Do they just want to talk to you?

**Jimmy** · 18th October 10, 05:16 AM

Its always amazing in Scotland, wearing a kilt when you are not attending a wedding or event at which there are lots of kilties about, people are forever wanting to say something to you about the kilt.
'Why are you wearing a kilt today, its the middle of the week, nothing is happening ?' people ask
Although in Scotland nearly every male will be kilted at some time in his life, only a very few ever refuse to wear the kilt and those who wear it are always fairly chuffed when they have it on and strut about just loving being noticed.
Yet in the land of the kilt, you are still looked on as something different when you just wear the kilt for wearing its sake but wherever you go, you are never ignored whether it is in a shop, library, hotel, public house or whatever, people just want to talk to you and strike up a conversation.
Certainly Scotland is a very friendly place and people will talk to you anywhere but when wearing the kilt there is always that bit more of an interest in you, making you feel that little bit different and special, almost at times like a celebrity.
Also the conversation comes equally from both sexes, both showing admiration towards you and perhaps from the male side envy!

Am I right in what I say or am just living in a fantasy world about kilts?

**caig** · 18th October 10, 05:46 AM

You are absolutely right, Jimmy. I was in Dumfries (in the lowlands) last weekend and within 10 seconds of arriving at the hotel reception desk, kilted naturally, I had a man offering me a wee dram ! 10 minutes later in a local bar another man spoke to me whilst I was waiting to be served. Then about 1 hour later whilst going back to my hotel, another man stopped me in the street and we chatted for about 10 mins on the kilt and related subjects.

And I did not see another kiltie during the whole weekend.

**jrmiller** · 18th October 10, 06:51 AM

Funny, would not have expected anyone in Scotland to take particular notice of someone in a kilt. Thought people would have seen so many men in kilts that they were taken as commonplace.

Here in Ohio (US), men wear kilts for special occasions only, not everyday wear. We do get a lot of comments and questions when wearing our kilts particularly when it is NOT a special occasion...

I think a day will come when the plain colored kilts become commonplace, the reason I feel this way is that at the Scottish and Irish festivals in this country, more and more Utilikilts and lookalikes are showing up. So many men own these and must enjoy wearing them. One of these warm Spring days, there will be kilts blooming everywhere, the guys will haul out their kilts just because it's a nice day -- I do.... ;)

**Jock Scot** · 18th October 10, 07:31 AM

One of the reasons that I don't wear the kilt as often as I used to, simply because these days I need all my puff to get from A to B and not get waylaid by visitors asking questions----- a regular occurrence if I wear the kilt.Locals just nod or wave. I do make the occasional exception, however, if a very pretty young lady with a nice smile requires a question answered. Out of interest I have not, yet, ever been asked THE question.

**tetley88mark** · 18th October 10, 07:41 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Out of interest I have not, yet, ever been asked THE question.

i need to spend more time with a more mature crowd, almost every time i wear my kilt i'm asked the question, when i'm not kilted but with friends who know i wear a kilt they have a tendancy to mention it and then i get asked the question then, i've been thinking of getting a tshirt and a tie with answers to common kilt questions printed on them.....

**hootstwo** · 18th October 10, 07:41 AM

Well, I live in Canada about 3 hours north of Toronto. I NEVER wear trousers the year through, I"m almost always in my shorts and the rest of the time in a kilt. On days where it is -30c I get lots of looks and the odd comment from people I see out and about, but on any day I wear my kilt I get FAR more comments/attention regardless of the weather.

The biggest source of attention and comments though are from the older folk who normally avoid even acknowledging me. I swear, I can't pass someone over the age of 70 without having a conversation of some sort - which is great!

**denmcdough** · 18th October 10, 07:48 AM

Wearing the kilt around these parts, Pennsylvania, USA, brings out all the normal questions about the kilt....what do you wear under it, is this a special occasion, etc. However, the biggest question I get is, 'do you play the bagpipes?' I don't!!! But, the next time that question comes my way, I'll just lie and say that I do. Or, better yet, maybe I should just buy a cheap set of pipes and carry it around with me, so I don't get THAT question! Hmm, maybe I better not, then they'll want me to play. Oh, you can't win!

Anyway, I wear the kilt frequently out and about, even if it's not a wedding or special occasion.

KILT on>>>>>>>>>>>>>

**Jordan** · 18th October 10, 07:49 AM

Originally Posted by jrmiller

Funny, would not have expected anyone in Scotland to take particular notice of someone in a kilt. Thought people would have seen so many men in kilts that they were taken as commonplace.

Here in Ohio (US), men wear kilts for special occasions only, not everyday wear. We do get a lot of comments and questions when wearing our kilts particularly when it is NOT a special occasion...

I think a day will come when the plain colored kilts become commonplace, the reason I feel this way is that at the Scottish and Irish festivals in this country, more and more Utilikilts and lookalikes are showing up. So many men own these and must enjoy wearing them. One of these warm Spring days, there will be kilts blooming everywhere, the guys will haul out their kilts just because it's a nice day -- I do.... ;)

The situation is pretty much the same in scotland.
Interestingly the most common question in asked is if im off to a wedding.

**Mikilt** · 18th October 10, 08:03 AM

For the most part, I feel as though no one cares that I am wearing the kilt. Once in a while I will get the "What's with the kilt?" from some one that I know. But on all but one occasion, I get only a friendly smile and nod from strangers

**McFarkus** · 18th October 10, 08:13 AM

Wore mine to church yesterday - no one bat an eyelash. On my way to and from the farmers market, I was asked twice if I was playing the bagpipes. Both times I responded, "I just enjoy wearing the kilt."