The Dreaded Annual Halloween Kilt Thread - 2009

[Zardoz]

Ahhh... October, the changing leaves, fall festivals, and the annual "Kilts on Halloween" thread!

The first time I wore a kilt out in public was on "Halloween dress-up day" at work, and later that evening at a show with my wife's band. I'd recieved my kilt, sporran, hose, and 'Jacobite' shirt all from Sportkilt, only a few days before. I had not found the support system of this forum yet, and had a lot of the issues about venturing out in public the 'first time' that new kilt wearers often express here.
In retrospect, I looked woeful, but I figured correctly that Halloween would be a chance to test out my public kilt wearing without sticking out so much, it gave me the mental excuse I needed to get out there.

Now I agree 100% with the idea that modern kilts are men's clothing and not costumes, but we always say that the kilt is a versatile garment that is as at home at as rugby match as it is at a formal ball, etc. I wear one as much as possible, so I don't see why kilts can't be part of a costume, just like any other article of clothing. I would imply that the kilt as part of an obvious fantasy costume is not 'de-legitimized' any more than jeans or scrubs or whatever else you might be wearing would be. Most of the general public already already thinks we're nuts for dressing this way anyway, so seeing you in your Braveheart getup on Halloween is not going to change that view one way or the other!

Here I am with a coworker at work Halloween dress up day a couple years ago; This is basically one of my ren-faire outfits.

(I'm the one on the right)

Even though I might wear the same kilts, I don't wear this kind of outfit other than on Halloween and at Ren Faire! I see a big difference between my "faire garb" and everyday outfits.