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So You're Going to Wear the Kilt!: All You Want to Know About Tartan Dress Paperback – March, 1989

by J.Charles Thompson (Author)
4.4 out of 5 stars 52 customer reviews
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  • So You're Going to Wear the Kilt!: All You Want to Know About Tartan Dress
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Product Details

  • Paperback: 120 pages
  • Publisher: Lang Syne Publishers Ltd; Revised edition (March 1989)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 185217126X
  • ISBN-13: 978-1852171261
  • Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 0.4 x 8.3 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (52 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #108,543 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsAs the title hints, if you'll be wearing a kilt, you NEED this
By S. McCandlish on August 2, 2003
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.
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4.0 out of 5 starsA quirky book from a quirky guy (who knows his stuff)
By Michael on May 20, 2003
Without going into much depth, this tiny book covers pretty much everything about the modern wearing of kilts. It's a very practical book, targeted at those who wear or want to wear the national dress of Scotland (and parts of Ireland). Thompson is an old-world purist, prickly and correct but without the mean, cutting manner often (properly) associated with folks in the historical recreational realm.
Speaking in a first-person tone, relating his experiences growing up in kilture, Thompson freely dispenses advice and how-to notes with humor. If you're going to wear the kilt, or you want to learn how, this is probably the first book you ought to read.
Having said that, let's mention the books shortcomings: the writing and editing give the book a dated, tinny tone. The illustrations are minimal, and what is there is pretty poorly done. There's little context to flesh out an interesting topic.
But it's still the book you ought to read first. Unless I write a better one.
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5.0 out of 5 starsA Bold Fashion Statement
By John A Lee III on February 24, 2006
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I'm the last guy I ever expected to buy, read or review anything having to do with clothes or fashion but here I am doing it. I'm getting married in a few months and I can't remember everything Grandpa said about the proper wearing of a kilt. It's too late to ask him so I turned to the book. It was a good choice.

I suspect that this will appeal to a rather limited market, namely those people who are interested in the "proper" way to wear highland dress. It gives short and well explained chapters on just about every aspect of traditional dress and has a little more besides. The author is straightforward in describing things and does so in a matter that is quite enjoyable. He is careful to distinguish between his personal preferences and those of "purists". Illustrations help to explain nuances and differences and also help to explain more difficult things like tying certain knows and making some accoutraments. Some of them could stand be be a little larger but they get the job done.

It serves its purpose and does so well and with a bit of humor.
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5.0 out of 5 starsKilt 101
By Shawn Marchinek on February 24, 2006
Mr. Thompson has given me a guide I can actually follow. This book is a wonderful down to Earth, cut and dry instruction to wearing Scottish Attire. I am using it as my guide. As a novice in this realm I found my search for information on the Kilt initially very intimidating. I just wanted to honor my Scottish heritage. Books and websites often had numerous confusing rules and often conflicting direction. Not in "So you're going to wear the Kilt". This book is great. It is written in layman's terms and lays out the basics with a little history and recommendations. The first step for anyone considering getting a Kilt should be to get a copy of this book.
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4.0 out of 5 starsGood basic information but a bit dated
By Bob K. on December 27, 2012
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I bought and read this shortly after buying my first kilt. It was clear, interesting, useful and kept me from making a complete fool of myself (most of the time) in traditional settings. I haven't referred to it since; all of the information can be found on line, though this would help you sift out the worse advice, and custom is a bit looser in most settings in this area in the US, in my limited experience.
Still, I think anyone who enjoys the fruit of such a revered and ritualized attire owes it to themselves and to the tradition to learn that tradition and how it evolved. There are those who do take this very seriously and are apt to take extreme offense to it being abused.
I also recommend the site "X marks the Scot" to anyone who has or is considering a kilt.
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4.0 out of 5 starsA Kilter's Reference Guide
By Michael D. Castle on October 30, 2012
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This little book is a gem of information for those just getting into the wear and display of kilts and their ensembles, or even for those who have been wearing them for a while and want to know a bit of their history and correct wear. This is not a "bible" for us kilt-wearing folk, but a good bit of reference about what goes into the wardrobe and the classic times for each item and how they are to be displayed. For the contemporary kilt clan, this book will be an interesting bit of historical trivia, as almost none of the "rules" will apply to you. Contemporary kilts generally don't come in tartan designs and have pockets all over the place, something not found on a classic Scottish or Irish kilt. But, if you are going to be historically correct, this book is an excellent guide to keep you on the right track and keep those of the classic tradition from chewing you out for wearing the attire incorrectly. I enjoyed the history of the kilt, but have adjusted it to modern fashion, both with the contemporary and tartan kilts. Unlike other tomes, this book imparts the basic information and then gets out of your way.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsRead It!

Great Reading

Published 2 days ago by Charles F. Dwyer
5.0 out of 5 starsI like the point of view and the "don't get so ...

Informative, but a little tongue in cheek, as well. I like the point of view and the "don't get so serious" attitude about it all!

Published 4 days ago by Lorelei Wheeler
3.0 out of 5 starsA history with some general guidelines on choices

Historical information is fascinating and the philosophical perspectives are interesting. Drawings are helpful. Read more

Published 1 month ago by Brian
1.0 out of 5 starsNot a how-to guide for wearing a kilt.

Look elsewhere if you are looking for a guide on how to put on a kilt. This guide is useless. It is a description of the components of the Scottish attire. Read more

Published 1 month ago by David C. Burns
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Could be better

Published 3 months ago by R. Elias
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Very informative and easy to understand!

Published 4 months ago by Amber
4.0 out of 5 starsThe book is pretty informative, but a little difficult to digest at...

The book is pretty informative, but a little difficult to digest at parts. By all accounts a must-have book if you plan on wearing a kilt around snobs. Read more

Published 4 months ago by Timothy S. Tetreault
2.0 out of 5 starsI would still recommend this book to any one interested in the correct...

A brief, quick-read book covering a myriad of topics to do with Scottish dress. Though there have been several editions printed, the book still sorely needs the help of a good... Read more

Published 5 months ago by Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

full of good info!!

Published 7 months ago by Turin
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Great book fast shipping A+++

Published 7 months ago by Kim Hageman

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