II own and wear both. A traditional (if we mean tartan in this case) truly says, "Scottish Kilt" to most who see it. But if the tartan is something along the lines of a Wallace, Buchannan or such, something other than your Black Watch or Hunting Stewart variety, it certainly stands out in a crowd. Where as a contemprorary (single color cotton twill or the like) in the right environment, can almost blend in with the baggy cargo shorts crowd. So, I guess it depends on what you want to "say" about yourself. I think it all comes down to which you choose, where you wear it, and what the reaction of those around you are. A contemporary kilt at a St. Patrick's Day event may get you the same ridicule that an "in your face" tartan would get at a motorcycle rally. If the first worn kilt results in a negative experience, then that choice probably wasn't the best.