Kilt

The kilt is seen as an item of traditional Scottish Highland dress, although the origin of that tradition is more recent than is commonly believed. It was only with the Romantic Revival of the 19th century that the kilt became irreversibly associated with Highlanders, largely because of non-Highlanders reinterpreting their traditions. Today most Scotsmen see kilts as formal dress. They are often worn at weddings or other formal occasions, while there are still a few people who wear them daily. Kilts are also used for parades by groups like the Scouts, and in many places kilts are seen in force at Highland games and Pipe band championships as well as being used for Scottish country dances and ceilidhs. The British Army and armies of other Commonwealth nations still continue to have kilts as dress uniform, though they are no longer used in combat.

Underwear

The wearing of undergarments with the kilt is sometimes a matter of debate. Some believe that underwear should be worn at all times, and going without it is a form of exhibitionism, or even self-indulgence. Then there are those who say that underwear should never be worn, and to do so goes against tradition. The majority of wearers have their own preference, and usually have no qualms with whatever anyone else wears (or doesn't wear) beneath their kilt. As the uniforms worn by members of several military regiments mandate "no underwear" with the kilt except at specified occasions (such as playing in the pipe band, taking part in organized sports like Highland games, or attending functions where ladies are present), to go without underwear is often referred to as going "regimental".

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In certain instances, underwear may be useful; it is often difficult for someone new and unused to wearing the kilt to remain decent while regimental, especially in a heavy breeze or while dancing. Both one of the oldest kilt makers and the oldest mail order company for highland attire in Scotland provide underwear designed for the kilt, although most wearers who regularly go with underwear choose common briefs or boxer shorts.

Related Topics:
Briefs - Boxer shorts

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In the end, whether or not underwear is worn on any particular occasion is up to the individual wearer. Whatever decision is made, what a gentleman wears under his kilt is traditionally his own business, and as a rule, polite men will be at pains to keep it so. Thus, the reply to a question on the topic may hint at the answer, but rarely states it outright. Good standard replies if asked are, "Nothing is worn under the kilt. It's all in perfect working order","The future of bonnie Scotland" or, "Shoes and socks".

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