Why be ...

[Nick]

I've heard of them referred to as "man-capri's", but they look like hobbit pants. I saw a lot of them while I was in Belgium, but not here. Must be a European fashion that hasn't yet transferred over the pond.

[Iolaus]

I've heard of them referred to as "man-capri's", but they look like hobbit pants. I saw a lot of them while I was in Belgium, but not here. Must be a European fashion that hasn't yet transferred over the pond.

Are you guys talking about "clam-diggers?"

[Blu (Ontario)]

The skate board and rapp music types have been wearing those baggy below the knee shorts? for a few years, but I'm not sure if we're talking about the same thing.

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[Jimmy the Celt]

I'm a conflict of interests--I don't like getting attention and being noticed. But I also hate to look like everyone else. Perhaps the kilt attracts more attention, but I used to wear threadbare Grateful Dead t-shirts (I have a 1994 summer tour shirt still!) and must have looked kind of "out there" to some people, but most never even commented. I generally don't like to attract attention to myself as I am a pretty introverted chap who usually prefers being left alone. But I'm also a musician, and was in an Celtic/Irish trad band and loved every second of it. I'm usually pretty quiet, but always end up being the life of the party--even without the loud mouth soup.

So, I can be a really quiet nerd talking about things no one else is interested in, or the unsuspecting entertainer. At any rate, I have always opposed trendiness and have done my part to avoid it at all costs. (except for one girlfriend, and that was just stupid; the things we do for women sometimes . . .)

James

[auld argonian]

I'm not sure about the clam-digger man-capris...around these parts it's the cargo-shorts-that-are-so-long-and-worn-so-low-on-the-hips-that-they-look-like-capri-pants pants. These charming garments are worn with flip-flops...which, I'm sorry, should only be worn by men on the way to and from the shower...and I'm sure that the flip-flops will still be being worn well into the increasingly chilly months of autumn. Usually a t-shirt with the name of some spurious athletic institution accompanies this ensemble...this always bowls me over because most of these guys (and these are YOUNG guys) are in pretty sad physical condition...took me many years and a whole lot of beer to get my gut (such as it is) and this lot has me beat in their early twenties.

I know that we're all supposed to be kilt-evangelists but could we skip over this crowd...they'd only find a way to wear the kilt in a slovenly way...

Best

AA

[andyfg]

Derek,

Thanks for your thoughts. It often amazes me that my students insist that they are all "individuals" and yet they wear identicle clothing! Of course, sociologically there is the need to belong, not be be different, not to be deviant. Truth is, kilt wearers are deviant . . . outside the norm. Cheers!

[NewKilt]

I think it comes down to the fact that we are social creatures. Social acceptance is of great importance to most people. How many times have we heard someone say that they would do this or do that if it ever became popular? Part of social acceptance, or what someone might perceive as social acceptance is basically to do what the majority do (even if it may not be logical to so do). There is a fear of being laughed at or ridiculed.

This made me think about that thread that talked about the man in New York that wore shorts to work due to the heat. His decision to wear shorts was logical - it made sense due to the extreme heat. He was laughed at for doing so. The next day he was back in pants - better to be accepted than to be comfortable.

I recall the BBC video of Hamish were he talked about giving up trousers several years ago, and instead going for the comfort afforded by kilts. He had said that a man has to be of a certain character, and possess a certain inner strength to wear a kilt in public. I think this applies to just about anybody that dares to deviate from the "socially acceptable norm," whether it's kilts, shorts at work, or something else.

Darrell

[Iolaus]

flip-flops...which, I'm sorry, should only be worn by men on the way to and from the shower...and I'm sure that the flip-flops will still be being worn well into the increasingly chilly months of autumn.

In SoCal, we pretty much wear them year-round. Why enclose your feet in some hot shoes when the coldest temps you see are the mid-sixties? I have a friend at school who goes barefoot all year.

[smaughazard]

Here at XMarks, most of us admit that we like marching to the beat of the proverbial "different drum", but we are also gathered for the support of others like us…

I don't mind being the only man in a kilt in a public venue, but I also enjoy being in a rabble o' kilts at the Games. Isn't much of sociology and psychology based on such contradictory aspects of human nature? :confused:

Rather than over-analyze, I tend just to enjoy the comfort!

[O'Neille]

I like being with fellow kilties when I can and also admit that I like being complimented on my kilt and assundry complementing attire. I wear suits that cost twice what any kilt costs and never once has anyone complemented me on any of them. Last weekend it seemed like everywhere I went I received a compliment from someone regarding my attire. I guess I wear suits so often that I don't feel dressed up unless I am in a Tux or a kilt outfit. Who wants to put on their work clothes to go out to a nice dinner? O'Neille