The kilt conundrum ...

**McELT** · 3rd October 08, 07:07 AM

or Catch 22 or something like that.

It seems to me that taking the step to do something that is outside of a society's norms - such as wearing a kilt in the US or elsewhere outside of Scotland - takes a good bit of courage. However, people develop more courage by being more comfortable with an idea. And being more comfortable with an idea usually comes from repetition.

I guess, as I've read on this board before:

More men would wear kilts if more men wore kilts.

This is why I look for more "occasions" to wear a kilt, where it would be more justified to the curious onlooker. Perhaps after I've experienced more of these "occasions", the reasons will become less significant. I'll wear a kilt because its Saturday... not St. Patrick's day.

I'm wearing my County Cavan tank to my family reunion in Harrisburg, PA tomorrow. I've also worn a kilt to my PhD dissertation defence, graduation, St. Patrick's day, and several Irish festivals in the area.

**Ozman1944** · 3rd October 08, 07:16 AM

That's a good start; I wear mine grocery shopping, to the local Pub etc. Now, should I turn up in pants, someone always asks; "What happened to your Kilt? What are you dressed like THAT for?"

**george7** · 3rd October 08, 07:18 AM

I wear mine to class at least once a week. The last few weeks people have been showing a lot of interest in buying their own kilts.

**ncof300d** · 3rd October 08, 07:26 AM

Unfortunately, the positive comments are few and far between, but they are memorable. One of the greatest comments I ever received was when I made a brief stop at a house. I was wearing my wool Black Watch and a white Oxford shirt. (My favorite kilt getup) Upon leaving a woman at the next house stuck her head out the window and gave me the most gracious complement that I have ever received when wearing a kilt. She went on and on that I looked so nice in my outfit.

Most of the positive comments that I receive are from women, but once in a while there is one from a man. Two weeks ago I was at a parking lot a boutique type strip mall. Again I was wearing my wool Black Watch and a white Oxford shirt. A car went by and a man yelled out FREEDOM!! It caught the attention of many others.

Don't 'look for occasions' just wear it.

**Tommie** · 3rd October 08, 07:27 AM

I guess where you and I differ,is that I do not look for "occasions" as you put it,to wear a kilt.
I wear a kilt whenever and where ever I choose.
I think no more about wearing a kilt than I do wearing pants,shorts or anything else.
The kilt has become a part of my wardrobe that I like and choose to wear more than anything than anything I own.
Pants and shorts are just that,pants and shorts.Boring.
But the kilt-Yeah- that says something about a man an those that choose to wear it.
I choose not to blend in with the every day humdrum of suits and pants.

My two cents worth.

**JS Sanders** · 3rd October 08, 07:30 AM

<< I've also worn a kilt to my PhD dissertation defence... >>

IMPRESSIVE - you must've been really confident of the outcome.

**ncof300d** · 3rd October 08, 07:57 AM

Originally Posted by Tommie

I guess where you and I differ,is that I do not look for "occasions" as you put it,to wear a kilt.
I wear a kilt whenever and where ever I choose.
I think no more about wearing a kilt than I do wearing pants,shorts or anything else.
The kilt has become a part of my wardrobe that I like and choose to wear more than anything than anything I own.
Pants and shorts are just that,pants and shorts.Boring.
But the kilt-Yeah- that says something about a man an those that choose to wear it.
I choose not to blend in with the every day humdrum of suits and pants.

My two cents worth.

*you rebel*

The only difference between your thinking and mine is that I consider pants EVIL!

**auld argonian** · 3rd October 08, 08:23 AM

When the subject comes up, I usually say, "Hey...it's the pants alternative. Every man should have at least one kilt in his wardrobe...think about it." That usually at least puts the idea in their heads and you can see them rolling it over in their minds. Why not?

Another of my more devilish comments is, "Hey...kilts are "in"...have you been paying any attention? Six months from now you'll be looking for one and they'll be all gone because the hip people will have bought them all...where are ya' gonna be then...eh?"

Best

AA

**Chrissss** · 3rd October 08, 08:40 AM

I seldom wear my kilts to work (safety regulations) and don't wear them around the house that much because of wrinkling. But I do wear them out whenever I can do so for more than an hour or two.

Maybe because there is a lot of Scottish history in my city or that everyone simply knows what a kilt is, but I have never had a bad comment. Maybe a couple folks were sarcastic in the "nice kilt" comment, I don't know, but I choose to take those as good.

The only "skirt" and "dress" comments I EVER get are from my friends teasing.

Of those positive comments I would say it was a 50/50 split from men & women. The men often ask about kilts and say they wouldn't mind having one except for the expense...so I point them to SWK to look at inexpensive alternatives to start them out.

The women mostly express the "how good that looks" comments

Of course they almost always ask if I play the pipes (no...) and "The Question" comes up a lot, too...

Chris...

**JelicoCat** · 3rd October 08, 09:37 AM

I wear my UK's when ever I can. I've had people in grocery stores, the mall, etc asking where to buy a kilt. It seems to happen more and more as time goes by. I live in a fairly progressive minded town and it wouldn't surprise me if next summer I see more kilts being worn for everyday activities.