Just because we can?

[NPG]

I will start by saying that I wear the kilt a handful of times a year. I would actually like to wear it more often, but I am hesitant. For instance I would like to wear it to church, but I fear that it will cause me to become the point of interest and take away from our reasons for being there. I would like to wear it to more formal events like the Opera or the Symphony, but I have not had the chance. With that I feel that I am probably some where between what Jock describes as his kilt wearing habit and the habit of daily wear that he is concerned about.

Now I feel there are multiple questions with multiple answers here. Allow me to explain -

First, I think there is a difference between someone who wears the kilt most chances they get and someone who wears the kilt in almost defiance to employers, hosts, spouse or anything else that would suggest that wearing the kilt is not a good option. I've seen threads here where people tried to find ways to wear the kilt in places or to events where it has been expressed that such attire is not wanted nor appreciated. I think that mind set is one different from those who try to wear the kilt on as many occasions as they can.

Second, I think you find that outside of Scotland we are more inclined to wear the kilt because in both Canada¹ and the U.S. we have much less history. While we have histories to be proud of for sure, they only go back so far. I've seen many a person wear the kilt simply out of a desire to connect to their ancestors. In my study of both Scottish emigration to the U.S. and my own genealogy, I've found that there has always been an affinity for the old country. I think the growth of so many Scottish related organizations in the U.S. and Canada in the early days is a testament to this affinity. This is not limited to Scottish ancestry either, a branch of my family is from Sweden and while how that heritage is celebrated is not the same (i.e. not usually through attire), trust me when I say the heritage is still celebrated by Swedish descended Americans just as strongly as the Scottish descended Americans celebrate. I think there is something about the "melting pot" culture in countries like the U.S. and Canada that make retaining and demonstrating one's heritage important. The kilt is a big part of this for those outside of Scotland to show who they are and where they come from.

Third, I think the kilt will always be at risk of being appropriated for a fashion statement, it is an item of attire that is different from the cultural norms. I've seen attempts at this and every time it seems to be a passing fad that is over almost as quickly as it starts. There is a general "curiosity" the surrounds the kilt I think and that results in people donning it for a fashion statement, but generally speaking these types tend to be flighty and often run to the next trend before doing any real harm.

Finally, I agree that people should learn how to properly wear the kilt before/while wearing it. Now I might not agree on every point on what is or isn't appropriate, but I still think a knowledge of the rules is good. For instance I saw an image a few days ago of a man wearing his kilt backwards (pleats in front) and I could not help but comment not just to set him straight, but to make sure others knew that was not the proper way to wear it. This is a tough battle though, we live in an age when people do not know how to wear a suit properly let alone a kilt.

¹I'm not trying to speak for Canadians as a whole, since I only lived there briefly, but point out a potential similarity I've seen.