The Final Push!

[DamnthePants]

Alright. So I’ve been wearing my three kilts for about, lets say six month. I predominantly wear them on the weekend. I don’t really “go out” in them though. I would really like to push my self to wear them more casually, wearing them everywhere that day I wear them, and not just putting them on for some occasion.

I know its easy to just say “Just do it!” but. Its not that easy for me So I was wondering, do you have any words of advice/ encouragement that could bolster my will (and potentially anyone else who has the same problem and is reading this), to go out and wear it proud?

[TheKiltedWonder]

It might help if you dress yourself up as nice as possible as you wear it casually. It's hard to be too self-conscious when you know you look great! It also makes it more easily identifiable as a kilt so if you're worried about people taking it as a skirt that'll help you too.

[pdcorlis]

You must find your own path to kilted enlightenment my son...

[McClef]

Basically it just takes a deep breath and making sure you look good.

After the first outing it becomes easier and easier to the point when you do not feel self concious in the least.

You will get far more compliments and questions than anything else and even these will get rarer as people get used to seeing you kilted.

[Daaaaang]

I don't know how you'd do it. All I can tell you is that I remember the first day I wore it downtown, and I got hundreds of complements from strangers. Even from cars at 30mph (yes, complements at 30mph, not insults).

I have to say, it hasn't taken much to get me into a kilt since!

Maybe if you tell a friend that you'll show up kilted to something or other, then there is a sense of obligation?

[The Wizard of BC]

Here are some hints and ideas I tell my customers.

1) Create a "special occasion". Set out an outfit, spend some time looking at it, perhaps a nice sweater with the kilt. Then plan an evening. Go to a movie, go to dinner, make this outing special. If you are used to wearing the kilt to special occasions then planning a special casual occasion will not be that different.

2) If you are have some friends who you go out with tell them you are going to wear your kilt and you all go together. There is comfort in numbers. Use this outing with friends as a buffer.

3) If you have a significant other that likes your kilt tell them you would like to go with them somewhere. An SO who likes your kilt can be a big boost to your confidence. And they can tell you about all the good comments that you get when you weren't looking.

4) Find someplace to go where you need to concentrate on what your doing and not on the kilt. I go to the library because in a room with books I can think of nothing else. It completely takes my mind off the idea that I am in my kilt.

5) Find an event like you have heard other X Markers talk about being kilt friendly. It's a little late for Highland Games but Scottish Country Dance, A Celtic themed club, or concert are always a good place to be with others in kilts and not have to worry about being the only one.

6) If you are within even a couple hours drive to a kilt night sponsored by a member, go.

No matter what you do, no matter where you go you will be noticed. That is one of the reasons we wear the kilt. Accept that and have fun with it. Remember, this should be fun.
And I know it's a daunting thought but trust in the comments of all the other members here when we say "you will get those good comments" and after even the first one all the uncertainty will go away. After the tenth or hundredth admiring look and comment you will find it really is fun.

[beloitpiper]

When you walk into a room, you will command the respect of every man and be the focus of every woman.

Need I say more?

[bikeolounger]

The first kilt I bought is a UK Original. If your first kilt is more formal, your experience may vary.

I wore it to the laundry building across the apartment complex from my place one day, but I didn't count that as "first outing."

My first time really wearing my kilt was for the party that was part of an overnight bicycle ride. I am active in the local bicycle club, and known for being something of a "different drummer" guy. Many of my cycling pals were on hand. I knew I'd get some good-natured jibes over the kilt, but also knew I was among friends that already accept me for who I am. Aside from one fellow trying to do an improper kilt-check, it went very well.

A week later, I wore the same kilt on my second date with the woman who is now my girlfriend. We walked three or four miles that evening, mostly along a road that is busy with locally-owned shops, taverns, galleries and the like. Several folks offered complimentary comments. If memory serves, one or perhaps two carloads of teens jeered as they went by.

All of this is to say that some folks will pay attention to you, some will not. Of those that pay attention, some will offer positive comments, some negative. Most will be positive, if your experience is anything like my own.

As a long-time rider of recumbent bicycles, I find that I cannot be a total introvert while riding my bikes. The same is true when wearing a kilt. Enjoy it! Have fun! Play mind games with those who comment if you like (but please be kind about it).

[davedove]

Personally, I found that I was more worried about what people might say than they were.

For the most part nobody will say a thing. They are too wrapped up in their own lives to notice anyone else.

Of those who do notice, most won't say anything because they don't know how to approach you.

Of those who do say something, most will be complimentary or curious.

There may be a few jerks, but not that many.

Just pick a spot, strap on your kilt, and head out.

[Captain Karrot]

This mirrors my experiences. I started at a Celtic festival, so it basically fit in. Next I wore it at a Brews Festival, and was a big hit...may people took pictures with me, and there were many kilt-checks that happened ;). After that, it pretty much never bothered me. I have worn a kilt to parties, to church, and have even flown in a kilt. First time was Chicago to Dallas. Second was Boston to Toronto. Again, most people ignore it because they don't know what to say or do. Many positive comments, a couple negatives. But if we really cared about what other people thought we wouldn't be kilted in the first place.

Kilt on!!

For the most part nobody will say a thing. They are too wrapped up in their own lives to notice anyone else.

Of those who do notice, most won't say anything because they don't know how to approach you.

Of those who do say something, most will be complimentary or curious.

There may be a few jerks, but not that many.

Just pick a spot, strap on your kilt, and head out.