Wearing the kilt in Scotland

**Jock Scot** · 11th June 14, 01:39 AM

Originally Posted by Calgacus

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Show some knee, though, boys!

Absolutely!

**JohntheBiker** · 11th June 14, 05:54 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Well done that man!

If ever there was a perfect example of how to wear the kilt in Scotland(a tad more knee on show, perhaps) for almost all non formal events, this is it. THIS is the sort of style that you, as a visitor, need to think about when wearing the kilt in Scotland. Not over dressed(cringe), not sloppy(grrrrr), just casually smart(smile). Dressed up a tad(add a tie), or, down a tad(take off pullover, roll up the shirt sleeves) depending on circumstance, will get you by and will get a quiet and un-noticed nod of thanks from most locals.

Thank you Jock.

Summer in Scotland, needed the pullover.

**Liam** · 11th June 14, 08:39 AM

Originally Posted by Mael Coluim

In the last five years I have visited Scotland twice on a vacation kilted the entire time, see threads; Kilted Fortnight Holiday in Scotland & France 2009 and Kilted Fortnight Scotland Holiday – 2011.

My experiences were all positive. The other tourists who wanted a photo cared less if I was Scottish, they wanted a pic of kilted man. I had several nice conversations from the locals who showed no scorn, quite the opposite. I can remember at least two towns where I was told there was full time kilt wearer.

I look forward to doing it again. Who would turn down pretty ladies who wanted a photo with you and guys who wanted to buy you a pint.

Forgive me Father Bill for I have sinned!

Much the same as my recent experience.

**Peter Lowe** · 11th June 14, 03:05 PM

I live near Edinburgh. I am not a "full time" kilt wearer but I wear it around 40 times a year. It so happens that I going out for lunch tomorrow and I will be wearing the kilt. Problem is that I cant make my mind up - tweed jacket and tie or no tie and jersey.

I think that I will make my mind up in the morning.

Will I get any comments? I doubt it! Will anyone notice me? I doubt it but with a little bit of luck a pretty girl will!

Peter

**Liam** · 11th June 14, 06:41 PM

Originally Posted by Peter Lowe

I live near Edinburgh. I am not a "full time" kilt wearer but I wear it around 40 times a year. It so happens that I going out for lunch tomorrow and I will be wearing the kilt. Problem is that I cant make my mind up - tweed jacket and tie or no tie and jersey.

I think that I will make my mind up in the morning.

Will I get any comments? I doubt it! Will anyone notice me? I doubt it but with a little bit of luck a pretty girl will!

Peter

Perhaps a pretty lass will buy you a pint....

Slainte

**Peter Lowe** · 12th June 14, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by Liam

Perhaps a pretty lass will buy you a pint....

Slainte

No such luck! BTW nobody noticed or said anything.

Peter

**Jock Scot** · 12th June 14, 11:00 AM

Sorry about the girls Peter. I know Edinburgh is not my "patch", but if it is the same as up here, perhaps it is not, the locals will say nothing about the kilt, but for certain sure they will have noticed and thought. The local girls up here are not overly impressed by the kilt and certainly not impressed enough to buy a kilt wearer a pint particularly as the kilt wearing gentleman will almost certainly be a visitor(sorry chaps, that is how it is) and if it was a Scot and wearing the kilt for no reason at all, then they would be regarded as a tad whackey! Wear the kilt for good reason, then that is another story altogether for the local lads and lassies. On the other hand the visiting girls do seem to get a tad excited when the kilt arrives on the scene, no matter who is wearing it and when. I could not even begin to guess how many visiting ladies with my kilt wearing sons----in their youth!------that have turned up "for tea", or, "just showing them around, dad" and if only I had £1 for every picture that had been taken of me wearing the kilt!

**hector** · 12th June 14, 11:24 AM

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This is me on 'Eilean Donan Castle' three days ago. I'm in my 'Flemish tartan'. The place was crowded with people from all over the world.....nobody made a comment and most people did not even notice I was in kilt.

**kilttrip** · 13th June 14, 08:19 PM

Originally Posted by Calgacus

Just for your information, this image

Attachment 19405
appears to be a promotion shot for Howie R. Nicholsby 21st Century kilts. Their shop is in Thistle Street, Edinburgh, and the photo was taken just along the road from the shop.

Show some knee, though, boys!

Thank you, Calgacus. I was curious as to the 'occasion' for this image. If indeed it was shot as a promotion, I'd say they hit the mark. It is a very cheery and warm image. I think this is the main pic that made me want to wear a kilt in Scotland - other than the main reasons for wanting to wear a kilt at all, LOL

**kilttrip** · 13th June 14, 08:40 PM

And now another question - along the same lines, but as they say, a bit different! What about tartans? Are there certain tartans that would raise someone's ire? Or are there 'generics' that would be safer? Also, how about non-tartan kilts, such as Utilikilts? There are any number of utility type kilts made by several companies that use khaki or black and such. Would these tend to be more or less accepted? There are also more 'modern' kilts that, besides using non-tartan materials, use more 'hardware'. They have caribiners and D-rings, etc. Any thoughts?