Dealing with the wind?

[Cinnabar]

Thanks for the advice everyone (especially Riverkilt). I think I have a better idea of what to expect and that maybe I shouldn't worry about it so much.

Maybe I'll try some hiking in a kilt, that sounds like a good way to get used to it.

[Southern Breeze]

Once you get out and about you'll see that there's really nothing to worry about.

[Andrew Breecher]

I think riverkilt said it best when he said to just get out there and get used to feeling the breeze. You've never felt anything like it before in trousers, so it's a new experience, and you feel very exposed even if nothing's being exposed. You'll grow to like the feeling of the breeze, and soon will feel overly constrained if you (ever) put on trousers again!

Andrew.

[bubba]

It's pretty rare for the kilt to blow up as far as you think it is. Even in fairly strong wind mine are no problem in that regard.

[Graham]

I guess the lads have said it all..it can be a problem on a windy day.

I find cities are worst, streets with tall buildings either side become wind tunnels, the wind blows unnaturally about.
Out in the countryside, or on the beach - not a problem, the wind blows mostly in one direction.

I love the wind, and you will develope certain strategies to cope with it.

• If I'm standing, watching an event and I'm carrying a bag, I stand casually with my hands behind my back, bag in hand. This keeps the back down and looks natural. (or take a shoulder bag with a long strap and slide it to the back)

• Walking, keep you hands to the side whenever possible, especially when you feel a gust coming on.

• Standing next to my motor, talking, I place my back to the car.

• Up a ladder, use a modesty snap or pin, or else forget it - if anyone wants to look, let them.

• If modesty is your concern then wear underpants, I always do.
• If you have a choice of kilts, wear a heavy one on windy days.
• A sporran takes care of the front, keep something heavy in it.
• If you kilt has cargo pockets, keep something heavy in them.

On the very odd occasions the kilt is blown up, don't worry, shout "Wha-hay!!" and look like you're having fun.

[Tartan Hiker]

Most of us are more concerned about the "frontal flash" than the "southern moon", so the sporran is the key. Like Graham said, it will usually take care of things, especially when loaded. If the wind is really wicked, loosen the straps so it hangs a bit lower than usual. If you still flash, you probably need to seek shelter.

[Pleater]

Even if you can feel a breeze, know your kilt is moving in the wind - or even see it streaming off to one side the odds are that it is not exposing as much as you imagine it is, and trying to press down on the side that is flying up can actually make it worse as that is where the air is making its exit.

If it makes you feel easier carry a length of fairly thick cord or a slender length of leather thong long enough so you can flick it around the pleats below exposure level and hold the ends in one hand or tie it so it is held up by the sporran. That way you might flash once but not have to retire in confusion.

I find a 'kilt liner' of sturdy cotton maintains modesty even if the wind is blustery, and they are easy enough to make, a few pleats or a bit of shaping to reduce bulk and I'd risk anything up to a Force 7. I would recommend dark colours for gents, maybe something toning with either the kilt or shirt.

I use small safety pins set vertically and pin a liner to the kilt. I start maybe 6 inches from the edge of the front apron, and they overlap about 12 inches or more. I make them almost as long as my kilts - but that is not really necessary - just adjust as you feel is adequate for the job.

[whiteravenJr.]

Lots of times when its windy out i will walk with my hands behind me resting on my rump and i let my sporran do the work on the front.