Wearing a kilt to increase self-confidence?

[Snesgamer]

Does it work in general? I mean, when you've worn your kilt out for a while (and maybe have had to fake confidence), does that confidence eventually leak out in your everyday life as well?

I first started wearing kilts as a sort of test to see if I was brave enough (don't worry, I'm doing it for my Scottish heritage as well). Sure enough, the first time out, I had to suck it in every time I saw someone walk by (wondering what they were thinking) - but eventually got into the mindset that the only people who would mock or tease are people I wouldn't want to get involved with in the first place.

So, is it possible to wear the kilt as a sort of natural confidence-training thing?

[Thebigeman77]

You know, I think it does, but it really becomes (for me) just a matter of it's a piece of clothing I really like. I always liked how kilts look, now I like what they feel like. I was really eager to wear one, but it was a little awkward, though that quickly disappeared. It did certainly boost my confidence in hindsight.

[Amelorn]

I have reached almost too high a point where walking in the kilt is raised to an art. It's a regal sort of strut/march. One just begins to bleed confidence.

And that is is from an "I don't really care" persona (IE I am neither confident nor in need of the approval of others).

In time, I hope that confidence will shine from me as a source of light.

[Nighthawk]

Personally, I have always been of that Benjamin Franklin mindset- Those who matter don't mind, and those who mind don't matter. I personally think that if you have the stones to wear it out, then you have them. If you don't, then you won't. I think the kilt does nothing more than help you figure out if you already have the self confidence or if you don't.

[Nighthawk]

And that is is from an "I don't really care" persona (IE I am neither confident nor in need of the approval of others).

In time, I hope that confidence will shine from me as a source of light.

Too late. The first statement already shows that confidence, weather you realize it or not. That is the very essence of confidence. "I don't need your approval, and I don't care about it." That is confidence. Congratulations. You're there.

[DWFII]

I'm not sure it is only a matter of confidence or "stones." First time I wore a kilt it was a rental at a wedding. No problem. The reception was downtown (a smallish western town), however. I had a few qualms about wearing it while walking around town but figured I looked formal enough (Argyll jacket, etc) that I wouldn't get any grief.

I'm not fond of rude people and confrontations...I brew up pretty quickly...or, at least I did when I was younger.

But I like the kilt. And I like the way I look in it. And I never have cared what people think...long as they kept it to themselves.

So anyway I went ahead and bought a tank and although I'm not a daily wearer...and never will be (I am a custom boot/shoemaker)...I wear it every time we go out somewhere nice to eat. And I wore it at the Highland Games of course...but I also wore it to a little refurbished ghost town that was having a wool and fiber fair. That was my boldest move and the only grief I got was a nasty look from a roughly 80 year old farm woman who...wait for it...was wearing trousers!

But back on point...I think it's just what you want to deal with. If you're looking for universal approval or acclaim you probably ought to confine your wearing to somewhat appropriate situations (like Highland Games). If don't care what others think, or like to be a focus of attention, or even have tendency to stick your thumb in the eye of society in general, well go for it. It's no big deal.

[GDub]

Sure, why not? But like Thebigeman77 said above, "It's a piece of clothing." That's really all it is.

[sathor]

Does it work in general?...
So, is it possible to wear the kilt as a sort of natural confidence-training thing?

Try it pushing a stroller and carrying a diaper bag.

[Phogfan86]

I agree with Amelorn. When I wear mine, I find myself walking a little taller. That combined with the people who have said to me, "You're the man -- you have the stones to wear one," gives my confidence a nice little boost. My wife says I strut around like a little banty rooster when I have it on.

I also think that some people think about giving you a hard time and then think better of it because they figure you must be a little nuts to wear a kilt. Last thing they want is a fight with a crazy guy.

[Nighthawk]

I agree with Amelorn. When I wear mine, I find myself walking a little taller. That combined with the people who have said to me, "You're the man -- you have the stones to wear one," gives my confidence a nice little boost. My wife says I strut around like a little banty rooster when I have it on.

I also think that some people think about giving you a hard time and then think better of it because they figure you must be a little nuts to wear a kilt. Last thing they want is a fight with a crazy guy.

You make my point for me. It doesn't make you more confident- it just brings it out of you. It was already there.