Unbelievable request

**CDNSushi** · 10th October 08, 08:07 PM

I too can see both sides of this... If I were in your shoes, I'd probably e-mail them back a reply explaining a few thing...

First, the reason for most adults to dress up at Halloween is NOT to go trick-or-treating, but usually to go to a party or bar... As this is the case, the kilts you own are NOT appropriate for such a use. First, there's the risk of getting them stained, ripped, drinks or food getting spilled on them, and just too much at stake considering that your average quality kilt costs over $100.

Second, if they want to go dressed up as Scotsmen for Halloween, there are many places that can supply them with an appropriate costume -- as over-the-top as they want even. They are fairly cheap and will serve the purpose just fine.

Third, if after Halloween they ever want to try out a kilt to wear just to know what it's like, without treating it as a costume, you'd be happy to oblige and teach them how to wear it properly and proudly.

I agree with what some others have said in this forum. It doesn't make sense to get angry at them because you may end up turning them into casual kilt-wearers themselves. Forgive them their ignorance.

P.S. As an after-thought, you may want to point out to them that it would be equally inappropriate to ask a female friend to borrow her good evening gown (that she wears out to the symphony) just so you could dress up as a woman for Halloween... If you did that, she'd tear you a strip!

**auld argonian** · 10th October 08, 09:06 PM

'ere ya go...

http://cgi.ebay.com/MENS-BIG-SHOT-SC...d=p3286.c0.m14

...send 'em this way!

Best

AA

**navysqueaker** · 10th October 08, 09:25 PM

I don't know. . . i guess it would depend on 1) are they good friends, someone you can trust not to mess it up and 2) how they plan to 'Wear' it. . . my senior year of high school we had a gender bender day for spirt week and the only way my best guy friend would wear a skirt or dress was if it were a kilt, so i lent him mine.

**Wompet** · 10th October 08, 09:32 PM

Originally Posted by Panache

Craig,

You are a master punster and have caused untold damage to us on XMTS.

You finally have a target that truly deserves your unholy skill.

"Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of War"

And let the rest of us pity these poor unfortunate devils...

Cheers

Jamie

Jamie, I'm a little busy to travel out to Phoenix right now - can I just second Auld Argonian's post, along with Rocky's idea of sending them to Stillwater (or maybe USAKilts)?
Yes, they should be made to understand that their request is rather insulting to someone who wears the kilt out of respect for his heritage. But they may be making this insult out of ignorance, and not intention. A simple explanation may suffice to make them understand.

Of course, if they're being stupid instead of ignorant - "Garg 'n Uair Dhuisgear"!

**george7** · 10th October 08, 09:34 PM

When I don't want to lend a kilt, I suggest "the question." It's kinda like breaking up by saying "it's not you, it's me."

**CDNSushi** · 10th October 08, 10:40 PM

well.. uh.. If I were ever to lend one of my kilts for ANY reason, there would have to have an explicit understanding that it would NOT be worn regimental...

**Mr. MacDougall** · 10th October 08, 11:54 PM

Originally Posted by ozone

People dress up as ER doctors all the time and scrubs are not a "costume" either.

A couple of years ago, I had clinical instruction on Halloween. I was in a clean area of the hospital, so I wasn't concerned about what might be on my scrubs, and I stopped at Subway on my way back to the dorm. The guy behind the counter said, "Nice doctor costume."

I said, "Nurse," and moved towards the front of the line.

"How do you know?" he asked.

I tapped my name tag, and said, "because I'm a nurse."

... and returning to the topic of kilts, I'd just like to say that I'm down with the "point them at Jerry for thriftys" crowd.

**Tetley** · 10th October 08, 11:55 PM

Originally Posted by CDNSushi

I too can see both sides of this... If I were in your shoes, I'd probably e-mail them back a reply explaining a few thing...

First, the reason for most adults to dress up at Halloween is NOT to go trick-or-treating, but usually to go to a party or bar... As this is the case, the kilts you own are NOT appropriate for such a use. First, there's the risk of getting them stained, ripped, drinks or food getting spilled on them, and just too much at stake considering that your average quality kilt costs over $100.

Second, if they want to go dressed up as Scotsmen for Halloween, there are many places that can supply them with an appropriate costume -- as over-the-top as they want even. They are fairly cheap and will serve the purpose just fine.

Third, if after Halloween they ever want to try out a kilt to wear just to know what it's like, without treating it as a costume, you'd be happy to oblige and teach them how to wear it properly and proudly.

I agree with what some others have said in this forum. It doesn't make sense to get angry at them because you may end up turning them into casual kilt-wearers themselves. Forgive them their ignorance.

P.S. As an after-thought, you may want to point out to them that it would be equally inappropriate to ask a female friend to borrow her good evening gown (that she wears out to the symphony) just so you could dress up as a woman for Halloween... If you did that, she'd tear you a strip!

That's probably the most appropriate response, most diplomatic. I have to admit to lending out a kilt to a work colleague who was interested in seeing what wearing a kilt was like, but I'd not led one out for Halloween.

Mark

**Cavebear58** · 11th October 08, 12:50 AM

Originally Posted by Marshal Moroni

A couple of good points have been made,
1st We all agree that the Kilt is not a costume.
2nd It might be a place to get started, for me it wasn't Halloween, but it was Ren Faires that got me interested.

But, for me its kind of odd. All of the girls and women in my life share clothes with friends, etc. But I have never and will probably never loan out an article of clothing for someone else to where. It's just weird!

Just my thoughts from CA, where we are all off a bit

Cheers,

Marshal Moroni

Yes, that is an interesting point... Hmm?!

Similarly, I don't know of any other forum where blokes exchange sartorial tips and experiences quite so freely as this one. I can't imagine a "flat cap", "dungarees" or "cargo trousers" forum for example!

Best wishes, Graham.

**ender103601** · 11th October 08, 01:36 AM

one of the first times i wore a kilt outside of the Highland Games was on Halloween. when people asked why i was wearing it i just said because it was tuesday. it was one of the things that led me to get a kilt of my own.
knowing that you can go out without having to worry about anyone making an ignorant comment about it can be quite a confidence boost as well, which helps being comfortable wearing it everyday.

we all have our own stories as to how or why we started wearing a kilt. who knows this could be theirs.