Not sure where to go from here

[Mel1721L]

I think you are braver than me. I would only wear a traditional kilt. I agree with what some of the others have said, go with a traditional kilt. Do some u tube searches, there are some awsome kilt videos there.

[Couper]

You daughter is not only being rude but she is being selfish. She will eventually come around and not be so critical. Her friends will, too. (It sounds like one already has.)

My daughter does not care for me wearing a kilt and has told me so - but only once. Her daughter (my 6 year old granddaughter) followed her mother's lead for a bit. But they now say nothing and see that other family members and guests/acquaintances make positive comments. Whatever issue there was has gone away.

I can usually be found at home or out and about in a USA Kilts Casual in either American Heritage or Celtic Nations tartans. They run about $100, wear well, are comfortable, look very good and are easy to clean and care for. My best kilt is a 5-yard wool from USA Kilts. It took me a while to get there but it is wonderful for more "dressy" functions.

[MinusHD]

I feel your pain. I have no real Scottish ancestry (I can find some if I zig-zag enough through several generations… still none of significance in the last 400 or so years), but I took the plunge in to wearing a kilt not long ago. I married a woman of more recent Irish decent last year who is very involved in Irish culture. She has a deep fondness for the more broad characterization of “Celtic culture”, which is what helped turn my life long appreciation of the kilt into a reality. She loves it, and was surprised that I’d ever go for wearing a kilt. I’ve gotten a few funny glances, but almost nothing but approving looks and compliments. Women love it, and men admire the… “manhood” it takes to do it. Perhaps I’m fortunate to live in a large and diverse metropolitan area where more people are somewhat accepting. At very least, we’re used to seeing people dressed in more traditional clothing styles common in Arabian, Indian, and other SE Asian cultures form time to time, and people don’t make a big deal out of everything.

My wife’s two boys (12 & 10) grew up seeing photos of their mom’s and dad’s wedding. Their dad is originally from Ireland, and the men in the wedding party dressed in some form of hired “traditional kilt attire”. I’m not sure the boys really like me wearing a kilt, but I’ve gone kilted in public with them a couple of times and they don’t give me much of a hard time about it.

My kids, on the other hand (16yo son, 13yo daughter), cannot stand the idea of me wearing a kilt. My daughter didn’t protest the idea at the local Irish festival earlier this year when I first considered buying a kilt, but she doesn’t want to be seen with me in a kilt in public (or see me in a kilt, period). My son wasn’t with us at the Irish festival, but he’s been quite opposed to me being kilted. They just don’t want to accept it, and why would they? We’re not Scot, Irish or Welsh. They didn’t grow up with any kind of Celtic influence in the home, and they are impressionable (and already impressioned) teens in today’s American culture. As most parents experience from time to time, it’s bad enough that I’m their father to begin with… much less their father in a skirt. AND, my kilt is a an 8-yard wool tartan kilt, so I’m not sure going from utility to tartan will solve your problem… but who wouldn’t want another kilt, eh?

I’m very glad to hear that one of your daughter’s friends likes your kilt. That’s a big help. I agree with others that taking her to the Scottish Games and seeing more men in kilts (and other people accepting, approving and enjoying it) will have some impact on her. But the biggest impact will come from her seeing teenage boys, preferably cute ones, in kilts. Hopefully there will be some at the games, and maybe you ought to arrange to bring your daughter’s kilt-friendly friend to help your cause. Your daughter still may not like YOU wearing a kilt in public outside of Celtic-themed events, but she might not give you such a hard time about it once she comes around.

I’ll be working on this with my own kids as time goes on. I haven’t truly embarrassed them in public yet, but it will happen. Still, I think there’s hope for us, mate. Kilt on, and welcome to X-marks!

[rebelrouser]

She is 14. Of course she hates what you like. No worry, she will be your best pal again in about 7 years. You gotta ride this one out, Sarge.

[Tomak]

Welcome from another old retired NCO. Take her to a Highland Games where she will see MANY kilted gentleman. It may ease her mind and bring her around.

[RGRatSea]

Greetings Shorty,

My wife and I just returned from a four month journey to the UK, our second. I wear a kilt as casually as you wear trousers but then I have, as you, read a lot about the history of the garment. From antiquity to present men have worn variations on the kilt concept. From Rome and Greece to modern Polynesians the short garment has found favor for many of the reasons you have experienced. Traveling England to Scotland I found no worries for the kilted gentleman. In fact in discussion with many Scots I suggested they wear their kilts for more than funerals and weddings. That the kilt is neither uniform nor costume, rather it is attire with with a strong historic and emotional presence.
I agree with those suggesting a more aggressive approach, get a tartan kilt, a day sporran and wear with a confident demeanor and a big smile. You are a Scot and well dressed. And don't let anyone trivialize your choice with "the question" - what's under. That is rude, not funny and does not deserve more than an succinct, "Push Off!" Your own response will, perhaps be kinder than mine. For formal occasions aboard the Queen Victoria and the Queen Mary 2 those of us in kilt and Prince Charley seemed to really stand out in a sea of tuxedos and suits. But then that is the point.
So wear your kilt with pride and a light heart. Most people will love to chat with you and may discover their own desire to own and wear the kilt.
Okay, a final anecdote: I stood kilted, outside the walls of York, looking up at the folks peering down at me. I yelled out to them, "I'm here with a message from William Wallace. We're back!" A glorious moment. They, of course, ignored me. I love the kilt. Ryc, Clan Fraser, Clan Gibbs, House of Stewart.

[Theyoungkiltman]

Failte! Sorry about your daughters embarrassment and lack of support. I would get one of the manly kilt t-shirts if its that bad. I know what you mean being stereotyped in a small town.

[JohntheBiker]

Greetings and welcome from Toronto, Canada.

As a father of two daughters, they tolerate a lot about their eccentric father. Your daughter wil likely come around too.

[creagdhubh]

Welcome aboard, mate!

Cheers,

[Nathan]

Welcome aboard!

I am not a parent and generally respect the wisdom of my elders like Jock Scot and Father Bill.

That said, I think there is a lot of wisdom to the comment that she is 14 and you are probably going to embarrass her regardless.

I mostly wear my kilt at appropriate functions, although I'm so involved in the Scottish community that my life presents many opportunities to do so.

Your daughter is figuring out who she is and what she thinks about the world right now. You have the opportunity to teach her about the importance of respecting her parents, respecting others, and teaching the problem with cultural biases when dealing with things that are a little different. Give her the ammunition to strike back at the bullies and say, "A kilt is not a woman's garment, but why are you being ignorant AND a homophobe?"

She is acting immature and you are the adult. You are on the right track exposing her to the kilt being worn in context but she needs a dad with a backbone.

It's your role to keep your family feeling safe and protected and you are an army veteran. Cowering under the jeers of teen aged bullies does not inspire that sense of security.

I see this as the opportunity to pass on some important lessons and values to your daughter. Again, others that have actually raised children may disagree.