Wearing a kilt to Work

[Roderick]

You'd think if anyone would be distracted by a kilt it would be highschool kids. But after the first two or three times I wore mine to teach in, it's become as ordinary to the kids as my wearing a blazer or Levi's.

Chances are if you started going kilted to work it would be distracting only for the first little bit, then folks would get used to it. It seems to only be an issue when you do something to draw attention to it.

[Andy]

I'm a supervisor at 4 nightclubs so basically, I AM the boss. My actual boss is the VP, Pres and Owner. The owner's last name is Graham so I highly doubt he'd have a problem. The president loves anything I do out-of-the-ordinary, especially when it comes to dressing and fashion. More times than not I've heard "Only you could pull that style off Andy". The VP, who terms himself as a "redneck camel jockey" (Iranian born-Texas bred and one helluva a funny man), would most likely shake his head and then admit later that it was "cool".

Then again, working in a nightclub on a daily basis, you see all sorts of different fashion trends - some good/some very bad (like the pantyhose on the head with a hat over it). I'm not saying that wearing a kilt is some sort of "trend" by any means. But I think alot of people in my neck of the woods would think that because it's not a form of dress they see day in and day out. But, I'm working to change that and have all intentions of going in to work today kilted to the max!

[1malt]

I'm also self employed (self imposed servitude to "she who must be odeyed") I'm a boatbuilder and pattern maker and I'm kilted as I write, I don't wear or even own a pair of shorts, can't stand them. When it's too hot for long pants in the shop I wear a work kilt (never mind what maker), I do all my yard work kilted and walk my dog on the bush trails kilted. I 'spose there could be a place they don't work as well.............
Cheers,
Ken

[puckhead9]

The first few days I wore mine to work it was a bit distracting to my fellow workers. Once it became my "normal" attire, I really get no comments at all anymore. Wear the kilt and once they are used to seeing you in it the comments and such will stop.

[Catdad]

I checked with HR at my company and I am not allowed to wear a kilt to work. At least they can't stop me from going kilted on weekends!

[1malt]

I checked with HR at my company and I am not allowed to wear a kilt to work. At least they can't stop me from going kilted on weekends!

I wouldn't have asked, better to ask for forgiveness than permission and I doubt there is a written rule that specifically forbids wearing a kilt. I know, pick your battles..............

Ken

[Old Hippie]

I think and my friend agrees that wearing the kilt at work could well be a distraction as you would be inundated with questions and could not get on with your work.

Humans, like other animals, tend to react only to what doesn't "fit" or what seems out of place in their immediate environments. Once they're acclimated to the new thing, it tends not to attract notice unless it is perceived as a threat.

When I first started coming to the university kilted, people noticed much more than they do now. Now they may ask when I'll next wear it! I only got one reaction that could have been negative -- I was given a wolf whistle by a pair of First Nations cowboys, but let's just say I considered the source and it didn't worry me.

I'm a naturally gregarious fellow and already rather well known on campus even before showing up kilted, so most people just comment on the kilt but otherwise don't seem surprised. The first time in front of the class kilted was a hoot -- the students weren't at all sure how to act, which I found a good "teachable moment." They figured out that I was still me, and if anything the incidence of eyelid droop from sitting in a warm room filled with humming computers was a little lower.

:ootd:

[KiltedBrewer]

Sadly, I can't wear a kilt to work. It's a safety issue since I spend all my time around hot liquids and/or harsh chemicals.

It's also a modesty issue since I work on top of a 5 foot high platform (basically a metal grate) in front of a ground-level viewing window. Then again, maybe it would bring in more people if I were kilted...

[Mr. bone]

I talk to thousands and thousands of people each day and no one ever says one word...








Of course, I'm in radio, so that may be a part of it. But in house, it's no big deal. They usually chalk it up to me be being "The Crazy Morning Guy". That actually lets me get away with quite a bit!

[staticsan]

I think it says something not just about your workplace's culture, but also your social culture. From my reading experiences here on XMarks, as well as my own visit to the US, it seems that North Americans are noticeably more likely than Australians to comment about a kilt being worn. It's not that Aussies don't notice; but they are much less likely to say anything!

Wade.