Be gentle...it's my first time

[bronzewhaler82]

Hi guys


Just thought I'd share my first out-on-the-town kilt experience


Last night I decided to wear my plain black kilt out into my local town just like you guys advised

I had a great time actually, at first I walked past a few groups of teenage girls who sniggered (as was expected) and a few people visibly stopped and stared in the street (one guy actually stepped on his dogs paw cos he was too busy staring at me instead of looking where he was walking!)

Hardly anyone noticed in the restaurant as I had my legs under the table but as soon as we got in the bar afterwards alot of heads turned, people sniggered and stared but I didn't mind, I really didn't because no-one threatened me at all, I actually felt really comfortable and even my girlfriend (who was dreading it) said it wasn't as bad as she thought, one drunk girl said loudly "THAT BLOKE HAS A KILT ON!" but I didn't mind, at least she didn;t call it a skirt!!!

Has anyone on this forum ever been assaulted because they had a kilt on? I appreciate it must be a risk and there are some areas I wouldn't dream of wearing a kilt in but on the whole I don't see why people shouldn't wear kilts wherever they want to. I only hope I can be that brave one day!

Cheers

[Southern Breeze]

Thanks for sharing your story. Going out the first time is a little unsettling to most. But as you now know the biggest hurdle to overcome is ones self. You're going to get looks, comments and questions, both positive and negative. Thats just part of being kilted. Ignore the bad, gain strength from the good and wear your kilt often and with pride.

[Blu (Ontario)]

... Has anyone on this forum ever been assaulted because they had a kilt on? I appreciate it must be a risk and there are some areas I wouldn't dream of wearing a kilt in but on the whole I don't see why people shouldn't wear kilts wherever they want to. I only hope I can be that brave one day!...

Glad your first outing was a positive experience.

There was a story on another board a while back that sounded pretty serious that later proved to be a hoax. Personally, I've neither been threatened, or assaulted. I've had insults shouted at me by teenage boys from fast moving cars. I've also had some rather stupid remarks come my way. Certainly not violence. On the other hand, I don't dismiss the fact that it could happen. Neither do I curl up like a mushroom worrying about it. Kilt or not, assaulting somebody is a criminal act and I would persue the party criminally and civilly to the fullest extent possible.

.

[chasem]

I have never been assaulted, threatened, or anything of that sort when wearing the kilt.I have seen teen/pre-teen girls giggle, but aside from that, the worst of it has been some guys in a couple of my classes leaning over to another and saying something to the effect of "hey, dude's got a kilt on" in kind of a "not sure what to think about that" tone.

aside from that, nothing but compliments and genuine questions.

[Randy]

I had never really thought that someone would assault me over my choice of clothing. My wife will answer the question of "Where are your bagpipes?" I have heard some comments in poor taste but mostly just ignore them if my wife is with me. But I have issued bad karma when without adult supervision.
I guess wear the kilt like its yours and most sober folks will not mess with you.

[Rex_Tremende]

I had never really thought that someone would assault me over my choice of clothing.

Like it or not, a guy in a kilt can challenge gender stereotypes among the unenlighted and insecure, and for whatever reason, people who challenge gender stereotypes are often the victim of violence. BW's concerns are probably not unfounded, even if getting beaten up for wearing a kilt is rare.

So, be aware of your surroundings, avoid traveling alone in high-risk areas at high-risk times, and, above all, be confident in yourself, kilt or no.

Regards,
Rex in Cincinnati

[Robin]

Great "battle report"!

The looks will stay...the remarks also, but sooner or later you'll get used to it and beyond that...you'll hardly notice them anymore.

Only the really nice (many!) and really rotten (few!) remarks will draw your attention in the future.

I live in a (for Dutch standards) big city with many weirdos and low lifes, never been assaulted.

I often hear remarks, but 99.9% positive....women love men wearing kilts...drunk women even more

Expect:

"Hey! a Scotsman!"

"See that? He's wearing a kilt!"

"How cute!"

"Oh! sexy!!!!!!!!!!"

"Sir! I love your kilt!"

"Sweeeeeeet!!!!!!!"

(whispering voice) "You know they wear nothing underneath?"

"Where's your bagpipe?" (doh!)

"Heu! no kilt today? "

Furthermore....

Lots of smiles, some raised eyebrows, people turning their head, people nodding to show they like it, gigling lassies...

You'll find out...welcome to the wonderful world of the kilt

[sorcererdale]

Good for you, each time will be easier and more fun. Just remember, Who'd want to be beat up by a guy in a skirt! ha ha

DALE.

[Iolaus]

Good for you, each time will be easier and more fun. Just remember, Who'd want to be beat up by a guy in a skirt! ha ha

DALE.

Moreover, who wants to chance having their friends finding out that it happened.

[Cinnabar]

I'd say 99% of opening yourself to bad comments depends on where you tend to carry yourself. What I mean by that is if you tend to go to places where you might expect aggravating comments anywhere (e.g., a seedy bar) wearing a kilt will only tend to exacerbate that. However, just wearing one around town might turn some heads and maybe make you a little nervous (it still does for me) but you shoudln't expect much more.