Women in Kilts?

[Tobus]

Out of sincere curiosity, if women have appropriate women's clothing to wear in competition, why do some prefer to wear men's clothing when solo piping? I can't imagine a man showing up for competition in the outfit that lovely lady is wearing. I even have trouble understanding it in band piping, but I assume uniformity is the reason there.

I'm not wanting to offend anyone's wife, or sister, or mother, or friend, or... but I think women always look better in a pleated tartan skirt, designed and constructed for a woman, than in a man's garment somehow adapted for them. I'm somewhat old fashion I guess.

You're not alone, sir. I know it's unpopular to say so, for fear of offending someone or hurting someone's feelings, but it's worth saying, just for the sake of full disclosure. Traditionally, the kilt is a man's garment. Women can turn tradition on its head and wear it if they so choose, but it seems odd for them to wear the style of skirt specifically developed for men, when they have so many other choices of style and length which are appropriate to a woman's build. A traditional kilt, especially when worn with kilt hose, sporran, necktie, jacket, etc., is a very masculine look (that's why we love wearing it!), and best suited to the body shape of males.

In conversations such as these, it seems that the overwhelming majority of responses seem to favour the opinion that the kilt is a unisex garment, equally attractive on the female form as on the male, but I rather tend to think that this is simply because most traditionalists are too polite (or too afraid of being seen as exclusivists or sexist pigs?) to voice their actual opinions.

And, not meaning to seem so myself, I'll leave it at that.

[fluter]

... why do some prefer to wear men's clothing when solo piping?

Not infrequently, they are competing with a band at the same event. There are also the factors of what you're accustomed to, and what you have.

[Thorina]

You're not alone, sir. I know it's unpopular to say so, for fear of offending someone or hurting someone's feelings, but it's worth saying, just for the sake of full disclosure. Traditionally, the kilt is a man's garment. Women can turn tradition on its head and wear it if they so choose, but it seems odd for them to wear the style of skirt specifically developed for men, when they have so many other choices of style and length which are appropriate to a woman's build. A traditional kilt, especially when worn with kilt hose, sporran, necktie, jacket, etc., is a very masculine look (that's why we love wearing it!), and best suited to the body shape of males.

In conversations such as these, it seems that the overwhelming majority of responses seem to favour the opinion that the kilt is a unisex garment, equally attractive on the female form as on the male, but I rather tend to think that this is simply because most traditionalists are too polite (or too afraid of being seen as exclusivists or sexist pigs?) to voice their actual opinions.

And, not meaning to seem so myself, I'll leave it at that.

Thank you for being honest. I stumbled upon this board yesterday looking for an answer to....will kilted men be upset if I don a traditional kilt, as opposed to a kilted skirt.

A gal in this thread already nailed it: "I was expecting it to feel like wearing a skirt, but actually the 'feel' of the garment is quite different - I see now why it's called a 'tank'; it's heavy and a tad stiff due to the heavy fabric and the lining, etc., and feels very much like I'm wearing some genteel form of armour! "

A kilt does not feel like a shirt....at all.
For myself personally, since I've spent a good deal of my life in men's clothing due to my rather masculine work and play choices and seriously lacking an hour glass figure. I feel quite vulnerable in dainty women's clothing. Sure, I have always been expected to wear dainty women's clothing on certain occasions, but I have never felt comfortable in them.
I am of a generation was not allowed to wear slacks to school until I was 8 or 9 years old. Continually having my legs swatted by any elder female around me for not sitting with my legs closed, etc.
I am heterosexual, so it's not a gender identity thing or anything.....it's just that not having to wear dainty women's clothing is a LOT more comfortable.

Why do you guys wear kilts? Because they are comfortable.

A kilted skirt does not have that same comfort feel for me, because I'd still have to behave like a dainty female, keep my legs crossed, etc, etc, etc. It's a lot of work, and really sucks the fun out of almost anything.
Those cutzie shortie "kilts fer girls"....um, yeah, I'm 46 and built like a truck driver. It's not against the law for me to wear one in public, but it probably should be.

In the "using a urinal" thread.....just think if you had to do your "stall business" with an extra 12" or more of fabric length. Remember, as well, everytime *we* go in a restroom; we're doing "stall business"....regardless of the *number*. Add panty hose. Add a slip. When you're older, add a girdle.

....then add beer.

To me, a kilt is a very servicable garment that is made to work in/play in. Skirts are made to look pretty in.

peace,
janette