First night out kilted

[Burly Brute]

Disclaimer: I did not take pictures, so if you want to stop reading now you may! Ha.

I have worn the kilt on several occasions and out to different places, but it has always been because of a kilt function I was attending or had attended. Last night a few mates of mine and I went to our local watering hole for a few hours and I decided to go kilted. It was a rather unusually uneventful evening, but very enjoyed! I decided not to take pictures because I didn't want to make a spectacle of myself.

That all being said, I have decided to go kilted more often as it was far more comfortable than pantaloons. I will have to say that each one of my friends had to have a bit of fun and get their jokes out to end the evening as we stood outside the pub. It was to be somewhat expected; however, I could tell each joke was laced in envy, especially since none of the gals sitting on the bench out front were turning their heads for the panted fellows--only the kilted chap!

slainte,

Zach

[Jack Daw]

Well, there ya go. The proof of the pudding is in its eating.

[Burly Brute]

And how savory and delicious a pudding at that! This outing has only increased my love.

I did have some questions though. I found it insanely hard to sit in a tight booth. I also have some difficulty fanning my pleats with my hand, mostly due to the fact that I am 6'4" and long waisted. I wondered if any had any tips?

Thanks!

-Z

[Whidbey78]

I'm six inches shorter than you, but have the same difficulty in boothes. They just aren't coducive to adjusting clothing at all, and kilts especially. My solution has been to stake claim to the outside seat so I have a shorter distance to "scootch" sideways. I sweep the pleats down the back of my thighs as I'm getting into the booth and keep them pulled tight until I'm situated. I sweep from left to right a bit as I do this so the pleats lay flat. I've learned to accept that whatever I do, the pleats will get a little messed up sometimes. Usually with wool and PV the wrinkles and kinks fall out after a few minutes...acrylic not so much.

After I had been wearing the kilt for a while I started watching how the ladies manage it, since they almost have a "natural skirt instinct" when it comes to these things, hoping I would learn the secret to never having to fidget around with the pleats. The only ones who appeared to have less difficulty than me getting into that seat by the wall are the ones wearing tight skirts...ya' know the "butt huggers" we all love. The gals wearing a skirt or dress with more fabric tended to have a harder time than I did, actually, and I think that was mainly due to the way their yardage was made to poof out while the yardage in a kilt is designed to lay nice and neat.

Just my experience and my $.02USD. Hopefully someone else has a better answer than "It's a pain. Live with it."

[Burly Brute]

Definitely sage advice. I just have the hardest time ever sweeping the back with my hands as I cannot bend and sweep underneath myself hardly at all, but I think it's because most of my height is in my waist. I don't look disproportioned, but when I am sitting down appearing to dig into my backside I sure feel that way! Haha. I suppose it is just one of those things that will take lots and lots and lots of practice.

[MacMillans son]

Sometimes it relieves the anxiety some if you practice at home before going out. You can practice the sweep and slide movement on the sofa or a short bed (pull the covers back first so you aren't bunching them up under you). High stools, like in a bar, are another "out on the town" obstacle for some that may require some practice before going live!

I have found that my comfort and confidence, when out and about in the kilt, goes a long way to increase my enjoyment of the experience.