Stepping out in the kilt for the first time.

[scotswelshrunner]

So today I receive my first kilt, a Sportkilt in Hunter tartan. While it will be worn on a 15K race Sunday, barring problems with it from the mfg, I hope to wear it casually out and about when I can.
But I admit freely the hesitation in getting out there in a kilt when not in a race or special event.
The butterflies will surely be flying formation in my stomach when i do.

What have you all experienced when out the first time in your kilt?

And I'm looking for good comebacks to inevitable "What is under your kilt/skirt" comments sure to be heading my way.

[sailortats]

You are going to be very surprised with your first outing kilted. You are going to feel like a million bucks. I bet you won't be able to wipe the smile off your face. And when you get your first "great looking kilt" comment you will be 10 feet off the ground. Get out there now and enjoy the day.

[Wil]

So today I receive my first kilt, a Sportkilt in Hunter tartan. While it will be worn on a 15K race Sunday, barring problems with it from the mfg, I hope to wear it casually out and about when I can.
But I admit freely the hesitation in getting out there in a kilt when not in a race or special event.
The butterflies will surely be flying formation in my stomach when i do.

What have you all experienced when out the first time in your kilt?

And I'm looking for good comebacks to inevitable "What is under your kilt/skirt" comments sure to be heading my way.

I think you will be fine, of corse I totally get that you will be very aware of yourself maybe even more than others around you will be. But I can report last Sunday night while in my full formal Montrose dublet and jabot w/cuffs, I had someone come up from behind me and pinch my thigh and then asked if he could see what was under my kilt. Of corse being beet red I told him "my ghilley's silly". But as long as you just keep your head about you and don't worry about the glance of others you will be fine. Wear your kilt out one afternoon with a few others to like a pub or someplace fun and then after that you will be fine. Good Luck!

[Godot]

I think the secret is confidence. My girlfriend told me I looked sexy in a kilt, so I assumed all looks my way were either of admiration or jealousy. Haha

As to good comebacks, there is at least one good thread in the Advice forum with how people respond to various questions in various situations. Enlightening read.

[mookien]

See my useful (as in "worthless") advice in your HoE Ross Hunting kilt thread.

I have never experienced negative comments about my kilt. Most people are complimentary or say nothing at all. One time a Clan Drummond guy (you know how they can be with their caltrops and all) asked about my tartan flashes, saying he preferred solid colors. But, he prefaced that with telling me that my entire outfit looked very authentic. I have the members of this forum to thank for that.

Depends on whose asking. If it's a really attractive woman with whom you think you could spend the rest of your life, offer her a private showing (so to speak). For any one else, just say "shoes and socks".

[Nik]

Once you get comfortable, which doesn't take long, you'll hardly notice you're wearing one it feels that natural. And really you'll get more people complenting you then you ever will saying anything else. And as long as you be yourself you will have that aire of confidence that everyone says you should have.

Have fun running.

-Nik

[hector]

My experience is that there is much more uncertainties in your head than there are reasons for that. I am also rather inexperienced and think that everybody around me will stare, laugh or make comments. But this appears not to be the case. Have confidence, firstly in yourself.

[Caddy One]

Head high and chest out

[KiltFitz]

I was going to say that its easier for someone from Scotland or elsewhere where the kilt is a common sight but then I thought of it from a different perspective: I wear my kilt to travel around europe and occasionally further for Rugby and football. Now, most of the places we go, the kilt isn't an everyday sight, but people have seen us before in their hometown or city, en-mass, at least once or twice in their lifetime.

Occasionally however, we go somewhere entirely new like Moldova or somewhere and we get such a warm reaction, we are instantly recognisable and women will giggle and naturally - get curious, which is always fun. Few of us pay much attention to rules of correct attire, most scottish kilt owners wouldn't know to be honest.

The point is this - the best place you could wear a kilt is where it's unusual for people to see. Each glance that turns into a double-take leaves that person wishing they could try it on, or at least find out what's going on underneath. Its the best garment you will ever wear - except for your next kilt of course! Enjoy the nerves, because they won't last long.

[HighlandMike]

This thread is encouraging. I've got my first two kilts on the way (one traditional, one 'utility'), and more than a few butterflies about that first time out. Now, I'm thinking it probably won't be as odd as I'm making it out to be.

Thanks!

Mike