Hello from Shreveport, Louisiana

[Spartan Tartan]

from Rhode Island

[KenB]

Welcome from Presquile!

[Mike_Oettle]

Hi, Jay, and welcome to X Marks from the bottom end of Africa.
It’s great that you have taken to kilt-wearing while still in your teens. You have already learnt that there are idiots out there who will try to make fun of you. But you will also receive a great many compliments, especially from the fair sex.
Stick around here and you will pick up a few tips for handling the idiots, not to mention ways of charming the ladies.
Around the home, wearing a kilt without a sporran is fine. Out in public, though, your sporran is a demonstration of your manhood. Wear it with pride.
If you decide to wear a cargokilt or something of that nature, a sporran is unnecessary because of the way it’s constructed. But if you are in a traditional kilt you need a sporran of some sort, even if it is a plain leather bag.
It serves as a pocket, as well as protecting your modesty.
Regards,
Mike

[rtown]

Hello and Welcome

[Layne]

Again, Welcome aboard! As a fellow native of Louisiana (near Baton Rouge here), I can relate to your plight, at least somewhat. I have been wearing kilts, almost exclusively (except for work hours, due to safety regulations) for a couple of years now.

While I am considerably older than yourself, I do recall just how harsh young males (and females) can be.

I suppose the best I can offer at present, is the assurance that for every off color comment that you receive, you will undoubtedly received 10 very positive ones. If you suffer from low self esteem, this might just be your coming of age, as I'd be willing to bet much of the attention that you draw while wearing the kilt, will be welcome (from the young ladies). Too, as one that is required to speak in public, quite often, know that only about 11% of the anxiety that you experience, is perceived by others. (pretty good fact to know)

I (like you) bought a kilt to wear on occasion, and have over a short period of time, acquired quite a collection. My youngest son wrestles for his high school; thus I attend tournaments almost weekly and always kilted - as a matter of fact, if i am not there or have not yet been seen, his team mates and many of the other coaches want to know, "..where is THE KILT".

I recently got to attend a tournament in your neck of the woods, at Evangile Christian Academy, and of course wore a kilt; my Heritage of Ireland. Yes, of course, I/it got a few looks, and a few comments - but nearly all very positive.

So, how do you deal? I'm not sure - everyone is so different, but try just enjoying your individuality there, go along with "the joke" and in time ( a really short time ), I'm betting that you will find a confidence that you never knew you had!

[tulloch]

Welcome from the highlands of Central Massachusetts. The kilt will help your self-confidence or sink it. Why do you like it? Can you articulate what makes it a great garment for you? Heritage? Killer fashion? Budding piper? It is, without a doubt, the best garment for hiking, (though I don't think rappelling would be a good idea). When you know why you do what you do and can express it to others you reinforce your own strength of character each time you tell people about it. It can be a great conversation starter.

There are fools in this world and they can act in ways that, if you have not got the self-confidence, can erode your pleasure you get from wearing it.

When I was your age I found a document called Desiderata. I had a copy of it by me for years. Though it did not address wearing the kilt it, along with a strong, supportive parent, (my mother), made me a very confident individual. Good luck and check here often for ideas and just to see how acceptable the kilt is to so many admirable people.

[Stitchwiz]

Welcome from the highlands of Central Massachusetts. The kilt will help your self-confidence or sink it. Why do you like it? Can you articulate what makes it a great garment for you? Heritage? Killer fashion? Budding piper? It is, without a doubt, the best garment for hiking, (though I don't think rappelling would be a good idea). When you know why you do what you do and can express it to others you reinforce your own strength of character each time you tell people about it. It can be a great conversation starter.

There are fools in this world and they can act in ways that, if you have not got the self-confidence, can erode your pleasure you get from wearing it.

When I was your age I found a document called Desiderata. I had a copy of it by me for years. Though it did not address wearing the kilt it, along with a strong, supportive parent, (my mother), made me a very confident individual. Good luck and check here often for ideas and just to see how acceptable the kilt is to so many admirable people.

Emboldening Added

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.
© Max Ehrmann 1927

[The Q]

Well done for getting a kilt at your age, I would never have done that 40 years ago even though I was living in the Outer Hebrides and Inverness at the time.
Blessed with a strange forenames when everyone of my generation had normal Anglo Saxon / Scottish forenames, I arrived in England with a Irish Accent, A few years later in the Hebrides with an English West country accent. I was always being attacked. I have over the years realised the best course of action with comments or in your case photo graph taking would be to just ignore them and carry on what every you are doing.
While your intention is to mainly wear the Kilt at formal events you should have no problem.
From my experience with my accent, then just avoiding places where those of low IQ hang out while kilt wearing until you build up confidence is the best way.
Never go to confront anyone, sticking to the first four lines of the Desiderata printed above I think is your best course of action I just wish someone had given that to me 50+ years ago!

[Laird of the Manor Kimes]

Hello everyone! Thank you for your kind replies, I appreciate the help. To Hixwithanx, Perhaps we will, I go to the one over on kings highway and creswell avenue. As for the rest of ye, I hope to get more comfortable with it. Perhaps we'll meet one day.

[Mike_Oettle]

Stitchwiz, I am glad your copy of Desiderata credits the actual author, Max Ehrman. That poem has done the rounds with a false reputation for being a couple of centuries old, when as you indicate it was written less than one century ago.
Regards,
Mike