few catchy things you can say to someone that is questioning you about what you are wearing under your kilt.

The Kilt in and of itself is very interesting.  It's almost always historically made of a tartan material of wool.

The interesting part is that within the Celtic culture tartan style material/cloth has been in use for millennia.  However, the kilt seems to be a bit of a more modern invention even though it is one of the great symbols of Scotland along with the Bagpipe.
The origins of the kilt are somewhat cloud in the mysteries of time and space.  The Britain Celts who were closely associated with the Romans for several hundred years appear to not have used any style of kilt at that time.  The Celts on the European Continent also have no historical use of the Kilt.  It was more trousers.  The Irish also seem to not have used one though it is generally accepted that the fore runner of the modern kilt is or was the Breacan an Fhéilidh (belted plaid) or Feileadh Mòr (great plaid).



Basically the original kilts were large pieces of cloth that were pleated by hand (kilting) and then belted around the middle.  This left a huge amount of material that could be thrown over the shoulder and wrapped around the user.  These could and would be a little short on the bottom side.  Not nearly getting to the knee in many cases and this lends credence to that Mr. Thompson says are the Victorian ear kilts that go to the knee or beyond.

I find it is best if the kilt goes to around the knee.  For modesty and religious reasons even my shorts need to be that long.  It's kind of slutty for a woman to use a micro mini with no leggings and a super short kilt is just unbecoming to a man no matter his age.

Kilts as we know them today started to appear at least in the 16th century.  They were present for all the Jacobite rebellions. Though the chieftains likely used Thews (plaid pants) so they could ride horses easier.  The general soldier or clansman wore the kilt and even removed it in many cases to fight and tied his shirt between his legs.



Over time the kilt began to shed the additional material that was above the waist.  This may have been for comfort or other similar reasons as more and more Scots moved around the world.

Today the kilt is made of about 3 yards of tartan material.  It is pleated to the sett by the maker and includes buckles and straps to help secure it.  It is also used for more formal events and less for everyday use.  Though in reality a person may use the same kilt at the local Highland Games and then a week or so later at his friends wedding.  It is the upper accessories that change.  The style of shirt, the coat or lack there of, the plaid, the cap, the style or quality of the sporran and the Sgian dubh.



So for those that are brave enough these days to wear a kilt. What do they use or wear under there?

It all come down to personal preference.  I've seen many a caber tosser, or heavy athlete that uses so type of tight fitting short.  Not them mighty whitey underwear so many use daily.  More like athletic shorts.  They whirl, and turn and twist so much you'd see more then you want at some point.  Also the few guys that do highland dancing any more also use some type of shorts under there.  They also whirl, twist, and turn and jump so much you need to.  We've seen more then our fair share of dancer's under garments without out even trying.

So I think things like these t-shirts with a list of interesting things to say when someone wants to know what is under your kilt are just for fun, and to help keep the mystery going.  At times I think these quick, cheesy, and sometimes lewd, responses are just what people need.  We don't go around asking a lady what she has on under her skirt.  It would be interesting if they stated to describe in detail their panties to the poor sick bum that was crazy enough to ask.




One shirt states - "If there is underwear under there it's called a skirt!"

I'll let you decide what I might be wearing under my kilt the next time I'm at the local Scottish Fair.

Buaidh - NO - Bas

Follow Up on the Highland Games

The events on Saturday wee wonderful.   I ended up sun burned even though the day started out a bit over cast.  We have June gloom in southern California and it was in full swing that morning.

The venue that is utilized is very good for this type of event.  Things can be spread out and not conflict one with another though things are not so far off that you have to climb a hill and go around a bend.
Sadly, this does not help the sheep dog demos.  This were in a small pen near the children's area and seating was no existent and shade just as much so.   Also because of such a small space provided that can do no more then a bit of demos, and not some real competition that has the dogs darting out of the bushes with the lost sheep running as fast as they can to get away.  Still good, but what can you do with a small area.

They call the long walk that has the clan tents up and down it the "Clan Mile".  That would not be much of an exaggeration.  They provide a ton of space and it goes on for quite some distance.  All the clans were well represented and we had our moment of the clan roll call.  One clan appeared to be having their AGM (Annual General Meeting) and sadly did not have much humph when called.  Probably many were off at the tons of other activities.




Pixar and Disney were very much in marketing mode.  They had loads of Banners for the upcoming Brave Movie in the main arena, and several locations around the fair grounds.   They even were cross promoting with the archery going on.  I'm hoping we can win the tickets to the advanced screening of Brave.
They even had a booth with a boat load of posters and other handouts......  what girl with a bit of Scottish/Irish blood in her does not want to have red hair and be a pro at archery?

My daughter tried her hand at archery for the first time.  The quality of the bow makes all the difference.  The first time we got a poor quality bow that was not really the right size.  It was much easier in the afternoon with a slightly bigger bow.  She even hit the targets.

I now know why King Edward "Long shanks" of England incorporated Welsh long bowman into his army. 


My wife commented that if she had to live by hunting she would likely starve.   It's not as easy as it seems.  But the food offering were quite good.  Tons of fish and chips, meat pies and banger and onions.

One of the many highlights of the day was the Farmer's Walk held just before the closing ceremonies and massing of the bands in the main arena.   Basically the guys carry 150 lbs in each hand and try to go as far as they can.  There is a distance of 100 feet marked out and they turn around at the end and come back.   A world record 500 feet was achieved Brian Crilly setting world record in Farmers Walk

The previous world record holder. Tried his hand at the event and did a very noteworthy 400 feet.  The master class and guys under 300 lbs care a lesser 225 lbs worth of weights.  Not any less of a feat.

Real Men wear kilts.  Don't let any one tell you otherwise.


So all and all it was a wonderful time at Scots Fest 2012.  The 21 cabers tossed at once was a bit strange but, why would it not be?

So make an effort to attend your local Scottish Festival and Highland Games.  It will be well worth your time - even if you do decide to not try the haggis.

Buaidh - NO - Bas