what else could I say??

[Archangel]

Honestly, I don't understand why people get offended when asked this question. Now, I know every situation is different, but I would first assume that if I was asked "What do you wear under that?", the person asking the question isn't asking what I, personally, am wearing under my kilt, but is actually meaning "What does one wear under the kilt as opposed to pants?" And honestly, is that not a valid question?

Oh, I know most people probably ask because they've "heard" what's not worn under the kilt, but they probably just want to know the truth of the matter. Perhaps they think that's there's a special garment to wear under the kilt, or what is more widely worn, possibly due to comfort or what not.

I would try to explain that traditionally, nothing was worn underneath, but really it's to person and what they find most comfortable. If I was asked directly as to what I was wearing. Depending on the situation I was would probably say something like "Sock and shoes", "I prefer to go regimental," "That's a bit personal, isn't it?" with a smile. Honestly, I don't any reason to rude unles the person is being rude to your first.

I guess I have a bit of a disagreement here. From your first paragraph, I start from the premise that asking anyone about their underwear, or lack of, is not a valid question.

I remember as a child my mother showing me the mail order catalogue (way back, way, way back), and turning to the size chart page where there were drawings of people in their basic underwear. She said that nobody but a doctor was allowed to touch, look or ask about the area that covered. In all my years I have come across no reason to disagree with that teaching (well, until my late teens anyway).

Generally, I am polite, because I'm a nice guy, but I start from the premise that it is a rude question. They don't have a right to know, they don't have a right to ask. So, depending on the context, they could get any range of answer and on this my conscience is clear.

[Coinneach]

Especially with strangers I've taken to answering "the question" with, "You first" and then waiting. No one has ever taken me up on it. I can only assume it's ok for them to ask me, not for me to ask them.

[Clockwork John]

I ususally respond with "only my wife knows," and leave it at that.

[Ayin McFye]

My new favorite for when a nice looking lady asks is "A good girl nevers asks, and a bad girl finds out for herself."

[McClef]

I have a confession to make...

I was asked the question in the hotel bar after the concert (Ireland) and had had a few Guinness's...

I turned around and lifted the pleats enough to provide the answer...

To much applause!

[Ayin McFye]

I have a confession to make...

I was asked the question in the hotel bar after the concert (Ireland) and had had a few Guinness's...

I turned around and lifted the pleats enough to provide the answer...

To much applause!

I'd be lying if I said i've never done the same. Thanks for being honest!

[davedove]

I'd be lying if I said i've never done the same. Thanks for being honest!

I've never done that, but I have been known to let an attractive lady give me a kilt check.

[McClef]

I'd be lying if I said i've never done the same. Thanks for being honest!

I will be even more honest - I did that more than once during the course of the evening!

(An evening that lasted until nearly 5 am!)

[Rampant Lion]

I guess I have a bit of a disagreement here. From your first paragraph, I start from the premise that asking anyone about their underwear, or lack of, is not a valid question.

I remember as a child my mother showing me the mail order catalogue (way back, way, way back), and turning to the size chart page where there were drawings of people in their basic underwear. She said that nobody but a doctor was allowed to touch, look or ask about the area that covered. In all my years I have come across no reason to disagree with that teaching (well, until my late teens anyway).

In a way I have to agree with you; your mother's advice is obviously what children should be taught. However, I think there's a big difference between asking a child about "the area" and asking a grown man about what's covering the area. Also, like I said before; I don't think most people are asking what you personally are wearing under the kilt, but instead are asking what is typically worn under the kilt. Anyway, that's just how I see it.