Thoughts experieces and why don't more men wear kilts??

[Martyn]

It’s a long time since I posted so here is a brief summary of my thoughts and experiences over the past year or so!

Positive/negative? I have been wearing kilts more often in the last 12 months, mainly at weekends when walking, out for a meal, on holiday or during exhibitions for our company. I have to say that I have only had positive comments, indeed I thrive on them and the experience of wearing a kilt. Reading through some of the threads I am surprised to hear of negativity that some members have encountered, or should I be surprised? I guess I would never wear mine in a rough part of a big city, and I always look in the mirror to ensure that I don’t look stupid! I have several kilts and mostly wear 2 of them one is a traditional 8 yard tartan, the other a plain black 2fck. Outside of Scotland I always wear a sporran with the black kilt, it identifies it as a kilt and I have to say that it gets the majority of the positive comments when compared to the 8 yard tartan. I always wear a belt and matching hose, rolled down sometimes when out walking. Of course both of mine wear made to measure and I do feel that you can often see the difference, worth the wait and expense.

Observations and disappointment. Just spent a week in Scotland on holiday, all 100% kilted of course but I am again saddened at seeing just one other kilted when there, and he was the chief of a clan! One local lady in an Inverness shop commented “Nice Kilt” and we got talking, she said “I would love to see more Scots wearing kilts and indeed many do posses them but only wear them for wedding etc” We went on to discuss that it could be the cost of a kilt is used to as an excuse? None the less it is sad. Last month I spent the majority of a week kilted in Frankfurt, Germany at an exhibition and also walking around town. Saw 3 others kilted there, more than in Scotland! Though two were fellow exhibitors, the other was walking the streets looking like he was going to a Metallica concert that was on nearby. Our exhibition stand was located in the GB area, on the last day I wore trousers! Just because I knew at the end of the day we would have very dirty and sweaty work to do packing up… I was surprised but 3 fellow English chaps came up top me separately asking where was the kilt and they would love to have the courage to wear one. It appears seeing me all week with the positive comments from passers by had given them a push towards it, let’s hope.

Some conclusions: Kilt wearing is always positive thing as long as you look correct. Many many more men would love to wear a kilt if they felt comfortable to do so. The cost of well made real kilts does not help.

What can we do to increase kilt wearing??? I do feel quite passionate, and I know for a fact that during the last few years I have converted at least 2 men into wearing the kilt from time to time, just 2 though not enough….. Martyn

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

A case could probably be made for wearing the uniform of one of HM's Tower Warders (the Beef Eaters), citing dashing good looks, and comfort, but I doubt many Englishmen would adopt it as their everyday mode of dress. Besides thinking that they'd stick out like a sore thumb when riding the Number 11 bus, they would also balk at the cost. There is one other consideration, and that is MA (male apathy), a disease that inflicts most men with the desire to not bother when getting dressed.

All in all, pulling on your trakkies takes a lot less effort (and thought) than wrapping a kilt around your waist, pulling up your socks, hooking up your garters, and tying your shoes before you head out the door to catch the Number 11 bus to the Job Centre.

I don't think it is as much a matter of cost (equal to about three pair of "high end" trainers) as it is availability, and "social comfort" on the bus, that keeps most men in trousers.

[Catdad]

Why don't more men wear kilts? I would say probably because they think you have to be Scottish to do so. At least that could explain things here in the US.

[Colonel MacNeal]

A lack of intestinal fortitude may also have something to do with it.

[GMan]

A lack of intestinal fortitude may also have something to do with it.

That rings true to me. I have had several gentleman say that they wish they were strong enough to wear one.

[KFCarter]

Humans are social creatures and like to "fit in." The most intense questioning I get when wearing my kilt in a "normal" work / play setting (as opposed to a formal occasion) always comes from other men who have kilts but don't wear them. Quite a few of those in Savannah by the way... they are always glad to see the kilt, but surprised that I've granted myself permission to wear it. Most express a desire to wears theirs more often, but they just assume it's not okay, since they don't see others doing it. Aside from the real issues of company dress codes, etc., the more that men who have kilts (or desire them) see other men wearing them on "normal" occasions, the more these men will begin to wear kilts. How many times have you heard (in person or on this forum) some say, "If I'd known someone else was going to be kilted, I would have worn mine..."? This has happened to me a number of times; once at church and once at a Rotary meeting where at least a half dozen men (mostly members of our local St. Andrews society) said something along those lines. As much as we like to "be our own person", most of us do care what others think. I believe it's a rare person who truly doesn't care at all...some care just a tiny bit, some care a whole lot and everything in between. But wearing the kilt is its own reward so IMHO,the more kilts are seen, the more kilts will be seen.
:ootd:

[mwhities]

I've always wanted to wear a kilt and was always scared to do so and was (still am) quite ignorant of them.

I'm just now to the point that I'm not afraid (maybe cause I'm married and I'm no longer worried about what the lasses (women?) think of what I look like?) to wear one. Being I only have one-arm, I've been picked on, laughed at, and many other belittling comments. Did it bother me? Sure. Now does it? No, I've grown up and a lot of people do that because they are scared of what it is (one-arm, kilt, whatever) or are ignorant to the fact.

I've never seen anyone kilted in my area unless it was at a Celticfest or Highland games. So, I'm hoping once I acquire one, wearing it daily (checking on the acceptance at work now), it will motivate others to actually wear theirs.

Hopefully this will help others to get over the "fear" of not wearing it and start wearing their kilts.

Michael

EDIT: Ohhh and my wife wants to see me in one. That's a plus right there!

[Dan R Porter]

I have this odd suspicion we are going to start seeing more and more and more kilts until it becomes a fad. Just a guess from what I am seeing so far.

[Colonel MacNeal]

I have this odd suspicion we are going to start seeing more and more and more kilts until it becomes a fad. Just a guess from what I am seeing so far.

Like country/cowboy wear?

Then you can say you were kilted when kilted wasn't kool.

[Dan R Porter]

I just can't wait to silently laugh at all the "pleatsinthefronters!"