I Popped the Question (Kilt at Work)

[gseven1]

Not to seem insensitive, but you might sue the pants off of them.

Thanks for this comment... I haven't laughed like that here at work for quite some time.

Sorry to hear about the denial. Hopefully there is a loophole somewhere in there.

[Tattoo Bradley]

I understand their position. But, them telling you that you can wear it to functions is almost insulting. Of course you can! That's your time... you're not at a function in any official capacity... ie. drawing a check (even if you're salary, it's not like this is included when figuring your salary.) I can't wear one to work, for safety reasons (I work in a laboratory.) However, being a "labbie" I occasionally have to give presentations over projects. I've entertained the thought of wearing a kilt and argyll for such. I would indeed make sure that would be acceptable. I doubt there would be any problems. I won't say the name of my company, but I will say it is HUGE and prides itself on the diversity of people working for it. But, I never even asked if it was allowed for functions. I just showed up dressed well and actually never even thought twice about it.

[Captain]

I understand their position. But, them telling you that you can wear it to functions is almost insulting.

Yup, you may find this insulting, but it's more than I've got... i was specifically denied wearing one to our Christmas party, because I would be introduced to a lot of people I didn't know already.

Funny thing is, the H.R. department had no idea I was told I couldn't wear kilts. This came from my 2 immediate supervisors and *ahem* the senior pastor.

[Racer96]

It's really interesting to me to see how this (and similar stories) have played out.

My regular dayjob is that of a project manager and estimator for a construction company. It's a family business, and my parents (although they sometimes think it funny , but that might just be more because it's me!) have no problems with me wearing a kilt. I haven't worn a kilt to work yet though, as I don't think it would be appropriate for me if I have to go a jobsite. I would view it as being similar to wearing shorts to a jobsite, and I don't consider that a safe practice.

I also have mixed feelings about wearing it in case I have meetings with another company or general contractor. I have no problems wearing a kilt to any public outing in my private time, but when I'm "on the clock", I realize that I'm a face of the company, and unfortunately, there is the possibility that me wearing a kilt could offend someone.

On the other hand, I occasionally work a day or two on the weekend at my local hockey shop. I'm a goalie, and am considered one of their goalie specialists. I've worn a kilt in to work there (cleared it first with a manager) and have had nothing but positive responses. When I called my manager asking if it would be ok for me to wear a kilt in to work, there was a long bout of silence. Finally, he replied, "You know, I have no idea what to say to that." and then he laughed He then said to just bring a pair of pants in case it seemed offensive. Once he saw it, (keep in mind I only have contemporary kilts, not any tartan ones) he was fine with it.

I'm very grateful for having the opportunity to wear it to one of my jobs, and I do think that in the future, I may even wear it to my other job. I just have to be considerate of "time and place."

Mike

[mkmound]

It's really interesting to me to see how this (and similar stories) have played out.

My regular dayjob is that of a project manager and estimator for a construction company. It's a family business, and my parents (although they sometimes think it funny , but that might just be more because it's me!) have no problems with me wearing a kilt. I haven't worn a kilt to work yet though, as I don't think it would be appropriate for me if I have to go a jobsite. I would view it as being similar to wearing shorts to a jobsite, and I don't consider that a safe practice.

. . .

Mike

There was a guy (Chris??) who was a regular poster on XMarks a year or two ago who owned a construction-related business -- a construction clean-up / haul off business, if I remember correctly. He always wore a kilt. Like Graham, he had used it as a differentiator. Folks remembered him because of the kilt, and from what he said here, he had all the business he could handle -- and this is around Ft. Worth, TX . . . big redneck zone!!

As far as safety goes, I suppose it depends on exactly what you're doing . . . if I recall, Chris was frequently driving a front-end loader or dump truck or other heavy equipment.

Just food for thought . . . int:

[Racer96]

There was a guy (Chris??) who was a regular poster on XMarks a year or two ago who owned a construction-related business -- a construction clean-up / haul off business, if I remember correctly. He always wore a kilt. Like Graham, he had used it as a differentiator. Folks remembered him because of the kilt, and from what he said here, he had all the business he could handle -- and this is around Ft. Worth, TX . . . big redneck zone!!

As far as safety goes, I suppose it depends on exactly what you're doing . . . if I recall, Chris was frequently driving a front-end loader or dump truck or other heavy equipment.

Just food for thought . . . int:

Woops, I missed this post earlier.

I've thought of wearing the kilt to some of the office type meetings, however, due to my young'ish appearance, I already have to battle some preconceptions and I don't yet want to add anything more to that. If it was a meeting with people I've done business with, then that would be ok, but meeting new companies and clients, well, I'll pick my battles.

With regards to safety, my jobsites will vary quite a bit. I could not even imagine trying to put on a full body fall protection harness in a kilt I also tend to wear long sleeves at jobsites, just as an added layer of protection in case of abrasions.

I did wear the kilt the other day when I was taking some tools in for repair. Got only favourable reactions from the people there of course (I say of course because, a) kilts rock. and b) they're getting my business, I would assume they wouldn't want to say something bad and risk losing that business )

Mike

[dpseadvr]

I wish I had the option of what to wear.. although shorts and a t-shirt everyday isn't bad.

[Mr. MacDougall]

I wish I had the option of what to wear.

Yeah, I've mentioned before that there's no way I'm ever going to get to wear a kilt to work... at least, not as long as I still work at the hospital.

[ncof300d]

Well, there are a few things for me to consider.

First, I am in very, very good with this company. It is to the point that a few times a year I am pulled aside to be told how key my work is to the future of the company. The joke about me is that if I leave I will be shot because if this company can not have me then no other company can. A few months ago somehow one of my co-workers met with the vice president of the entire corporation and told him of my work. I am very liked and looked over to be sure that I am OK.

Second, the HR manager ‘left the door open’ to discuss this. This is where I want to address the concerns about customers/visitors feeling uncomfortable. I want to communicate that I understand that there would be times that I should where slacks.

I expect the answer to remain the same, but perhaps it might help ‘wiggle’ the door ajar a bit. I realize that if I am permitted to wear a kilt to work it just may take some time and I would rather be patient and be permitted to do so rather than make it a demand.

[Alaskan Kilted Guy]

Well ncof300d, I wish it would have worked out better for you.

I on the other hand have a better experience. I decided against just showing up as I said in my previous post, and talked to my supervisor (the HR director) about it today. He saw no problem with it at all. As a matter of fact, there is currently no written dress code here at our agency, so he would really have no grounds to deny my request.

So, I plan on wearing my tan Amerikilt to work next thursday, which is Willam Wallace day. Several of my coworkers are already used to me wearing the kilt, as we are friends outside of work. I think it will actually go over pretty well. Hopefully this will be the beginning of me wearing the kilt, at least semi-regularly. Maybe I'll snap a pic or two and post it also... gotta have proof, eh?