Positive Re-enforcement

**Riverkilt** · 15th August 10, 03:07 PM

Over the years get at least 20 to one positive comments over snide comments about my kilts.

This last week was at the KOA in Ouray, Colorado where the BBQ joint was serving Yak burgers. Most folks there are quite drunk and the country music is loud...I'm kilted.

A big old redneck type guy comes up to me, looks me up and down, and says those famous words, "Nice Kilt." He meant it.

Cracked me up since I don't think I've ever heard the words in person before...just as a post on the kilt boards.

So, the most basic of all positive comments - "Nice Kilt" happened to me.

**Zardoz** · 16th August 10, 08:25 AM

My experience pretty much mirrors Ron's, out of who knows how many comments over the years, I'd bet I could count the really negative ones on one hand.
I've found folks remarks to be like the weather in Texas; if you hear a negative remark, don't dwell on it, wait a few minutes and you'll hear enough good ones to wash the bad away!

**dutchy kilted** · 16th August 10, 08:42 AM

Went to Saw Doctors show last night here in Lancaster, PA wearing my UK Workman. Got only compliments, including several from women of a "certain age" that I appreciated the most.

My best positive verbal reinforcement came from an inebriated young lady a few years back at a Barleyjuice show, but it is not appropriate for a family forum.

**Lallans** · 16th August 10, 09:00 AM

It's actually rare for a kilt to get much notice where I live, but most of the attention I've received has been entirely positive and non-verbal, in the way of smiles and flirting. The only negatives I can think of (not counting inlaws or when drunken ladies insist on checking to see what's worn underneath) is gentle sass and verbal harrassment from the Dreaded Old Scottish Highland Ladies who lurk at various Games and who don't recognise any tartan registered after Sir Walter Scott's first efforts. ("Och, the Forrester tartan is it, and where are the Forresters when they're at home?" But that's not anti-kilt and even they don't mind my UKs.

**ggibby** · 18th August 10, 12:15 PM

My good friend Amy is a wedding photographer, and stopped by the store where I work yesterday with her friend/client Kelly who will be married in a few weeks.

Amy introduced us, they shopped, we chatted for a bit and they headed out.
Once outside, the bride-to-be commented to Amy on my outfit (UK Mocker) and insisted that Amy bring me to the wedding.

The "what to wear at a wedding" threads can be found elsewhere, but I'll say that for me, the kilt must be requested/approved by the bride & groom.

Amy checked with Kelly, who insisted I dress in my usual manner.
It's definitely a positive (and slightly odd) experience to be invited to the wedding of an acquaintance for my wardrobe!

**csbdr** · 19th August 10, 12:29 PM

One time, in a Borders I was chasing after my then 5 yo son and I had a young, 16-ish lass in purple hair, black everything say "That is SO COOL!" and she turned to her stunned male friend and said "I love his kilt!" then yelled "I love your Kilt!" out to me. (black workmans UK, big boots, tshirt..)

Another great day was in the Lincoln Library on Springfield Illinois, a middle aged woman crossed the entire width of the foyer, hand outstretched, to shake mine and say "I am so glad to see someone wearing the kilt!" Turned out her grandfather was from Scotland and wore the kilt practically every day of his life.

Last one....in Chicago I was at Millenium Park, and a young fellow came up and gave me a wonderful compliment on my kilted outfit (sweater, hose, proper shoes, etc...it was cool out) He was from Edinburgh and he said it really made him feel good to see someone wearing it here in the States.

**xman** · 14th September 10, 06:43 PM

Today, in my MacDonald PV casual, while walking from the grocer's to the baker's, from a charity fund raiser on the street, "Have a good day and that's a beautiful kilt".

**KiltShot** · 14th September 10, 07:32 PM

This was a great idea for a thread!

I usually get positive comments from women and silly/foolish comments from men. Once in a while I get an inquiry from some guy interested in where I got the kilt or why I wear it. I think all kilt wearers should always be ready to answer the second question with confidence and a touch of humor. Look 'em square in the eye! Who knows what influence it may have?

**ohiopiper** · 14th September 10, 09:28 PM

Just my own opinion, and maybe I'm stating the obvious here.

Guys who question the kilt usually have one of two motivations. They are either not sure enough of themselves to wear it and therefore mock it or are asking questions of you while the mind is saying to themselves "I have GOT to get one of those". I actually think more guys would wear kilts if they saw the opportunity to do so.
With the ladies, they usually either like the kilt or don't and state their position plainly. Most like it, it seems.

I've not been kilted in years, since I was in the local pipe band. I do remember then having some decent reactions from most folks and a few indecent proposals from a few gals. Ah, to be a teenager again. Meh. Then again...

**Sir William** · 15th September 10, 05:37 AM

Originally Posted by ohiopiper

Just my own opinion, and maybe I'm stating the obvious here.

Guys who question the kilt usually have one of two motivations. They are either not sure enough of themselves to wear it and therefore mock it or are asking questions of you while the mind is saying to themselves "I have GOT to get one of those". I actually think more guys would wear kilts if they saw the opportunity to do so.
With the ladies, they usually either like the kilt or don't and state their position plainly. Most like it, it seems.

True enough on both accounts in my experience.

I've never received a rude comment from a woman - always a compliment. I think some are "excited" by the mystery of what is worn or not worn underneath the kilt.

As for the men, comments I've received tend to be almost evenly mixed and I agree that some are probably by those who admire the confidence of those who are "man enough" to wear a kilt (which they like to deride as being a "skirt"). On the other hand, many of the comments and questions are made by those who'd like to know more about wearing a kilt and might even like to do so themselves.

I was impressed and pleased when my directorate chief told me I should wear my kilt more often to work. I usually wear my kilt on Fridays when the dress code is a bit more relaxed, though I have worn it in the middle of the week occasionally. We have a couple of Scots, English, Canadians, and Australians in the building and they all like seeing me wear it, too.