Kilt Accessories - Undergarments

Undergarments

While not strictly an "accessory" of Highland or Scottish dress, the subject of undergarments has been of long standing interest to observers.

To go without underwear is often referred to as "going regimental", "military practice" or being a "True Scotsman", though some prefer to use the simpler term "dressing traditionally" in the name of Scottish national pride, since the former terms are associated with the British military. There is, in fact, no evidence of official policy regarding undergarments in military forces that wear the kilt.

Highland dancers and athletes, however, are bound by the nature of their competitions to appropriately and modestly clad themselves. In Highland Dance competitions and exhibitions, the regulations of the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing (SOBHD) state regarding underwear: "dark or toning with the kilt should be worn but not white."

Matthew Newsome, in his Patented Advice article (op. cit.) states simply: "... this decision is ultimately up to you. I'll repeat - unless you are in a military unit, or a pipe band, or some other group that has a uniform requirement - your kilt is not a uniform, but an article of clothing, like your trousers or anything else, that you can wear and accessorize as you see fit."