Experiences Whilst Out

[Darkislander]

I can understand how some of you kilt wearers are having mixed reactions wearing your kilts when you're not in Scotland. I'm very Scottish, and over time have introduced kilt wearing not just to an occasion. People love to see you in it and you'll find that it draws people to you. I did find that when I wore it in Southern Ireland however, people were a bit bemused, I was getting whistled at etc. No one gets made fun of when they wear their national dress, for example Asians and it ain't too warm here. A very merry xmas and a guid new year to you all. KEEP IT KILTED ! !

[PiobBear]

After piping out our former post commander (a decorated WWII Hurricane pilot; I piped "Flight of the Eaglets" and "Flowers of the Forest") at a memorial service last week, I went out for a pint with a mate to a local American Legion post. We'd inadvertantly crashed their Christmas dinner, and they requested a tune or two. I walked slowly around the tables piping Christmas carols in my RCL color guard uniform; Black Watch with spats, hose tops, hair sporran and dirk, with our regimental drone banner flying from my bass drone. They were delighted, and I drank for free that evening (Guinness no less); I still have a pocket full of drink chips.

That was by far the most enjoyable evening I've spent kilted so far this winter.

[Kilt TN]

Beverlonia, I have been wearing kilts for several years and haven’t had a truly bad experience yet, (knock wood, I am try to meet up with Dirk in Memphis over the holidays) so you shouldn’t get nervy wearing your kilt, it gets easier with time, sometime I forget I have it on, it just seem so natural at times, but be prepared for those times when you’re reminded you have it on. Like this past Saturday night I went with a friend to her company’s Christmas party, I often go places with her kilted and don’t really think of it as unusual. In fact I think if I showed up to meet her in pants at the local pub, I would get an ear full. She is a Mclean and I am descended from Campbell’s (Odd pairing if you know the history of the two clans). But I digress, upon entering the house the party was at, the hostess insisted that we have our picture taken by the photographer hired for the party, one picture lead to several pictures with my friend and the hostess, her friends and total strangers, after which my friend and I managed to get away from the hostess and head to the bar for a drink. Suddenly we hear the click of a camera shutter and yet had another picture taken by the photographer, who seemed to follow us around most of the night, taken pictures. During the course of the evening I had several people, men and women just walk up and start chatting, didn’t get either of the “questions” asked, but was often asked about the tartan and where I got my kilt. As to teenager, I am surprised by most who actually know it’s a kilt and think it’s cool.

[TheSp8]

The only teens that I have heard negative comments from were the willfully ignorant, baggy pants wearing, rap music listening wannabe thugs. They tend to talk loud but also tend to talk less loud as I get closer. In that case, I consider the source and know it isn't an opinion worth worrying about. I tend to get lots of positive comments from the pierced, tattooed, wildly colored hair young folks. Once had a couple of sisters as to have their pic taken with me. Mostly folks see something out of the ordinary, take a look, and move on without comment. I think the key is to just go about your business like you are the only one dressed properly and no one else will worry you.

YMOS,
Tony

[James MacMillan]

I really think that we make our own luck wearing the kilt. If you wear it well, with pride and confidence, you will get many fewer to no bad comments.

[Frank McGrath]

I just came back from Christmas shopping. Straight from church, kilted, in the rain and fog. Really icky day. The mall crowds are dragging kids and bags. I walk through the mall and p[eople make Eye contact and smile. One clerk thinks i'm really cold due to the weather. We have a grin about the breezies outside. the whole time I'm walking through the mall, Head up and a smile, I'm thinking maybe I can lighten someone's mood with a smile. One couple walked past me, the wife smiling and the husband looking sick to the stomach. She ran back to me to tell me how I looked in the kilt. I said thanks and Merry christmas. Too bad I had finished my shopping . I should have stayer there longer. #5. I am enjoying a Guiness as we speak. Man, I love wearing the tartan!

[timber]

A couple of days ago I was out shopping and I had two complete strangers ask for a photo. The second was a lovely young woman about half my age. I caught her eye and she turned away smiling and blushing, apparently embarrassed from being caught staring. If I were certain that she was over 21, I would have asked for her number . But the best comment was on my way out when a young goth type boy shouted out "You are my HERO!" I pointed him to a couple of our suppliers of inexpensive yet quality kilts.

[CanadianKilter84]

I had some good experiences when I first wore my kilt out today. I had a few street musicians downtown tell me how much they liked it, and asked where I got it even, as they would love to get one. Also a few random shoppers in the stores I went to complimented me on it.