Lurking no longer.

[Brian Rose]

I've been lurking here for about two years. I've always had a bit of curiosity about kilts but didn't see myself with a traditional kilt. Several years ago, I found out about utility kilts and thought is was a reasonable approach.
I used to have a job where I worked every Memorial Day. When I changed jobs, it freed up the opportunity to go to the Highland Festival in Alma, Michigan. While looking at the vendor booths ,I saw a utility kilt. I looked at it and my wife offered to buy it as an anniversary gift. I chickened out.
Over the next year, I thought more about kilt wearing and looked at a lot of YouTube videos/reviews. When we went next year, she made the same offer. This time I accepted. The only condition was, if she was going to spend that much money, I better wear it. I did.
I found I liked it so much, I bought a khaki utility kilt for wear around the house. I liked it for lawn mowing,dog walking, and general knocking about. I thought the other utility kilt was "too nice" for such use.
I really don't like the current state of men's shorts. Too long and cargo shorts just look sloppy on most men. If I'm going to wear something to my knees, it will be a kilt. I've never heard a woman compliment a pair of cargo shorts. Definitely not my experience in a kilt. A good compliment as well as a good conversation starter.
I've seen the lists of the inventory some of the members have. I'm not sure I can ever go that far but I do see a couple more in the future. I've decided I like kilt wearing so much I have expanded. I have purchased a traditional 8 yard from across the pond in a family related tartan.
I can't really claim any Scots heritage. There are several names in the family history that have affiliated tartans. My sister, who has done an extensive genealogy, can't put those names into Scotland much less the Highlands. Instead, they're all in the south. Northampton is closer than London but still not Scotland.
I've also always enjoyed pipe music ,as well as British military bands from the first time I heard the Coldstream Guards LP in my parent's collection. It's so old, I'm not even sure it was stereo. As an adult, we made it a point to see the military bands whenever they toured Michigan. If you're seen the shows, the format always has one pipe band and one of the "regular" military bands.
Looking at previous newbie posts, I know I'll get a warm welcome. Thank you in advance,gentlemen ( and ladies).

[Liam]

Welcome to the forum from Western Canada!

[Baeau]

Greetings from alotta miles, southwest of Liam. The members are full of information, trivia, & humour!

[Tarheel]

Well met and welcome Brian. I like the time and effort you have taken to get to know kilts and found good reasons for choosing this type of attire. Good for you (and your wife). Glad to have you with us.

[Father Bill]

Welocome to the “Great Rabble”!

[Mike in Dayton]

Welcome to the group.

Mike
Dayton, Ohio

[Tobinn]

I really don't like the current state of men's shorts. Too long and cargo shorts just look sloppy on most men. If I'm going to wear something to my knees, it will be a kilt. I've never heard a woman compliment a pair of cargo shorts. Definitely not my experience in a kilt. A good compliment as well as a good conversation starter.

Welcome from a fellow newbie!

I have to say that I echo your opinion on men's shorts.

I own a few pair and perhaps have worn them a handful of times in my adult life. A co-worker noted that it's amazing that no one can get me to wear shorts but I'll wear a kilt. I don't have the heart to say that I've not yet seen an adult wearing shorts outside of a sporting or perhaps a hiking context who looked good (at least to my recollection). I certainly don't like the way I look in shorts, anyway.

[FossilHunter]

Welcome from the deep south of California.

[Kiltedjohn]

Welcome from the other side of the Atlantic. I'm a Scotsman living in the English midlands.

[KiltedHope]

Welcome from Calgary, Alberta, Canada!

I think utilikilts are a great gateway for a lot of people who are new to the kilt world. Like a gateway drug into the heavier stuff, utilikilts seem to lead to the more traditional kilts and then, well, its too late by that point! I started with a casual, light weight kilt, moved to a traditional 8-yard kilt, and now want to pick up one or two utilikilts for more frequent and rugged wear. Guess I knew I would be hooked so....yeah.