How to explain why you wear a kilt.

[flairball]

I have come to realize, both through my own kilt wearing, and through reading posts here that there are two frequently asked question presented to kilt wearers. The first, is as we all know "the question". Answers, and witty replys to this question are numerous, and we all have our favorites.

The other question often asked is why we are wearing a kilt. Many of us here wear kilts only on special occassions, and many wear it just because.... On the days when I am wearing a kilt just because I feel like it, if I am asked why I am wearing it I ussually reply that I have no special reason to be wearing it, I just felt like it. This often brings strange looks of puzzlement, or a follow up question.

I explain it like this; I ask the person if they remember the last time they stayed at a nice hotel. I they ask them if the first thing they did after checking in was to get undressed and put on the nice, soft robe provided by the hotel, and relax. They ussually, with a bit of a guilty smirk reply yes. I then ask them, if they could stay in something as comfortable as that robe all day would they. They again always reply yes. I then explain that the kilt is that robe. That's how comfortable it is, and having found something that comfortable why would I not wear it. I find people tend to agree and see the point. Whether or not they try a kilt themself I don't know, but I think this could be the start of something.

Anyway, thought this might be something others could add to their arsenal.

[Jimmy the Celt]

Nice way to answer!

~James

[RockyR]

That's a pretty good comeback if you're in the mood to have a discussion.

Let's say you're NOT in a mood for a discussion with a stranger and they ask "Why are you wearing a kilt"... a good answer is "why are you wearing pants?" you'll either get a puzzled look (and a chance to walk away) or a snappy comeback like "b/c I need to cover myself" (to which you simply reply... "so do I")

If you'd like the "funny" answer, then say "b/c I need a bit more room 'down there' than most men".

[Caradoc]

..."b/c I need to cover myself"

"Well, it covers the naughty bits."

[possingk]

Like Rocky when I am asked why I am wearing a kilt, or more commonly are you Scottish/Irish I decide what I feel like. Do I want to have a long conversation with this person and explain to them I am actually more German than anything else, but they are comfortable, or do I just want to keep doing what I am doing and not talk to anyone in which case I answer the question I have enough Scottish in my past to wear a kilt so I do.

The thing I have realized most while being out is that I am mostly asked questions when waiting in lines where people are bored and are looking for something to talk about. Most of the time I feel like talking too. You can meet a lot of people you wouldn't otherwise meet, and some of them are really great.

[PiobBear]

My favorite response: "I'm a piper. Here's my card."

[MacWage]

My favorite response: "I'm a piper. Here's my card."

Unfortunately, one I can't use.

Nice responses guys!

I usually take the question and try to answer it, which is either (for them) or takes WAY to much time. I need to use more quipy answers, while leaving the door open for those what actually WANT to talk about kilts/Scotland.

[Kid Cossack]

Short answers:

"Because no one's told me I can't and made it stick."

"Because it's so very, very comfortable."

"Chicks dig it."

"They may take our lives, but they'll nay make us wear trews."

"It's an easier midlife crisis than chasing after young blondes and old whiskey."

"With legs like these, wouldn't you?"

"I'm Scots, Scots-Irish and a touch Welsh by heritage, and I'm as proud of where I come from as where I am."

and only very very rarely

"The voices in my head tell me to."

[Bob C]

I usually just say, "Because I want to."

If the tone of the question is snotty, the response may change.

[GallowHill]

Short answers:

"The voices in my head tell me to."

This one just moved to the top of my list!

Scott