Wearing a kilt out and about

**ProudGrandsonofClanGrant** · 12th December 13, 10:45 AM

The first time I wore a kilt just 'out and about' was when I was about 18 or so. I wore it to a restaurant I had been looking forward to visiting. Not one person made a single comment as I walked down the pavement to the restaurant. Nor when I was walking by the sea afterwards. Perhaps no one gave it a second thought. I certainly didn't by the end of the evening.
Cheers
Nick

**WillowEstate** · 12th December 13, 10:50 AM

Gavin, like the Nike ad - just do it! If you read my introduction, you will see that I first wore mine publicly specifically to stand out at a business conference. From there it progressed to trade shows, then just out and about in general, walks along the Ashby canal in Leicestershire, then stops at the motorway services on the way to and from another event. London was a favourite haunt - you can get away with anything there!

After that, it just became a garment choice. As others have said, you do get questions, mostly about the tartan and the odd small child pointing it out to a parent (it's always fun to lurk and listen to the explanation!).

By the time we moved to Australia, it was just second nature, nothing special to head off to the supermarket for the weekly shopping or for a day at the coast. In fact, I've had no negative comments here at all, maybe it goes with the lifestyle here?

You say your workmates are giving you some hassle - just the mob effect, I guess. If you just ignore them, they'll get tired before you do. If there's a good looking secretary where you work, you could always ask (bribe?) her to come and chat to you when your mates are around, making it obvious that your kilt is the attraction!

**Andrews Son** · 12th December 13, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by McMurdo

The thing is the more you do it, the easier it becomes and the more comfortable you get with it and yourself. It really does change your outlook. There are people I know who would not recognize me without my kilt, who look forward to my wearing the kilt.

Thats good, so you dont want to let them down

**Andrews Son** · 12th December 13, 10:55 AM

Little things like that cheer you up dont they.

A reply to blupiper

**Andrews Son** · 12th December 13, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by ProudGrandsonofClanGrant

The first time I wore a kilt just 'out and about' was when I was about 18 or so. I wore it to a restaurant I had been looking forward to visiting. Not one person made a single comment as I walked down the pavement to the restaurant. Nor when I was walking by the sea afterwards. Perhaps no one gave it a second thought. I certainly didn't by the end of the evening.
Cheers
Nick

It was just natural for you, thats great. Did you feel like, some scots believe its only for formal, whereas yourself and others on this forum see it as an everyday thing which is what drew me to this forum.

**Andrews Son** · 12th December 13, 11:07 AM

Originally Posted by WillowEstate

Gavin, like the Nike ad - just do it! If you read my introduction, you will see that I first wore mine publicly specifically to stand out at a business conference. From there it progressed to trade shows, then just out and about in general, walks along the Ashby canal in Leicestershire, then stops at the motorway services on the way to and from another event. London was a favourite haunt - you can get away with anything there!

Good way to stand out. Brilliant business tactic on your behalf did it gather any benefits.

Originally Posted by WillowEstate

You say your workmates are giving you some hassle - just the mob effect, I guess. If you just ignore them, they'll get tired before you do. If there's a good looking secretary where you work, you could always ask (bribe?) her to come and chat to you when your mates are around, making it obvious that your kilt is the attraction!

I wish there was a receptionist, but no im a builders labourer so i caught my eye on the utilikilt workman. Be briliant for my type of work and no doubt cause some controversy on site. But see what the summer brings.

**Mikilt** · 12th December 13, 11:07 AM

I frequently wear my kilts to work and around town. I get perplexed looks, smiles and positive comments. Wear it with confidence and a little swagger and it will become normal for you to wear it around friends and strangers alike.

**ProudGrandsonofClanGrant** · 12th December 13, 11:09 AM

Originally Posted by Andrews Son

It was just natural for you, thats great. Did you feel like, some scots believe its only for formal, whereas yourself and others on this forum see it as an everyday thing which is what drew me to this forum.

Actually, I am originally from the States. I moved to Aberdeen to attend University. I have definitely come across Scots who only wear a kilt when it is "expected" Ceilidhs, weddings, etc. But, I also have a few mates who wear their kilt to the pub or just for a walk down Union Street. The only thing that stops me from making the kilt an everyday garment is the fact that I only have one, and it was properly expensive.

**craigclan** · 12th December 13, 11:13 AM

I would happily wear mine alot more but at minus 17 before windchill its a wee bit nippy to wear a kilt right now . Hopefully it warms up a bit before Christmas so i can wear it more

**Jack Daw** · 12th December 13, 11:13 AM

The first time I wore the kilt to a non-kilt-wearing event was AFTER a kilt-wearing event in which my car broke down. The tow truck came by, picked up my car, and provided me a ride to the repair shop. In making conversation with the Hispanic driver, I explained that I was wearing a kilt and not a skirt. The driver immediately put me at ease by telling me that his brother was a frequent wearer of the kilt and that he was more than used to it.