So You Want to Wear the Kilt

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.

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.

Mr. Thompson knows his stuff when it comes to kilts and other Highlandwear. More info than most Americans would even need....

I originally purchased "So You're Going To Wear The Kilt" in 1993 to prepare for my wedding. I found that not only is it full of tips on how to properly wear the kilt and accessories and what is considered incorrect (or disrespectful) but the book also had many tips on assembling a Scottish wardrobe on a budget. I find that I have repeatedly referred back to the book and have found useful information each time. Scotty Thompson also covers both the accepted vs. the purist view of Scottish attire. I highly recommend this book if you plan on wearing the kilt.

I first got a copy of this book when I knew nothing about wearing the kilt, and I found it to be both extremely helpful and quite interesting. Later, in my travels through Scotland, I found that this book (by an American) is acknowledged to be the definitive sourcebook on the subject, even in Scotland.