What if kilts never really catch on?

[NewKilt]

My point is that you have a REASON to wear a kilt.

Wouldn't it be nice to someday not NEED a reason? I know you might not care or might not understand.

Women when they wear pants or a skirt don't need to GIVE a reason. It would be nice if men someday had the same freedom.

Today we don't, at least if we're not Scottish we don't.

Phil,

Everyone that is a member XMarks has a *reason* why they wear a kilt wether it be for comfort, heritage, a desire to not blend in with everyone else, or a mixture of these things.

The kilt will always be associated with Scotland - even the Utilikilts that you and I wear. Some of us wear a kilt everyday, while others wear them a few times a year. Some of us enjoy wearing both traditional and non-traditional kilts. Others prefer traditionals only, or non-traditionals only. We all respect each others reasons for our choices.

You are not going to escape stares and questions (including are you Scottish), or even the occasional off-color remark if you elect to wear a kilt in public - it comes with the territory. I'm getting the impression that you would like to see as many men as possible wearing kilts (non-traditionals in particular) as soon as possible so that the stares and questions go away.

Just be yourself. Answer questions in a courteous, matter-of-fact manner. Throw in a little humor now and then - it puts people at ease. Many times those initial questions can lead to many interesting conversations on a number of topics - not just kilts. And when you take the time to converse with people, you will leave people with a favorable impression of yourself, and the kilt.

As far as wearing kilts to work, have you asked your immediate supervisor about it? There are members that have asked permission to wear a kilt at work and have gotten the ok to do so.

Darrell

[pbpersson]

Phil,

I'm getting the impression that you would like to see as many men as possible wearing kilts (non-traditionals in particular) as soon as possible so that the stares and questions go away.

Darrell

One of two things will happen. Either the stares and questions will go away or I will get used to them. It sounds like it will probably be the latter and not the former.

[davedove]

One of two things will happen. Either the stares and questions will go away or I will get used to them. It sounds like it will probably be the latter and not the former.

Some of the stares will go away as people get used to you, but mostly you will get confident in your kilt wearing and just not notice the stares anymore.

The best thing you or any of us can do to promote kilt wearing is to provide a good example. Wear the kilt, wear it well (don't be sloppy), and be an all around good person. Just show the people you're not a freak and they will come to understand (slowly) that you are just making a choice.

And don't be afraid of the questions. Questions are an opportunity to educate.

[pbpersson]

Phil,

As far as wearing kilts to work, have you asked your immediate supervisor about it? There are members that have asked permission to wear a kilt at work and have gotten the ok to do so.

Darrell

I asked today. I mentioned that the dress code is not gender specific and says that all employees can wear skirts and pants but not shorts.

Well....he was rather amazed that I would ask and said if I come to work in a kilt they will specifically re-write the dress code just for me so it states that men wear pants and women can wear skirts and that is how the world is supposed to be.

So....that was that. Now I'm sorry I asked, I wish I hadn't even mentioned it.

[Aramp]

Well....he was rather amazed that I would ask and said if I come to work in a kilt they will specifically re-write the dress code just for me so it states that men wear pants and women can wear skirts and that is how the world is supposed to be.
So....that was that. Now I'm sorry I asked, I wish I hadn't even mentioned it.

You'll excuse me, but what the hell is wrong with companies in Phoenix? I mean, even ignoring the ridiculousness of that dress code forcing women to wear skirts and men to wear pants, the fact remains the kilt is a male garment.

[pbpersson]

You'll excuse me, but what the hell is wrong with companies in Phoenix? I mean, even ignoring the ridiculousness of that dress code forcing women to wear skirts and men to wear pants, the fact remains the kilt is a male garment.

Well....I meant to say that men must wear pants and women can wear whatever they want except for shorts.

Shorts are not allowed here, and since men can ONLY wear pants and shorts in life we must wear pants.

This is another reason why I would like to wear my Utilikilt in front of everyone and everywhere for the rest of my days - so some day in the future people will know that a kilt can be worn as an alternative to pants.

[Kilted KT]

The fact that the boss told you they would re-write the dress code if you wore a kilt sounds pretty close-minded to me, but I do not know the work environment there.

I do wish you good luck in your quest to wear the kilt at work!

[pbpersson]

The fact that the boss told you they would re-write the dress code if you wore a kilt sounds pretty close-minded to me, but I do not know the work environment there.

I do wish you good luck in your quest to wear the kilt at work!

Well...the question is, how common do Utilikilts need to be before they will be included in the dress codes of companies across the land? That is the real question.

My guess is that it will take a number of decades before this will happen, if ever.

[Blu (Ontario)]

... Shorts are not allowed here, and since men can ONLY wear pants and shorts in life we must wear pants.

This must seem terribly unfair... discrimination base on gender etc.... and, in a manner of speaking, I suppose it is. Some places of employment are very relaxed in their dress codes and other quite restrictive and rigid. How fair is that.

There are cases over the last few years where others, in a similar situation to yours, have pushed back and won. And probably an equally number that did not win.

I guess real question is... how important is it to your well being to pursue the issue.

[pbpersson]

I guess real question is... how important is it to your well being to pursue the issue.

If I have a choice between being comfortable and having a nice job I would rather have a nice job.

However, now I feel dumb having just spent $1800 on a bunch of kilts I can only wear for late night walks and church. How stupid!

I'm trying to make myself feel better knowing I can wear them on late night walks and at church for the next twenty years.