How does what "they" think affect what you wear?

[Alan H]

I read much ado about what certain television programs may do regarding the popular understanding of the kilt and those who wear it.

Wow. Just wow. So here's a question.

Is there a generally held notion about what a kilt-wearing man is like, in your neck of the woods?

In fact, if you were going to answer "yes" to that question and then proceed to tell us all what it is, might I ask if you are SURE of that? I mean, have you asked a couple thousand people around your town and county what they think? I guess that's another question, isn't it? If you think there's a generally held notion, then what do you base your conviction on, and have you checked it out in any way?

If in fact you are pretty darned sure that there is a widely held opinion regarding guys who might wear a kilt of some kind in your area, does that affect your own kilt-wearing habits? See, because in the end I think that all the media attention, or lack of it, or general hullaballo of any kind really doesn't matter unless it affects YOU (or me) personally. And me? Hell, I just strap the thing on the way I want...boots, socks of whatever color, hat if I feel like it, and go about my business.

[Mikilt]

I am not sure that anyone in my area wears a kilt. For that matter, I am not sure anyone in my area has seen a kilt except in parades and at weddings.

That being said, I do not dress in white hose and a Prince Charlie each time I wear the kilt. Nor do I dress it up with spats and a fly plaid. When I kilt up, I dress appropriate to the weather and my activities for the day.

Usually a nice sweater on a cool day, a golf shirt or a t-shirt on a warm day. If I am hiking, I wear hiking boots. If I want to dress up, I have a tweed sport coat that I converted.

"They" can take my clothing choices or leave them. I dress as I choose.

[Pyper]

That's an interesting question.

I kind of think that around here people probably don't have many pre-conceived notions. When I'm wearing my kilt and I go into the store, or get gas or something, people generally don't seem to have any reaction one way or another.

But I guess if you see a guy in a kilt, you can't help but notice that he's wearing something out of the ordinary. That act, in and of itself, tells you something. Kind of like wearing a bowler hat.

[Alan H]

That's an interesting question.

I kind of think that around here people probably don't have many pre-conceived notions. When I'm wearing my kilt and I go into the store, or get gas or something, people generally don't seem to have any reaction one way or another.

But I guess if you see a guy in a kilt, you can't help but notice that he's wearing something out of the ordinary. That act, in and of itself, tells you something. Kind of like wearing a bowler hat.

Just my own opinion, but....well said, and concise.

Oh to be able to write my thoughts more like you do. sheesh.

[Inchessi]

Some one on this board recommended "So You're Going To Wear The Kilt" J. Charles Thompson.

Lots of outstanding information. The part that stuck out in my head, if I may paraphrase. When you first wear the kilt publicly, you will hear a lot of comments. Now that you are paying attention, listen when you are not wearing the kilt, it's about the same. Always keeping that in mind, I haven't heard very much.

I am certain that I am the only person in 15 miles that wears a kilt. I reside in a small town, no one has said anything to me, and I never cared to ask.

Being malicious in nature, I have had some fun. A group of pipers in a parking lot were putting stuff in their cars. I yelled to them, "Nice Skirts!" One man less than politely invited me over to restate the comment. I drove my truck over, got out wearing my "Black Watch" and had a good laugh. An hour later, we drove our separate ways, and I had a few leads to some fishing spots.

[chrisupyonder]

As I live in Scotland it is only out of the ordinary to wear a kilt during the day, shopping etc. Most gents and boys own a kilt and only wear it to special events but many wear a kilt to go to the pub or a meal out in the evening. I usually wear my kilt all day weekends and in the last few months most of the time during the week as well, including shopping. No one takes much notice except tourists.
What does annoy me with the media is the way the kilt is portrayed as some sort of costume or as a joke. I would like to see more kilts on TV etc. but in a way that Duncan in Monarch of the glen is portrayed as his normal daily wear and no one really takes any notice of his kilt.
To me it is just another piece of male attire which is very quickly becoming my only attire.
There is a Scottish soap called River City which has been running only on Scottish TV for many years. I don't watch any soaps but catch it now and again, but I have never seen a kilt in the show (there may have been but I missed it). It would be nice to see the odd kilt or two being worn correctly and not as something so unusual.

Just my 2 pence worth.

Chris

[Howard Clark]

I generally just don't care what people think of the way I am dressed. That being said, I tend to tartan kilts, know about the tartan, and am slightly more to the "traditional" end of the spectrum vs. "contemporary". I wear the kilt every day to work in in my blacksmith/sword making shop, and most every where else unless there is a good reason not to. I try to look decent when out in public. Many of the locals here only have me to base their opinion on, so I try to be nice when I am out as well. If I am in a foul mood, I will wear trousers or jeans instead. Or if I am desirous of "blending in".

Most comments are positive though, in any case.

[RockyR]

In my 8 years of making and wearing kilts full time, I believe that MOST people in America (which is all I can judge my experience on b/c that's where I live) have the following views (right or wrong) of someone wearing a kilt:

1. He's a bagpiper
2. He's Scottish
3. He's Irish
4. He's gay (b/c he's wearing a 'skirt')

In my opinion, those are the general thoughts people have on seeing a guy in a kilt. As humans, we tend to compartmentalize and try to fit things neatly into 'categories' in our brain to save time and make judgements based on similar items in the category. Some kilt wearers fit into 1 category. Some fit into multiple categories. Some (myself included) don't really fit into any of those.

You want a REAL fun time? When someone sees you in a kilt and asks you each of the questions (Are you a bagpiper? Are you Scottish? ...) and you answer no, watch their reaction. When they run out of 'categories' to put you in, they look very puzzled (like a confused dog with head tilted to the side). If I want to help snap them back to reality, I tell them I'm a kiltmaker and their eyes go up and mouth opens and they say "Oh... Ok. Now it makes sense".

Right or wrong, that's what I think most people believe when they see a guy in a kilt.

Bottom line, does it matter if you fit into all or one or none of the categories? No. Who the heck cares what some random person thinks of you?

[EagleJCS]

In answer to Alan's original question, I really have no idea what the general perception of a kilt-wearer is in this area (but I don't get out much these days, and I'm usually not wearing my kilt when I do). I generally only wear my kilt to Scottish/Irish or multi-cultural events, where most people are fairly accepting of kilt-wearing. I have yet (knock on wood) come across a really negative attitude regarding the kilt while I've been in one.

I don't recall seeing any kilts growing up (lived in this same area all my life), just as I was barely aware of anything Celtic (Scottish or Irish) outside of St. Patrick's Day, so I didn't really have any pre-conceived notions about them (kilts or kilt-wearers) myself.

[rondo]

That's an interesting question...you can't help but notice that he's wearing something out of the ordinary. That act, in and of itself, tells you something. Kind of like wearing a bowler hat.

Well...i've been known to wear both...sometimes at the same time. lol

Around here, I get asked if I am going to the Renassaince Festival, especially if its summer. And no, I couldn't care less what anyone else thinks. That being said I do try my best to present a sharp appearance. Oh, and nope, I haven't asked what people think...as I'm generaly not interested in what most of them think, but I do reamain polite when they approach me.

Rondo