WHY do I have to ask?

[Phil]

It really depends on your employer and how much you want the job. Places that go on about "team-players" expect everyone to be a clone of the boss. I wouldn't ask though because the knee-jerk reaction to that is almost bound to be no.

[cavscout]

There's no need to ask permission, just do it. BUT, be prepared to counter any objections in a non-defensive, logical and respectful manner.

If you respond defensively it reinforces their position that kilts are inappropriate in some way, though they may not know what way. Sarcasm and snide comebacks will work against your ultimate goal as well.

Make sure the outfit is well put together so as to present yourself as you would any other day wearing pants, except today you are wearing a kilt. DO NOT walk in looking like you just stepped out of a Renn Fair.

People will accept kilts as contemporary ware if WE present them as such.

[Riverkilt]

Phil's right. It depends on your "corporate culture."

I didn't ask when I started wearing kilts to work three years ago (mental health outpatient treatment agency with a strong policy of diversity). Like you, I didn't think I "needed" to ask permission. Got the usual peer teasing and questions but just kilted on.

After about a year of part time kilting at work I screwed up my courage (it does take courage folks), and went full time. Both my CEO and then supervisor asked, "What is it? Kilt week?" I replied, "Yes" to both. I'd been kilted full time for about two years when my recent troubles began with an edict to stop wearing kilts or be fired. No fun. I've just completed two or three months without kilts while I appealed. I eventually won the appeal - but more on the CEO's frustration with the process than anything I wrote in the appeals. A bit of a hollow victory.

I return to kilts when I'm back to work next Wednesday, feeling like the whole "first time to work kilted" process is beginning again. Kinda scary even for this old bird. I've worked underground in the mines, been a cop, Marine, worked in prisons, psychiatric wards, detox...nothing scares me...except the prospect of being summarily fired in a right-to-work state because I've angered the boss.

I can only hope the process has been as demoralizing for the CEO as it has been for me and that will discourage him from initiating a "no kilts" policy for a third time. If he does I'm better organized for the next appeal.

Knowing all this, would I ask if I had to do it all over again? No, I wouldn't. I believe companies should (boy am I naive or what?) stand behind their stated policies. Sadly, in real life they often put forth such policy for show and don't really mean it.

If there is a hassle, expect the same arguments thrown at women when they wore pants in the workplace 60 years ago...unprofessional...disruptive....our town isn't ready for that yet...

Good luck. I know Bozeman and it seems similar in culture to my little town.

Ron

[Fedgunner]

I work for the "Military Industrial Complex"

I didn't ask permission, I just showed up kilted. It was forecast to be a hot day for Minnesota, 95+ with a dew point in the 70's.

It is far easier to ask forgivness than ask permission.

Now the powers that be are used to the idea. Hot day or no, I don't even get any comments any more.

I work as a QA tech in a mid size manufacturing company, engaged in a bussiness that shall not be discussed here.

Now I just need to work up the nerve to wear a tartan kilt to work (Or find a cheap enough one) It isn't about the tartan, but more about the nature of the grunge I can come in contact with.

[Clockwork John]

I went to work kilted today, and encountered my boss on the way in, and he wanted to talk about my weekend, not about my kilt. I never asked for permission, and all he asked the first time I wore it is that I "take measures to ensure that it is worn modestly."

[davedove]

I went to work kilted today, and encountered my boss on the way in, and he wanted to talk about my weekend, not about my kilt. I never asked for permission, and all he asked the first time I wore it is that I "take measures to ensure that it is worn modestly."

That type of comment always fascinates me. Would he have said the same thing if a woman who formerly only wore pants suddenly decided to wear a skirt? What is it in the general public attitude that makes people think that all men, when given the chance (like wearing a kilt), want to go around exposing themselves?

Now, I can understand wanting to ensure that a newly kilted man is aware of how he's sitting and doesn't accidently expose himself. But that is NOT what is usually in people's minds.

[Riverkilt]

On that note, I've made a change.

I've switched from tartan boxer shorts to solid black boxer shorts. That way if there is accidental boxer short exposure the viewer will be less likely to see something other than shadow. All so silly based on the way a lot of kids wear their pants topside and the layers of visible underwear women show around their shoulders.

But, in the interest of less speculation, black seemed a good option.

Ron

[Clockwork John]

Davedove, I work at a high school, and you know high schoolers... I'm always a little worried that one of my students might get curious and decide to check if I'm regimental... plus, there are lots of stairs, and I live in a windy area. I know this is what my boss was referring to. It was his way of saying "please wear something under that" without actually saying it. There were women in the room, and he didn't want to embarrass anyone present.

Ron, I too go with black. It's a good choice, especially with the dark tartans I wear- Black Watch and Campbell of Argyll.

[pdcorlis]

I sure understand the logic of black boxers but I still wear tartan boxers under my kilt. I teach at a college and to be honest - a guy in a kilt with tartan boxers is beyond boring compared to what I see "young ladies" wearing on campus.

[James MacMillan]

Sometimes it is better to ask forgiveness rather than permission.

I think that's in the Marine Corps Manual somewhere? Anyway - That's what I would do!