Any suggestions for wearing a kilt in public for the first time?

**estimaa** · 13th July 16, 09:06 AM

Originally Posted by Knight

It was definitely weird at first, like trying to ice skate, but after the first few "outings" you learn to ignore the curious stares or remarks, and, perhaps because of the confidence, you get compliments, which is nice.

So my suggestion is to just do it, get on the ice, take your lumps, and soon it'll be reflexive.

.... but frankly, I don't care.

Too busy being comfortable to bother with potential negative nerberts.

Ice Skating in Russia is already "initiation", then you see all the beautiful things people are doing like 2nd nature...

Kilts fall into the same category, especially once you get used to walking around through snow drifts at -20C.

**kiltedtom** · 13th July 16, 03:23 PM

My advice to anyone worried about wearing a kilt for the first time in public is, simply, stop worrying and just wear it. You will be pleasantly surprised at how much support you will get from others who see you. And the small of group of individuals who try to make an issue just are a) jealous or b) not man enough to wear one.

Oh yeah, do be careful and do not spill anything on it.

Go for it and enjoy!

Tom

**KiltedMan** · 19th July 16, 12:05 AM

I've been spending a lot of time in my Stumptown kilts - esp. when I'm home. I'm feeling a lot more comfortable in them although it's still a bit awkward to wear them out but other than a few strange looks, no one really seems to think much of them. I happen to be a musician (in addition to my new quest to learn the bagpipes, I'm a classically trained orchestral musician) and had a concert on Sunday. I was lamenting the fact that I couldn't wear my kilt as it's been hot and humid and had to wear all black for the performance (no tie or coat). I was extremely surprised with I showed up only to find one of the string bass players wearing a black utility kilt (see below) - it's the first one I've seen here in NJ! To be honest, I was a bit jealous although I would never have thought I could get away with it - not to mention, mine are olive and gray. In fact, I don't think anyone in the orchestra thought anything of it. I'm going to have to get a black kilt now although I doubt I'd wear it to concerts . . .

concert_kilt.jpg

**Bill MacAskill** · 20th July 16, 12:45 AM

Weddings etc apart, the first time I wore mine (in England) was when Scotland were playing in the 6 Nations Rugby Cup and it was shown at my local pub. It went down very well and the landlord even brought me a few pints! Since then, another kilt wearer has joined me for the games and it feels very comfortable and natural. Go for it!

**Tasty Rabbit** · 21st July 16, 07:48 PM

What part of Jersey are you in ? When I'm there it's for Camden or the shore & in Camden I advise not standing out . You're too late for the NJ Renaissance Fair but in Sept. the PA Renn fair has a Scot / Irish weekend & there will be hundreds of kilted guys there .

**KiltedMan** · 21st July 16, 08:49 PM

Originally Posted by Tasty Rabbit

What part of Jersey are you in ? When I'm there it's for Camden or the shore & in Camden I advise not standing out . You're too late for the NJ Renaissance Fair but in Sept. the PA Renn fair has a Scot / Irish weekend & there will be hundreds of kilted guys there .

I'm in Basking Ridge - quite a distance from Camden. I've only seen one kilted guy so far.

**Taskr** · 22nd July 16, 03:04 PM

We can all say "just do it" because its easy to forget the wee bit of trepidation back when. Give it time and you will provide the same advice to someone. Sort of like taking those first steps as a toddler, I suppose. One thing that is easy to agree on, kiltedman, is to know you don't need an "excuse". Its clothing. Wear it. Some will comment on appropriateness at different events and activities - as you have regarding a kilt for a concert. Over time, novelty transitions to normal and then normal, sometimes, transitions into rarely. On that note, I consider myself to be a bit of a binge-kiltie these days. Won't take it off the hangar for a while and then add it to wearing again for a bit. Not unlike other items in my wardrobe. Still, there's something about the kilt that makes the rest of the wardrobe plain and common.

Enjoy!!! your new-found style.

(as for the undies thing, to each his own but I'd be mindful around little ones and alcohol-infused women regardless)

**OC Richard** · 22nd July 16, 07:10 PM

Originally Posted by Taskr

We can all say "just do it" because its easy to forget the wee bit of trepidation back when.

Yes a good point. I simply can't recall my first time wearing a kilt in public. I was probably around 18. I had my first set of pipes. It was like Christmas every day.

40 years on and I still enjoy the pipes and kiltwearing.

**trebor** · 22nd July 16, 07:27 PM

True about not needing an excuse. When my wife asked why, I didn't want to say "it is cooler" or "it is more comfortable." I just said I was trying it out.

**bicyclebradley** · 23rd July 16, 07:45 AM

After reading thru this thread it made me think back to the first time i wore my first kilt out, which i cannot remember...
I do remember a lot of looks, some nods and "nice kilt" like the others mention.

In San Diego there are a lot of international transplants, but not many kilts. IMO that just makes me a little bit more unique, which is always good!

Also SD is basically the capitol of Hipster-Cool-Guy land these days. Those are the only dudes who ever call it a skirt, but never to my face. I hear it in the pubs every now and then in passing. I'll quickly follow that up with a quietly spoken "your jealousy is thinly veiled" and have never had a follow up comment from one of them...

BESIDES, when i go out in one of my kilts, this tends to happen:

IMG_3562.JPG