Reaction to you Wearing a Kilt

**FossilHunter** · 29th July 18, 09:47 PM

I didn’t start kilting until after I was married but my wife likes the look and has never said anything negative about it.

I probably wouldn’t surprise a date with it but if she already knew you wore a kilt I wouldn’t worry too much about it. She’ll find out sooner or later if you keep seeing each other.

**Lady Grey** · 29th July 18, 09:48 PM

I can actually comment on this with experience.
Last week I was in Honolulu
I wasn’t on a date but with a group of locals who were taking me out.
1 gentleman in the group was wearing a 5:11 Black Kilt, scrunched socks, boots, black Tshirt and black vest. He looked great and was very excited to hear about me going to kilt kamp
It was perfectly appropriate...... but..... there’s always a but!

We were at a local sports bar on Taco Tuesday, he was dressier than the construction workers still in hi-vis but not so dressy as to look silly.

So where will the date be? What sort of kilt?

If it’s drinks or meal at a local bar, maybe a walk for shaved ice and a chat... a casual canvas kilt would be great.
A nice dinner at a fancy restaurant... no. A woollen tartan kilt will look silly and a solid canvas kilt would be too casual.

I think your location and climate in Hawaii does restrict traditional tartan kilt wear for you.
But some solid coloured drill or canvas casual kilts would be great.

**Kiltedjohn** · 30th July 18, 02:01 AM

There is a lot of interesting, and conflicting, advice in this thread, so in the end you have to weigh it up and make the choice. My own feeling is that the kilt is a very conspicuous garment, and it might cause embarrassment if your date is not expecting it. I wouldn't wear it on a first date unless I was sure of my ground.

**Jock Scot** · 30th July 18, 02:45 AM

Originally Posted by Bluethunder90

Now Jock gives what seems like a pretty wise piece of advice, but now, I'm torn; Jock give sage advice, but "Kilt up and sally forth" is what my natural inclination would be. Having said that, the past has shown me that my natural inclinations have run more than a couple of women away. Decisions decisions.....

I am laughing my socks off at this reply!

So can I ask kindly? How many more dates are going to founder, before you change course?

**Father Bill** · 30th July 18, 03:35 AM

What sort of lady are you trying to attract? That’s a large part of the difference. Bold, or demure? Each personality type is right for some guys, not others.

**Geoff Withnell** · 30th July 18, 05:33 AM

Originally Posted by Bluethunder90

Now Jock gives what seems like a pretty wise piece of advice, but now, I'm torn; Jock give sage advice, but "Kilt up and sally forth" is what my natural inclination would be. Having said that, the past has shown me that my natural inclinations have run more than a couple of women away. Decisions decisions.....

Lad, if your natural inclinations run a woman away, why would you want to spend time with her, since it would be difficult to be yourself? Having spent 46 years with a woman whose reaction to my natural inclinations is usually "Great! Let's go!", trust me, it's more fun.

**Tobus** · 30th July 18, 05:34 AM

Originally Posted by Kiltedjohn

There is a lot of interesting, and conflicting, advice in this thread, so in the end you have to weigh it up and make the choice. My own feeling is that the kilt is a very conspicuous garment, and it might cause embarrassment if your date is not expecting it. I wouldn't wear it on a first date unless I was sure of my ground.

This is my take on it as well. Here in the USA, the kilt is most definitely not a commonly-seen garment in everyday situations. It can be, and usually is, seen as an eccentric choice. First dates are not the time and place to display personal eccentricity unless the other person knows it beforehand and is supportive. Even a woman who likes kilts, who would eventually be supportive, and who could become a lifelong partner, can be easily scared off by such a stunt.

I know, I know. This is a kilt forum. We all want the kilt to be accepted everywhere with no social ramifications. Sorry guys, but we need to be realistic. Context!

**Jock Scot** · 30th July 18, 06:46 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

This is my take on it as well. Here in the USA, the kilt is most definitely not a commonly-seen garment in everyday situations. It can be, and usually is, seen as an eccentric choice. First dates are not the time and place to display personal eccentricity unless the other person knows it beforehand and is supportive. Even a woman who likes kilts, who would eventually be supportive, and who could become a lifelong partner, can be easily scared off by such a stunt.

I know, I know. This is a kilt forum. We all want the kilt to be accepted everywhere with no social ramifications. Sorry guys, but we need to be realistic. Context!

In my experience theres not much difference in female thinking here in the UK-------yes including Scotland-----either.

**jumary** · 30th July 18, 06:47 AM

I think all of us who may have been married for some time, in my case 33 years, are now living vicariously through your experience! I am now wondering if I would have worn a kilt on a first date. What would have happened if I had done so with my wife? Would she even have become my wife?
It is definitely a risky move, but you are just dating and it's supposed to fun, and you might just find a young lady who loves a bit of surprise and adventure! Best of luck and let us know what happens.

**Manu** · 30th July 18, 08:53 AM

I agree with the cautionary folks here. When you go on a date with someone, you should be aware of how the other person is going to perceive you, at least I would. It might be off putting to someone who might otherwise be a great partner in the future. Or maybe your date will be super happy to see you in a kilt on a first date. It can really go either way, and unless your date has been exposed to your kilting before, you're really taking a gamble. I'd err on the side of caution. I'm married, and luckily my wife loves my kilting, but kilts are still on the fringes in the US as far as daily men's wear, and your date might need to be eased into your kilting as opposed to surprising her on your first date.