What brought you to wearing a kilt?

[M_Beorn]

I've long enjoyed Celtic music and had the opportunity to go to several Celtic and ren festivals. I had the itch for several years, and finally got the nerve and cash together to acquire one. So after a visit to USAK, I now have a Semi-traditional Ireland's National. Thanks Rocky!

I am currently working on getting a few more to vary the look. I enjoy wearing mine on various occasions, namely soccer matches. The kilt doesn't work well in my line of employment (Tower work!), but I have worn it to the office Christmas party.

[meinfs]

I was planning to attend a square dance convention last year that had a "kilted" session. I've wanted to wear one, ever since a friend told me that I had the legs for it. Since I couldn't afford the hundreds of dollars, I decided to make one for myself, which resulted in a handsewn, knife-pleated denim kilt.

[Freelancer]

Although I am not Scottish, I'm very proud to wear the kilt. I've been drawn to the sound of the pipes as long as I can remember. It's a very strong emotional response that still raises my hackles whenever I hear the sound. Been hitting the Highland games, St Patrick Day parades and Black Watch tours for years. Finally got a chance to wear a kilt when I was invited to participate in a friends Scottish wedding. It was a hired kilt, but the moment I put it on, I was hooked! That was just over a year ago. Now, I waiting on the third!

[ForresterModern]

When looking into the heritage of my family and family name I discovered my scots background (at least by name and hand me down family tales). Two years ago I discovered that one of my major professional society meetings was going to be held in Edinburgh in spring last year I determined to attend the event, and to do so in a kilt in my family colors. More background research led me to my family tartan and then several options for vendors to make it. Subsequently got several papers accepted for presentation at the meeting, and decided to do them while kilted. Over the 6 months before the meeting I bought my Forrester modern kilt and three others, an Argyll and tweed jacket and matching waistcoats, and all the various accoutrements. Spent 9 days in Scotland, most in Edinburgh, and all but the last one in kilt, including my presentations in front of the whole society. It was grand. Discovered that the family seat (or at least where teh castle used to be) was a close in suburb of Edinburgh, Corstorphine just west of Downtown Edinburgh, literally a couple miles from where we stayed and where I made the presentations. It was also great to take my infant son, 4 months old and kilted as well, with us to enjoy all the sights. Only wish the trip could have been longer.

[Standard]

Well, for me as for others it seems I had been kicking around the idea of getting a kilt for years. I know that four lines of my ancestors go back to Scotland, and another to Wales, and one that was listed as being Scotch-Irish descent. The Scottish side has always intrigued me but the price of a nice handmade kilt was out of my league for many years. Finally after having saved up birthday and Christmas money and a few other odd dollars I ordered an 8yd kilt in 16oz New Caledonian Tartan from Celtic Croft. The fit and feeling of freedom was wonderful (why didn't I do this MUCH sooner??!) Of course as many here can attest, I was hooked.

Just this past Christmas I made an order from Rocky at USA Kilts for a 6yd knife pleated Estate Tweed with Gold over-check. A couple of weeks later after talking it over with my wife I ordered an Argyll and waistcoat from Rock. My next kilt will be in one of my family tartans.

As for the newcomer to the kilt, get one in a tartan or pattern that catches your eye. Boldly leave the house with a pretty girl on your arm, walk tall, and enjoy the evening. It'll be an outing that you will never forget.

[Kiltman]

It just happened many years ago. I just like the feel of a kilt and the freedom of wearing one. And, oh yea, the admiring looks of women.

[Mael Coluim]

After a long bike ride with cycling buddies, I would put on a sport kilt and drop my sweaty bike shorts. Ah, the freedom! Most Sundays there was a fellow who would wear his kilt. He looked sharp. The rest is history.

[Expat2011]

One word: Heritage.

The fact that my wife loves them is a tremendous bonus.

[MrMayhem]

I've always wanted to wear as long as I can remember since young adulthood anyways, lol, finally had the chance to wear one at a RenFest and got "hooked". Now I have three, my sister made one for me, my X-Kilt that's "almost" done, and my AK. I'm thinking about getting a fourth and maybe fifth in the next month or so. I'm looking at the Stillwater nightstalker and maybe thier thrifty kilt black watch for around the house.

[Fedgunner]

I have always been a non-conformist.
I told my wife that I wanted a kilt two years before we attended a convention and there was a Utilikilt booth.

My wife said "there you go honey!" and I bought an olive "Mocker". The next day I purchased a khaki "Original"

Yes, Utilikilts are a "gateway" kilt!

Since then I have purchased:
From NeoKilts:
Holyrood in PV
Banned MacMillan in PV
US Army in 13 oz wool
Hostess skirt (really a kilt for my wife) in Campbell Ancient

From Celtic Croft
Brown Watch Phillabeg

From Kathy Lare:
A Clan Brown nine yard tank.

A Lamont ancient from Stillwater Kilts that has moved to Chase.

On order:

A Clan Campbell ancient with a Laird's plaid from NeoKilts

A Clan Strachan tank from Kathy Lare