Help - I am scared

[Ozman1944]

No cure-it's genetic......
However, I have recently found my self humming under my breath the tune to "I feel pretty, O so pretty"........

[Ozman1944]

But seriously; When I was a young man (with hair on my head) I was very vain clothes-wise; I even had my shirts hand made (in the flashy '60's). My calling ended that; (basic black) when I was in my 20's.
However, the last few years. Kilting has brought about a healthy sense of self pride in my appearance again - without the teenage vanity. And folk comment on how great I look, and, they seem to listen to me rather than dozing in the Pews - or glancing at their watches.
The basic 'change' has spilled over into other aspects of my life, giving more confidence and a sensible sense of wantimg to "look nice" as my Mum used to say.
So I straighten my hose, (Hate crimpled pleats!) Sporran hanging dead centre, and if I wear Flay Plaid - well, it has to be just right.
What can I say? I've become my Aunt Gladys!!!

[Makeitstop]

I don't do this stuff as much as most of you guys seem to, but I am slightly more style conscious and self-aware than I was before the kilt.

I always used to reach into whichever pile was appropriate (sexy t-shirts, decent t-shirts, and "it doesn't matter because no one important is going to see it today" t-shirts) and wear pretty much the first thing I found. Now I actually try to make sure I am wearing a shirt that looks good (or at least passable) with my kilt. I think the main reason for the change is because anything goes with jeans (and everyone knows it) but kilts are different. Of course I could just get some denim kilts and then there would be no problem.

I also make sure to wear the right color of underwear, so that if someone get's a peak, they won't know it. Never had to think about that before. I am also considering getting some fun, outrageous, silly underwear (I keep picturing a rubber chicken, but I don't know where they sell one large enough) just for a few laughs or for when someone asks the question.

Also, I never used to tuck my shirt in (and still don't while in the old clothing) but I knew immediately that wasn't an option when I put on a kilt. only once or twice when I was exceptionally hot and could not escape the heat or undress any further have I broken that rule.

I don't worry too much about the pleats being perfect. I do not have an iron (I ordered one and it is taking forever) and with my kilts, it is out of my hands. I just try to make sure they are straight and smooth them out quickly whenever I stand up. This is especially important with my sk, as the last pleat on the right just does not stay down on it's own anymore, and I look like an idiot when it bulges out to one side. But as long as they are all facing the right direction, I don't worry too much.

It definitely take me longer to get ready when going kilted. That's because I can leave the belt in the pants, thrown them on in the morning, grab a shirt, slip on sandals and shades, and be ready in 20 seconds. With the kilt I have to put everything on, then the kilt, making sure the shirt is straight and the kilt is level and centered, then the belt, then round up the stuff I normally leave in pockets, double check everything, and then I am ready. Fortunately I don't wear the rest of the traditional accessories (beyond a kilt pin which does not leave the kilt) so I don't have to worry about the sporran, hose, etc.

[Red_Raven]

I think Chromescholar just uses it as a way to get me to check his pleats....or was that the other way around? Hmmm!! I'll never tell.

[SteveB]

The first time I wore a kilt I was about 11 years old. Practiced wearing it around the house, sweeping and sitting, standing and brushing, getting in and out of the truck, stooping down, using the one knee approach to kneeling down to stoke the fire. Within a couple of weeks the kilt was as natural as pants were, and I was ready to be seen in public. Already being comfortable being kilted made the public foray a big ho-hum. I was out picking up some groceries for my parents when someone commented on the "plaid", and realized they were talking about my kilt. I had completely forgotten that it was on, as it was so natural.
The real comments didn't start until middle school and the locker room for gym class, when my non-kilted classmates learned the answer to "the question".

--- Steve

[Tommie]

Steve you mentioned that you wore kilts to school.Was that here in the USA?

I don't know how old you are,but if I had showed up wearing a kilt at any school I attended I probibly would have been sent home an suspended.
I attended a Catholic private school which probibly would have been less tolerate than a public,but even so,I don't think the publics would have allowed it either.

Reminds me of the high school kid that just recently was sent home from a prom.