Capers at the World’s, your trews colours, and questions of every stripe

Dear Style Guy:

Having greatly enjoyed the World’s this year, I couldn’t help but be photographically attracted to the larger figure sporting Highland dress. I enclose photos of gentlemen wearing both the kilt and trews for your consideration. Is there a preference for the larger gent? I have to say I thought they both looked terribly smart – perhaps the key is the cut and fit of the clothing rather than the style? I would be interested in your opinion.

Regards,

Julia

I sure hope you’re interested in my opinion, Ms. Julia! Otherwise, I would have to question your intelligence.

With obesity on the rise, this is going to be an expanding quandary, as it were. Sorry to say, but the kilt is a difficult thing to fit for the larger person. It’s a garment with not much shape, and works ideally with a lesser belly and bum.

And that’s why larger folks should take extra care and find a kiltmaker who knows how to handle things.

Both of the examples you provide are fairly well fitted, and quite flattering, although I would not classify these gents as overly large lads. The drum-major in the trews is particularly well-kitted-out.

And are trews acceptable? Of course! As I said in my last column, well-cut tartan trousers are classy and make a positive statement.

Besides, the “Highland” outfit of kilt, kilt-jacket, etc. is basically derived from the Scottish regiments, and what’s more military than trews? Do you have to be a soldier to wear trews? Absolutely not. Tartan trews are as much “Highland” dress as anything . . . except for maybe a Barbour coat and wellies.