Hello from Shreveport, Louisiana

[Laird of the Manor Kimes]

Hello, I am my name is Jay, I live here in Shreveport. I'm 16 and have purchased a kilt that I will use for dress occasions only for now. It is Pride of Scotland Tartan. I distantly belong to Clan Hamilton.

Here is a question I propose, how do I deal with the ridicule of wearing a kilt. I wore it into a Brookshire's and people actually tried to sneak pictures. Little did they know, their flash was on. I have a bit of low self esteem issues, and being 16, I can't confront them about it... So what do I do?

[Mike in Dayton]

Welcome to the group Jay. You will find a lot of good information about kilts on this site.

I understand your concern about comments (good and bad) concerning your kilts. For most of the public the only time they see a kilt is for a parade, Celtic festival, pipe and drum competition, etc. So you will attract attention wearing one as daily wear. Being 16 others in your age group maybe a little more harsh on the comments which is unfortunate. Just remember that a kilt is a man's garment and part of your heritage so wear it proudly and walk tall.

I am a rather shy person myself. When I started to wear a kilt the attention took some getting use to. I found it made me stronger and more open. I was no longer hiding in the background. I now look forward to letting the kilt be a conversation starter including the occasional photograph. I have gotten to know a lot of interesting people in the years I have worn the kilt. I just wish I had started earlier.

Mike

[Rick Y]

Welcome, Jay, from (today) sunny SW Washington. Mike has given good advice. Ignore any who might be so callous as to make negative comments. Talk to your female acquaintances and find out what they think about the kilt. Odds are great that they will be supportive. If you can find other kilties in your area, try to get together with them. The more you wear it the more comfortable you will be and the more natural it will feel.

[MacEanruig]

Welcome to the group, Jay! Are you sure it's ridicule? You may feel apprehensive at first and a little embarrassed, but this is normal with most people. Let's face it, wearing a kilt places you in the spotlight so to speak. The best advice I can give is to assume everyone just does not know enough to make an opinion about your kilt, and are just curious.

The only way to become more confidant is to wear your kilt more often. It also helps to think of the types of comments you believe people might say, and come up with crafty and humorous replies. I have found that most people don't mind at all. In fact, many will come up to you and talk about something Scottish, Irish, or Celtic.

Occasionally, there will be that one person who aims to make fun of you or try and put you down. These individuals would most likely do the same with anyone. Just smile. That in itself is a form of making fun of them. Also just roll your eyes.

Another tip, is to locate and meet other kilt wearers within this group that live close by. Meetups are a great way to bolster your confidence and make new acquaintances.

Hope this helps.

[Stitchwiz]

Hi Jay!

You may be feel you have low self-esteem, but you hold yourself in high enough regard that you are willing to be 'out there' wearing the most manly garment possible. That takes more guts than most young men your age.

Be prepared for the silly questions. Think about what others will say and then have an answer ready that will show your strength. Some of our members here have great responses, just poke around and you will find them. For example "What do you have on under your kilt?" Now if you were wearing pants, no one would ask that type of question, so take control of the situation and answer "Socks and shoes!" with a smile. They will soon figure out that you are not going to be rattled by their remarks.

Your attitude will determine how people will react to you wearing a kilt. Never apologize for wearing it - it is your heritage and you can take great pride in wearing your kilt. If someone has a camera pointed your way, offer to stand for a picture, maybe they would like someone to take their picture with you. Smile and be generous, it will go a long way to making everyone else feel good about seeing someone kilted.

You will find that the young ladies will be very impressed by the man in the kilt. It is an indication of a strong man who can stand on his own, one who doesn't need to follow the crowd because he is a leader in his own right. Hold your head high and wear it with pride.

from Owen Sound, ON

[Tarheel]

Well met Jay. Forty (plus) years ago, in a land far, far away, I was your age. I nudged the standards of the "fashion trends" of the times in my conservative community. If I had discovered kilts, the comments to me would have been something like, "here comes the Flying Dutchman, or St. Paddy, even Hey Leprechaun."
My answer for my waist length hair, leather jacket, combat boots, jeans and aviator helmet with goggles, then was, "glad you got to see me, I thought we'd miss each other."
Think of how you want to present yourself. You can do what I do now and go out in proper hose, flashes, sporran, vest head wear, etc. for public settings. But also, I wear t-shirts, boots, no sporran, etc. for when I work around the house.
The clothes you would choose for any moment while (ie work, school, shopping) can be you in a kilt instead.
Welcome from Oxford, MS.

[Father Bill]

Welcome to the "Great Rabble!"

Go for it; it does change things - a few worse, a lot better!

[GMan]

A pleasure to meet you Jay.

[HixwithanX]

A warm welcome from a fellow Shreveporter! Maybe I'll see you in Brookshire's some day. I'll be sure to say "Hey" if I do!

Regards,

[Tomak]

Hello and welcome from Southern California. Might I suggest finding some other X-markers in your area and having a small gathering. Just being with other kilties is a big help and it will give you an opportunity to ask them how they deal with those situations. As for dealing with the comments; while you might get some gruff from the low IQ males, I think you will find the ladies LOVE the kilt.