What's a Nice Way to Put This?

[Deirachel]

I have to take a different, albeit unpopular, stance. Your parents are not wrong.

The kilt is part of a costume. Specifically, the Scottish National Dress, but it is a costume.

We, in general, take the term costume to refer to a disguise or the clothing an actor wears. But, the word actually means "A set of clothes in a style typical of a particular country or historical period" (from the Oxford Dictionaries). Of course, jeans and a t-shirt are a costume, as well.

The problem they have is not what it is or isn't. Your post states they believe it's to be worn for specific purpose. Taking them to a Highland Games/Clan Gathering/etc will NOT help your cause, as they have relegated the kilt to "Scottish Event Wear" (for course, this doesn't mean you shouldn't go!). Seeing other men in kilts at the Games just re-enforces their view.

What you need to find out is why they don't want you to wear it, behind the idea "it's a costume". You have to change the connotation of "costume" and "kilt" for them. You can't do that until you understand the connotation correctly. Is it because it's not "normal"? In this case, they may find the pictures and views of this forum helpful (at the same time, it may hurt... we are a rather eclectic bunch!). Is it the cost of the kilt? Some folks don't like the idea of wearing an article of clothing which cost a hundred dollars or more as "casual" wear. Is it a concern about bullying? (Being home-schooled, you are already "different" than most... they may just be a bit overprotective on this issue.)

Education should help them; but. unless you understand what you are dealing with, you're stuck.