Perhaps I've just been lucky...

[S.S.Muldoon]

I rarely go kilted, but when I have, I have seldom encountered the negative comments some of the other members have been forced to endure. One place I am almost always kilted is at the South Side Irish St. Patrick's day parade here in Chicago, which was yesterday and the weather couldn't have been better for kilting. The crowds are huge and can get rowdy, so I'm always surprised at the overwhelmingly positive reactions I get: high-fives, sincere 'nice kilt!'comments, hugs and gropes from women almost half my age, the usual.
The closest to a negative comment I got was as I was lugging my brother-in-law's cooler back to the car. A young and highly kreusened young man stumbled up and said "Hey, Ill give you two dollars for one of your beers" and I had to tell him that it wasn't my cooler and in any event contained nothing but ice and pepsi at this point...
So he yells at me "YOU'RE JUST A (article of male anatomy) IN A SKIRT!" for the benefit of the onlookers. To which I replied "True, but I'm not some jackass going thirsty because he's out of beer..."
I'm telling you, that line killed the spectators.
But it did make me reflect on the fact that this was close to the worst reaction I've EVER gotten because of my kilt. I wish for all of my tartan-swathed brothers out there some of the same good luck I have had while swinging the pleats. HOLD YOUR HEADS HIGH, LADS!
Eireann agus Alba go bragh!
Muldoon

[Derek Conley]

I haven't yet ventured out much wearing any of my kilts, but Saturday night... I did. I received a call from 2 piper friends of mine who'd just played some gigs; they were downtown and were headed to an Irish Pub we frequent. The call went something like, "Hey man, we're headed to the Rover... put your kilt on and meet us there."

So, I did. I selected my new USAKilts Leatherneck, paired with a black "golf" shirt which said "Marines" in the upper left breast with the EGA as well, black belt w/silver buckle, black leather hunting sporran, black hose with Leatherneck tartan flashes, and black wingtips (I've not yet purchased ghillies).

I arrived a bit late and the place was packed; my friends were on stage piping and announced me to everyone when I walked in... something about "Can't have a good party without a jarhead... I mean Marine present...." (my friend was in the Navy so you can imagine our friendly banter..)

Anyways, at some point, a rather inebriated 60-something lady comments, "Nice skirt". I didn't say anything to correct her. We had a few Scotsmen approach us and make conversation... lovely fellows all around.

Anyways, at the end of the night, I had a bit of a walk to my car, which was down by some other pubs. I see 3 guys ahead and really think nothing of it. I pass by, and one guys, "Dude, awesome skirt." Here is where I think it's going to go bad:

Me: "Where?" (I start to prepare for the worst and am happy I have my badge with me)

Guy: "You, dude. The skirt or whatever that's called."

Me: "You mean the kilt?"

Guy: "YES! Dude, seriously, it's awesome. I'm Irish and should know what it's called! I want one!"

So of course from that point on the conversation was quite okay.

[McFarkus]

I wore my Irish National tartan kilt to church on Sunday. I stopped at Starbucks first for some coffee. There were two guys there on their way to the South Side Irish parade and they assumed I was going too since I was kilted. They were so enthusiastic about the kilt, I was somewhat sorry to tell them that I just normally wear my kilt on weekends, including to church.

Based on your story, Muldoon, I'm sorry I didn't go to the parade.

[FreeDon!]

Yeah for the South Side Irish & Parade! (from a former South Sider)

I've marched in that parade when I was a kid. Always a good time.

Don