My joy in kilts

[Alan H]

To somewhat balance my other thread on the board, today, I'm going to list off what is special about wearing kilts for me.

It's "dress-up". Kilts engage my imagination in the same way a costume does. I know that many people here will just hate that, but it's true. It's not as true now as it was when I first started, but that aspect is still there.

I admit it, I get a bit more attention when I wear a kilt than when I wear pants. I enjoy the overwhelming majority of it. I enjoy when people just come up to me and talk to me, and that never happens with pants on.

Are kilts that much more comfortable than pants? No, not at all, not for me, but they are comfortable..

It WAS a "new thing"....three years ago, anyway! I'm someone that likes to try new things every now and then.

I enjoy the swing. Yup I enjoy the swing of a pleated kilt.

I'm making them. I like making stuff, though the thrill and excitement of "making a new kilt" is starting to wear off. I'll probably stop in a few months.....been there, done that, you know? But it's been a hoot, and it's still satisfying.

They're *great* in hot weather!

Will I be wearing kilts next year at t his time? Yes. Why? Simple reason...I like them.

[ccga3359]

I agree 100%, it's a fashion thing .

[pdcorlis]

I love the diversity of this forum - it keeps this place vibrantly alive. For me, kilts aren't costumes and they are definitely more comfortable than pants. I love the swing of a knife pleated kilt and wear them whenever its appropriate. So, you won't find me under my car wrestling with a stuck bolt or out in the garden turning compost into the soil all decked out in one of my five yard wool kilts. You will find me teaching, shopping, hiking, and even fishing in a kilt when the mood strikes me. That's the joy of making a few kilts - if I mess one up I'm out the cost of the fabric and a bit of time and that's about it. But that's me and not you and that's not just ok - that's the way it should be.

I say hooray for our differences - diversity keeps this place alive!

[TheKiltedWonder]

I know some will say that I haven't worn a kilt long enough, but I definitely get a kick out of wearing the kilt too. I like how I look in a kilt and other people do too. I feel the same way about certain shirts and pants too. So yeah, I have an extra spring in my step when I wear it, no doubt.
I'm sure people next to me in traffic must wonder about my sanity when they see me looking so happy, since they can see me but not the kilt.

[Tartan Hiker]

I agree with everything you just said, Alan. I've made most of my kilts at this point, have started culling out the lesser garments, have discovered the joy of 16 oz. wool, and am now ready to turn back to leatherwork for my creative outlet. It's been a wild and wonderful ride.

I'll never hike in shorts again, unless forced to.

I gotta fly out to California some day...


And with that I just reached 1'000 posts! Even I can't believe that. My wife isn't surprised, however.

[Ozman1944]

I also enjoy my kilts, and wear them ost of the time; but still have some pants; after all I still have to go places where a kilt might be seen as frivolous- Like the Archbishop's office....

[Bugbear]

Guess we all have our own reasons for kilting, but I like having them as an option in my fashion along with pants. I do have costooms like medieval tunics and so on, but the kilt is just for fashion in my closet. I don't have a big problem with anyone else's fashion if that what the person enjoys wearing.

[Makeitstop]

I like kilts because I am a very warm blooded guy. And although 5 months out of the year I could be naked and I would still be way too hot, the kilt is definitely better than pants.

I like kilts because I always find pants and and shorts too restrictive. I can barely move my legs in those evil denim shackles I used to wear. In my kilt, I can (theoretically) do the splits and the only crotch I have to worry about is my own.

Speaking of crotches... well, let's just say that when I'm getting ready for my escrima class, it's that much harder to put on that cup (which apparently doesn't come in any sizes larger than XL) after a day of kilted freedom.

I do also enjoy most of the attention, though there are times when I'm just not in the mood. What helps though is that it acts as filter of sorts, weeding out the people who can't put up with my weirdness, as they tend to also have more trouble with the kilt. And those guys who want to give me crap always ask the same questions, giving me an easy opportunity for a hilarious comeback.

But for the most part, it just feels good.

[Andrew Breecher]

Hear hear, Alan. It's funny that you mention "dressing up." While I don't consider that I'm putting on anything but clothing, sometimes I find that wearing a kilt is a bit fussier than wearing trousers. I mean, you've got the belt, the sporran, the hose.... You can just pull on a pair of trousers. And the additional attention is entirely true. While I've recently had a couple people say to me, "Wow, you're wearing a kilt! I've been talking to you for five minutes and I didn't even notice!" I know that most people do notice it. It makes you stand out in a crowd. Every once in a while when I'm going out shopping I like to wear trousers so I'm just another guy in the crowd.

So I'll agree with you: kilts are great! But I'll also agree with your other post: sometimes trousers are great too!

Andrew.

[rollerboy_1979]

I enjoy the swing. Yup I enjoy the swing of a pleated kilt.

I too enjoy the swing of a knife pleated kilt.......there's something about the "swagger" I can't explain. I've also taken a liking to a kilt that's pleated to stripe as oppossed to sett(sp?). My new MacQueen will be pleated to the yellow stripe, and with the red and black background it should be strikingly beautiful.

I have other reasons for sharing your joy.....comfort, tradition, attention, etc., but I also see it as an "art form"; it's a bit of craftsmanship that is rapidly disappearing in this modern age. How many times has your kilt been described as "beautiful"? Frequently, I'm sure. I'm so glad this rabble and others are keeping this magnificent garment alive.
Cheers!
RB