Out on town

**Drac** · 7th February 10, 06:50 PM

Before when I wore my kilt out it was to the Ren Fairs or to the Navy Ball. Not a big deal at the Ren fairs. Kilts are hardly something odd there. At the Ball it stood out but since it is formal it is looked well there.

Now today was out in town in a casual setup. Kilt, hose, gali brouges, day sporran and a polo. We went to lunch first (Tilted Kilt) and than to the Outlet Mall. Watching peoples reaction was fun. As we were walking through the mall and I looked around I kept catching people looking and when I caught their eyes they would jerk the gaze somewhere else. Classic.

Also had people come asking if I was Irish. Ok we have to admit the people here are passionate about kilts, crazed about kilts, even obsessed about kilts but you would think that most people would know a kilt is Scottish.

Had only one awkward moment was when Amy and I were in the book store and she was still around the front when she over heard the guy behind the coffee shop talking about "Did you see that guy in the kilt?" and a few other things that didn't all sound complementary. My wife goes up to him asking him why he was talking that way about her husband. He starts back pedaling rapidly. I guess he was oblivious as well as rude since my wife was in a kilt too.

Did have a several good moments today. A couple of them were at the Tilted Kilt. The girls seemed to think it was real cool to have someone wear a kilt there. Kind of weird but what ever. The other was at the Corning Wear store. An older couple came up and complemented both my wife and me on our kilts. Both of them were of Scottish decent, though the wife's maiden name is a result Ellis Island. Than it turns out that both of the cashiers were Scottish and every one spent a couple minutes talking about their heritage, much to the annoyance of the others in line.

Jim

**McFarkus** · 7th February 10, 07:24 PM

I get the same reaction in Chicago. I think it may be because of the prevalence of kilted pipe bands on St. Patrick's Day.

**DesertCeltic** · 7th February 10, 11:38 PM

I had a very funny reaction to one of my kilts about a week ago. I am in a store and the girl says that it is cool that I am wearing a kilt. She the utters this classic statement "So you're German!" I had to keep my composure and politely tell her that my mother's side is German, the kilt is a predominately Scottish garment. My father's side is Scottish and Irish.

**Tobus** · 8th February 10, 06:45 AM

Also had people come asking if I was Irish.

That has happened to me too. One guy even asked me if I was Dutch.

**KenB** · 8th February 10, 07:00 AM

I had a couple of odd looks yesterday. But also several very nice compliments - "love the kilt", "sexy" , "great to see a kilt" . I assume the odd looks were due to the -12C temperature and folks not expecting a kilted individual when it is that chilly.
Mostly, comments are positive, looks are admiring.
Come on up to Toronto and go "red shanks" in our pleasant city.

**jkane** · 8th February 10, 08:04 AM

I am of Irish descent, and hate it when people assume I am Scottish just because I wear a kilt.

Not really. I do let them know it's OK to not be Scottish and still wear a kilt though.

I love the part about being German! Next time they ask if I am Scottish, I will respond I'm German of course, isn't it obvious?

I think people are too flustered wanting to ask that other question, and they can't get the words out right, so they pop the first thing that comes to their minds out just to start up a conversation. Well, not the first, but the next thing after "the question".

**Drac** · 8th February 10, 11:30 AM

Amy did the same thing at the Navy Ball after about the forth time of "Are you ah, ah...", (this time a young chicky who had already said "My mother is forty!" in that all so she's ancient tone of a 20 year old to my 41 year old wife)

she answered "yea he's Greek."

God I love that woman!!!

**dfmacliam** · 8th February 10, 11:35 AM

I like the comment someone posted before.... why do you wear the kilt?... because I like astrology...LOL I will use that line one day...LOL

**Hellequin** · 8th February 10, 11:57 AM

I was in the mall here in the Chicago burbs around Christmas and got quite a few reactions from people. Both good and bad. Mostly strange looks from the teens. Did get great service at one of the local Irish theamed bar/resturants, Sam Macguires. Though around here you can't swing a dead cat by the tail without hitting one of those!

Cheers!