No Pockets - What do I do with my hands?

[kc8ufv]

I must say that I greatly appreciate Zardov taking the time to post examples.

I agree, though, I am having a tough time finding him in the 2nd pic he posted...

The worst is what to do with your hands while wearing a bathing suit.

Depends on what kind of swimwear. What's common around here, well, in the pockets would work as well as with pants...

[rondo]

And here's more optimal hand positions;

Okay...I'm with Zardoz on the more optimal hand positions...well done.

[creagdhubh]

No offense to your parents, but that is quite possibly one of the stupidest things I've ever heard. Making judgments about someone's character by what they are doing with their hands? Really? And they thought this tidbit of wisdom was worth passing on to others?

There could be a million reasons someone puts their hands in their pockets or fidgets. Shoulder or elbow pain could make it uncomfortable to let one's arms hang straight or clasp them behind the back. Or their hands may just be cold. Heck, someone may have just had too much coffee and feels fidgety, or they're stressed out from work and being fidgety helps them compensate. Trying to judge someone's morals or self-esteem like that is not only inaccurate, it's just plain wrong.

Sorry for the rant, but it really irks me that some people feel the need to walk around judging others in the first place, but especially over nonsensical, meaningless stuff like this. I think a person has more self-esteem if they do what they want with their hands than someone who is always trying to pose properly to make sure others think he has strength.

I completely agree. Well said, Tobus.

Cheers,

[creagdhubh]

Well done, Rondo!!! A superb place for your hands, mate!

[Orvis]

Reenacting/historic Highland attire: Left hand on sword hilt and right hand on walking stick or wrapped around a flagon.
Outdoors/modern Highland attire: Right hand on walking stick, left hand holding flask.
Indoors/modern Highland attire: Right hand holding drink, left hand searching for someone/something to hold.

Alternate ideas: Get a swagger stick. When I was a young Marine, officers and senior NCOs carried them - gave their hands something to do. If you can get one made from a .50 BMG cartridge case (one end) and a 5.56mm case with bullet (other end), that will lend you some elan (as if you need any more in a kilt).

Or...when not walking/marching, learn the 19th century drill position of "parade rest" (USA)/"Stand at ease (UK): right foot six inches to rear of left with heel of left foot at the instep of the right, left knee slightly bend, right hand over left centered in front of the body. Train yourself to unconsciously adopt this position when halted - your problem is solved!

[Tobus]

Both of my parents were attorneys. At a face-to-face with a client or potential client, hand and face gestures are some of the things attorneys, police, psychologists and doctors and even juries watch closely.

I wasn't trying to make a personal judgement about anybody here because I have not met them face-to-face. I hope you do not take offense.

It's all good. I think maybe I hadn't had enough coffee when I read your post, and I overreacted a little. Doesn't change how I feel about it, but I could have been more polite in my response.

You know, all of this talk about hand placement has really made me try to think about what I've been doing. Hands clasped behind my back is my usual stance when kilted, if I'm not actually using my hands. But I also occasionally hook my right thumb in my lower hip buckle strap, sort of like hooking one's thumb through a belt loop (which is still done in Texas, though I don't know if it's common elsewhere).

[Moski]

Interesting to hear those old ideas about hand placement. Not to forget that sometimes a cigar is just a cigar, most people just put their hands where they're comfortable and have done with it. They also used to say that men with beards have something to hide. Most likely just an ugly chin though.

I was also in the Army and though it the worst joke to give us all those pockets then prohibit their use. Watching out for the slouching thing, go ahead and put them in. (yeah, and I dont shave when I dont have to). i do tend to stand "At Ease" for the most part. Arms loose and clasped low to the rear, not "parade rest" clasped at the small of the back.

Steve has the perfect solution IMO, pockets.

[CopperNGold]

Thanks, Tobus. It's all good here, too!

Jocelyn

[Dale Seago]

Okay...I'm with Zardoz on the more optimal hand positions...well done.

Nearly optimal. They could be a bit lower. . .

[rondo]

Nearly optimal. They could be a bit lower. . .

Not if my wife is anywhere near! lol
Rondo