Positive Re-enforcement

[Sir William]

I try to wear a kilt to work about twice a month - generally every other Friday when we are allowed to dress "business casual."

One Friday, when I was wearing regular business casual, our Directorate chief (several levels above me) came by and asked why I wasn't wearing my kilt. I explained and he said I should wear it more often that that!

I've also had several co-workers ask when I'll be wearing my kilt next. I once responded something like "so you'll know to take the day off?" and they replied no, because they liked seeing me wear a kilt.

Thats about as positive as I've received of late - which will do for me.

[artificer]

My son and I were to spend a day at the zoo. He wanted me to wear one of my kilts, when I asked which one, he answered, the RED one (Wallace).

Ignoring the few 'odd' stares, comments were almost universally positive. I got a few "aren't you hot in that?" (it was 90*f... what a dad won't do for his son). There were a couple "Looking good"s, and a number of appreciative nods and smiles from older ladies (60s-70s).

[BobsYourUncle]

One of the best positive responses was last year when I attended a friend's wedding here on Long Island, New York. She is part Irish, her husband's family is Irish American. It was an evening wedding. I debated whether to wear formal kilted attire, didn't think anyone else would, didn't know whether this would be a strictly "American" wedding or Celtic.

I decided to take the plunge, spurred on by the fact that some Nigerian friends were going to attend wearing formal tribal outfits. I reasoned that my tribe needed representation, too.

I donned my MacPherson Red Kilt, full mask badger sporran, Eton style black formal jacket, fly plaid & regimental broach, red and black diced hose and Glenfinnan buckle brogues. My wife did not wear a sash, but she cuts such a fine figure, she doesn't need ornamentation to turn many heads.

I wasn't sure what the reception would be, but my question about Celtic elements in the wedding were answered by the sound of pipes as we drove up to the church. The piper himself was also wearing a kilt in MacPherson Red.
As my wife and I strode up the steps to the sound of the pipes, the groomsmen, none in kilts, turned and one of them couldn't help but say "YESsss!" when he got a load of my get up.

I was much sought after as a dance partner at the reception, and I must say that the photographers seemed to be very interested when I danced with the Nigerian women in their very colorful outfits, with cantilevered projections from their headdresses, and gravity defying starched panels akimbo...we must have been quite a sight. I will remember the evening for many moons...

[Nighthawk]

Well, let's see... Of the many, and I mean many, positive comments that I've gotten, the most recent was in a Wal Mart parking lot 2 or 3 days ago. My mom and I were walking to my car, and a rather attractive African American lady pulled up in her car, rolled down her window and yelled "That is so freakin' sexy!!" and flashed me a rather appreciative smile. My mom asked "Does that happen often?"

[Bugbear]

A family member said the pictures of my ensemble, brown corduroy jacket/waistcoat and Stillwater half-sett Lamont kilt, were the best of all my kilt pictures. That topped off the positive reactions from the posting of the pictures on the forum.

[sathor]

I was eating lunch with my wife, her uncle and grandma, as well as with our two kids. (IT was the first time the youngest actually bit us instead of gumming, to boost the memory of the day) and the waitress was really flirting, a fair bit more than she should have, especially with the other people with me. she made sure her chest was close to my face when she gave my wife her plate.

[BLHS209]

Although it runs contrary to some (lately), I always get positive comments when I wear the kilt to church. Not just the "little old lady" from Scotland, who is happy to see the kilt being worn. Like many, if I don't wear it, I get even more comments. As a few have said earlier, it is a definite ice breaker and opens up some long conversations that would not have happened otherwise.

[CMcG]

On Canada Day this year, I wore my Maple Leaf tartan kilt out to watch the fireworks. In a huge crowd of people listening to a band play or looking at the explosions in the sky, nobody even noticed the kilt!

Leaving the event, however, there were a couple comments. The first occurred walking down the road, from a fellow who's accent I couldn't quite place but was of rather swarthy complexion. He was explaining to his small child that I was wearing a kilt, which is something Scottish people do for special occasions. I thought it was great that he was educating his child and it made me think "God bless multiculturalism!"

The second was in the subway. A group of intoxicated youths walked past and one of the boys loudly complained that "it's Canada Day not Scotland Day." His idiocy was quickly forgotten when the most beautiful lass amongst them caught and held my eye while giving me an enthusiastic thumbs up

[sanddog28]

The second was in the subway. A group of intoxicated youths walked past and one of the boys loudly complained that "it's Canada Day not Scotland Day." His idiocy was quickly forgotten when the most beautiful lass amongst them caught and held my eye while giving me an enthusiastic thumbs up

I've always thought it was fun to see how much control the "alpha" female has in those goups of teenage boys...I have experienced this type of situation a few times.

[Dale Seago]

I thought it might be nice to have a running thread where people can share the encouraging comments.

Okay, not so much specific comments as "an experience" a few years ago. Two of my students in the dojo fell in love with each other and got married. The groom's bachelor party commenced at the Edinburgh Castle pub in San Francisco, with most of us gents (groom included) kilted. Shouldn't have to even mention that this was well received in that venue. From there. . .

Someone, I think the groom's brother, suggested that since the bride had forbidden any strippers being brought in for the occasion, we should perforce bring ourselves to some strippers. So we hiked over to a upscale place someone suggested in North Beach.

The fellows at the door were surprised by all the kilts, and even more so by the fighting dirks I and my students were all wearing; but they ended up quite cheerfully allowing us in, just asking that we please keep them sheathed. The dancers -- and some female patrons -- were quite taken with the attire. The (handsome military hunk, by now thoroughly inebriated) groom was of course the recipient of numerous lap dances paid for by the rest of us. It's just unfortunate that he was wearing this dinky little evening-wear sporran instead of something bigger and heavier like we were.

Still, a good time was had by all, at least until the bride found out, and I think some of my students got some phone numbers. . .