The Oops Factor!

[James]

A couple of threads have mentioned recently the problems of modesty when wearing the kilt: one when say changing a tyre, and the other when it is necessary to perform certain high risk activities at work.

I'd like to suggest that there are two factors here:-

The first is that anyone wearing the kilt must accept that on occasion there will be an incident-be it changing a tyre-or maybe that errant gust of wind or whatever. In such a case, it comes with the territory and should be accepted with a laugh as a part of the 'shock and awe'-or do I mean 'shock and horror' of life.

However there are other occasions when it is highly probable that as a kilt wearer one will be put in a position of choice: be it at work or say repairing one's own roof and going up a ladder to do so. Here I'd suggest that on he one hand it might be better to embark upon such known risk situations trousered: for do others really want to see one's underwear or lack of it. Whilst on the other the sight of a kilted man having a problem with his kilt, will not of necessity encourage others to adopt the kilt.

Now to be really contentious, whilst I do appreciate that many participating upon this board feel that they are having to prove their right to wear the kilt and so should do so regardless of occasion. There is another view, and that is that the kilt will only assume it's rightful place in the masculine wardrobe, when wearers make a conscious decsion as to the suitability of the kilt for the occasion. This in turn means that on some occasions it might be more positive to the encouragement of kilt wearing, to wear trousers.

An example here would be our ancestors wearing trews when horseriding, rather than the kilt: for they appreciated that the kilt was not entirely suitable for all occasions.

To take this a step further, whilst the kilt is ideal for hillwalking in all weathers, it is positively dangerous when scrambling or climbing.: just as it is very uncomfortable when riding a horse or a bicycle.

To be even more contentious-the aim being to take the kilt away from being seen as the preserve of the eccentric: and into the preserve of the average men who will sensibly own a kilt/s and wear it. This is in fact happening here in the UK, for last week I was on holiday and did not even take trousers, and what is more did not get any comments: which is as it should be. Too though I do not patronise them myself, a local men's wear shop now sells the kilt alongside it's regular stock--as a normal thing to do.

However that progress will be lost if we shoot ourselves in the foot: the ball is in our court.

James

[davedove]

I think you make a good point James. It seems to me that there are some situations where a kilt is just not practical, like the aforementioned activities of riding horses and bikes. Then there are the situations where, due to PROBABLE exposure, it might be a good idea not to wear one, or at least wear some underwear. From personal experience, when participating in a tug of war and being drug across the ground - it's a good thing I was NOT regimental! But then there are some situations where where a kilt CAN be worn even though others may not think so. Personally, like a lot of the members on the board, I like to stand out a little.

[Cawdorian]

As an former Construction Safety Guy, I would strongly suggest wearing trousers while repairing the roof, chimney or working on a ladder, the extra yards of material could contribute to an accident.

Sometimes it's a long way to the ground, remember it's the sudden stop that hurts. :sad:

Jim

[Shay]

Re: issue of peeping toms and tinas-
Quite frankly unless you have a flashlight (no pun intended) in there, no one's going to be able to see much anyway unless your kilt is made of see-through fabric to let the light in. Most times light will come down from above you, giving you the double protection of silhouetting your body to anyone below. Your body, legs, and the kilt itself will shadow anything unless you're wearing dayglo boxers or have to roll yourself up to fit into tight pants and want to go regimental!

If you have a friend who will help you out, stand on a ladder in your kilt and ask them if they see anything from casual looking- you'll have peace of mind. (And a fun time with your friend, if she brings a flashlight to test the other theory!)