So You're Going to Wear the Kilt! [Paperback]

Charles J. Thompson (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 124 pages
• Publisher: Langsyne Publishing; Revised edition (March 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 185217126X
• ISBN-13: 978-1852171261
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #837,758 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The best I've found so far., January 28, 2001

By 

Doug Bailey (New Zealand) - See all my reviews

This review is from: So You're Going To Wear The Kilt (Paperback)

There is not a lot of good information out there regarding the correct way to wear Scottish National Dress; Thompson's book almost wins by default, despite being a good reference on the subject. The strength of the book is his clear explanation of the standards of wear expected in Scotland and as such is invaluable to anyone intending to wear National Dress in that country and not offend. However discussion on individual standards developing in the former 'colonies' is light and the wearing of trews as legitimate National Dress by Border Scots and overseas clansmen is almost completely lacking. But then this is a book on wearing the kilt, is it not! For the first time wearer, one can agonise over details that seasoned wearers take for granted: should the kilt be worn under the ribs or slung on the hips; at what height should ghillie brogue laces be tied; most of these points are covered with clear explanations. In summary, a great reference book but perhaps in need of an update with regards the evolution of fashions since the last edition.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As title hints, if you'll be wearing a kilt, you NEED this, August 2, 2003

By 

S. McCandlish "Webmaster, pool instructor, an... (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: So You're Going to Wear the Kilt! (Paperback)

This is the only guide book I know of (and believe me, I've looked) that goes into every facet of the correct way to wear a kilt (and what to wear with it, for what occasion, and how). EVERYTHING is covered, from length of the kilt, to black- and white-tie affairs, which kilt jackets go with a bow tie and which with an ascot, what sort of footwear to have, and much else. Get this, no matter what it takes, or you will probably look like a complete dork to any real Scotsman.
(And yes, the author is VERY "proper" and a stickler for tradition. Even if you're a punkrocker with a UtiliKilt(TM) you should still get this - learn the rules before you break them, so you can break them with style.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars So you're going to wear the kilt, January 11, 2000

By 

Allen M. Cary (Belmont CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: So You're Going To Wear The Kilt (Paperback)

I found this book to be very informative and particularly demystifying. Above all the late Scotty Thompson is an advocate of wearing the kilt early and often. He gives both the purist and the simpler view of what is proper and labels the views clearly. He wants people to wear the kilt proudly, and tells them how to avoid the gaffes that either offend or look ludicrous. After reading this book you can feel confident that you are correct in your highland attire. If there is any shortcoming it may be in his descriptions of the construction of various accessories. His instructions for making things like cockades and toories for bonnets are a bit difficult to follow. All in all though, it is excellent