Hello everyone!

I can't express how much I have enjoyed reading through the forum.

My first, and so far only kilt, is part of our band uniform. I'm a very novice (started on practice chanter in July 2003) bagpiper. And I'm really looking forward to getting my own kilt(s) to wear on a regular basis.

I'm in my early 40's and have always wanted to be a kilt guy. I have always been obese and that made me self conscious of my looks. At 5'qq and 350 pounds (and up at times) I already felt as though I needed to blend in as best I could. However, in January I started a doctor moderated weight loss program and, at the time of this writing, am 9 pounds away from my goal weight of 180 pounds! I went from a tight size 50 jeans to a a comfortable size 36-- my first band kilt was measured at 61 inches and we just ordered a new one at 38!

My reward when I hit my goal? A kilt of course! I'm so excited about ordering either an Amerikilt or UT kilt (most likely my first one!). My self esteem is so much higher now and I just feel better in my band kilt than in trousers. And I'm waiting to goal in case I lose another inch or so!

Looking forward learning, chatting, and experiencing life in a kilt.

Any suggestions as to how to help my wife understand that a regular kilt wearer is not "odd?" She supports the idea because she knows it's what I want, but I think she's a bit skeptical.