New from South West Pennsylvania

**MonRiver** · 15th September 15, 07:34 PM

Hello everyone!

I can't express how much I have enjoyed reading through the forum.

My first, and so far only kilt, is part of our band uniform. I'm a very novice (started on practice chanter in July 2003) bagpiper. And I'm really looking forward to getting my own kilt(s) to wear on a regular basis.

I'm in my early 40's and have always wanted to be a kilt guy. I have always been obese and that made me self conscious of my looks. At 5'qq and 350 pounds (and up at times) I already felt as though I needed to blend in as best I could. However, in January I started a doctor moderated weight loss program and, at the time of this writing, am 9 pounds away from my goal weight of 180 pounds! I went from a tight size 50 jeans to a a comfortable size 36-- my first band kilt was measured at 61 inches and we just ordered a new one at 38!

My reward when I hit my goal? A kilt of course! I'm so excited about ordering either an Amerikilt or UT kilt (most likely my first one!). My self esteem is so much higher now and I just feel better in my band kilt than in trousers. And I'm waiting to goal in case I lose another inch or so!

Looking forward learning, chatting, and experiencing life in a kilt.

Any suggestions as to how to help my wife understand that a regular kilt wearer is not "odd?" She supports the idea because she knows it's what I want, but I think she's a bit skeptical.

**Steve Ashton** · 15th September 15, 09:11 PM

The best suggestion I can make is have her sit down in front of this forum. I am pretty confidant that after just a few moments she will see that you are not alone.
Just this forum alone has 19,000 kilt wearers world wide.

You can find threads and posts from total new guys like yourself and threads and posts from guys who have worn nothing but a kilt for many years.

We have a ladies support group. A group for guys with spouses who are unsure or even downright hostile to the kilt.

We have over 1 million posts that cover just about every aspect of kilt wearing.

I am confidant that once she can see for herself that you are not actually crazy she will find that there are a lot of guys just like yourself.

**ASinclair** · 15th September 15, 09:31 PM

Hello MonRiver!

**McClef** · 16th September 15, 01:11 AM

from South Wales UK!

**Spartan Tartan** · 16th September 15, 02:40 AM

from Rhode Island

**dutchy kilted** · 16th September 15, 02:46 AM

Welcome from slightly to the east in Lancaster County! Always good to have another Keystone Stater!

Congrats on the weight loss!

**Tarheel** · 16th September 15, 03:55 AM

Well met new friend. I feel that in losing the girth, you gained the confidence. You've got one thing going for you that others here did not have starting off by coming kilted full time, a history of being kilted in public (with the band).
Now lets get to the brass tacks of wifely feelings. I am not an everyday kilter, but I am the special occasion kilt wearer. My wife has this "look" when she balks at my clothing choice. I also notice the side line glances she gives women that ogle me when I am kilted. To be frank, she still hopes this kilting issue is a fad for me.

I assure her that if my kilt wearing will not change how people "see" us. It helps that we live in a smaller community where we are known by sight on the street. I find that kilting opens up the opportunity for conversation with folks I haven't met yet.

That's my first two cents on the subject. Welcome to the forum.