It's those closest to you who can be the biggest stumbling block.

[Bugbear]

No advice to give, but good luck.

[Tommie]

If you like wearing a kilt-be it Tartan or any other fabric,and you like how it feels and looks on you no matter what others may think,than by all means wear it.
Like the song says" I hope you dance",because life is to short to give a rats what others say about how you dress.

[Roan Carter]

It's the same way in my family. I have been approached by giant black thugs on the streets of Chicago who just wanted to lay praise on me in thick, thick ebonics -- but my family remains the biggest opponent to me wearing a kilt.

The traditional kilts go over more easily, in my experience, as do dark tartans that have a bit of green.

[MichiScot]

I guess I've been blessed. My wife has been totally encouraging me and my mother ordered a pattern to make one, possibly. I just got mine from SWK and wore it to my parents' house Friday. They both said it looked good ( I"ll post a picture after I iron it).

[socalferg]

After some consideration of your description of the response you were given, I would agree that a traditional tartan kilt may have made the introduction ‘smoother’ for you and your bothers family. You may have just taken them out of their comfort zone.

I’m lucky that none of my family thinks it’s odd, it’s part of our heritage. And admittedly, they are not surprised by anything I do anymore! Also, I have a wonderful (Hispanic) girlfriend who is into all things ‘Celtic’.

Just hang in there dude, wear what you wear, be an emissary of kilt knowledge, and they’ll either get it or get over it.

[staticsan]

After some consideration of your description of the response you were given, I would agree that a traditional tartan kilt may have made the introduction ‘smoother’ for you and your bothers family. You may have just taken them out of their comfort zone.

I hadn't looked at it quite that way. In my sister-in-law's case, that is likely very true. She is known to have some funny ideas... This is probably what's rubbed off on her children.

Somewhat ironically, my mother is a MacGregor and this is part of what it holding me back. She is quietly proud of her heritage, and I don't want to disrupt that unduly. Unfortunately, if a kilt-maker has a limited range, MacGregor usually doesn't make the cut. Fortunately, I do have my eye on someone who has the requisite larger tartan selection and makes not-too-expensive kilts, but this will be some months away, at least, due to money pressures.

Wade.

[socalferg]

I think everyone can relate to the financial end related to supporting a kilt habit. You do what you can as you can. And you always have the time and rightly should take the time to shop around before deciding to purchase something you really want. It is an investment.
My opinion is that it would honor your mother to sport a MacGregor tartan. But you understand the situation better than I. I believe that whatever school of thought regarding wearing a particular tartan or not, I believe it’s OK to wear your maternal family’s tartan.

[jordanjm]

I know how bad it can be from family. My Parents do not like it. My In-Laws do not like it, but all things pertaining to my Clan call to me. My wife understands, but asks me to be mindful of her. Some days she just does not want to stand out as much as she does when out with me wearing my Kilt.

[Derek Conley]

It's amazing (and unfortunate) how here in the States, for as large and diverse of a country we happen to be, so many people are often incredibly close-minded and unwilling to look positively upon something out of their version of "normal". Apparently this viewpoint exists in other countries as well (as staticsan's original post shows) and I'm always surprised to see or hear about it happening.

I've never been one for conformity (which is funny considering my career choices) and have always applauded those who choose to be "themselves", barring conventional views.

It's doubly upsetting when it's family; however, being that they are family, I'd think they'd come to accept it in time.

[Chase]

I have so many responses, agreements, and rebuttles, I don't know where to begin...I agree with JS about traditional verses modern as the traditional tartan is easier for the lay public to accept, as it's been around much longer, although most of the people I know equate the wearing of a kilt to some scottish occasion or holiday.

I too have a difficult time accepting modern tartans and utility kilts placed in the same category and although it's a personal preference, I would not purchase or wear one simply because of the way they look, not because what others might think.

My question for Mr. Miller is, "where did you derive this 95% to 5% statistic from? Perhaps I live in a more southern region where cowboy hats and boots are the dominant traditional wear, but I find it closer to 50/50.