What do you say to people when they ask about your kilt?

**antgrippi** · 15th November 11, 10:05 AM

So I've been wearing my kilt around for about a week now, and absolutely love it. The most comfortable thing I've even owned that's not pajamas, and even then. My question is, what do you say to people when they inevitably ask about the kilt. I've gotten everything thing from admiration, disgust, befuddlement, confusion, genuine interest, "where can I get one of those", and even out right anger. Anger I say! Okay, though she didn't actually say anything to me, the anger was all over that lady's face, she didn't know I could see her in the reflection of the soda machine I was standing in front of, and when she saw my kilt, I swear she looked at me like I was wearing the american flag as a diaper upside down. So my question... What do you say when asked about your kilt. I realized going into this that many would not understand it, and some would tease, and generally prepared myself for a little extra attention, but I wasn't expecting a lot of the questions I get. I think everyone probably prepares for the "So, what's under the kilt" thing, but other than it's comfortable and I think it's more stylish than the pants we all have had to wear our whole lives, I got nothing. I guess, it's not that I'm too worried about what other's think, to an extent, but I'd also like to have some ammo for the guy who just won't let up. You know you've met a couple, especially since you've all been kilted way longer than me. So help me out please. What are some things you guys say to ease the kilt shock when you first are around people that aren't used to it, or a alienated by it. I know it shouldn't matter anyway, as long as you like it, but I'd like for it to just become a normal thing, and here in Central PA, they aren't quite as comfortable with new things some times. Thanks in advance, plus I'm just curious what some of your experience are when you first started wearing the kilt. Oh, and this is sort of how I've been pairing my kilt with stuff. I didn't think it was all that shocking, but looks I get say otherwise.

Me at the playground with my daughter.

**biblemonkey** · 15th November 11, 10:12 AM

I mostly ignore the negatives since they have been few. And when someone stares I tend to stare back and not say anything to make them uncomfortable or just ignore it completely. One thing I have found is most folks will stare, whisper as I pass, or just plain get confused. It is amazing that people think "stage whispering" is quiet enough that I can't hear them even when they are right next to me. I answer the polite questions or jabs from friends accordingly and politely but for the most part I have learned that if you are totally comfortable being true to yourself and what YOU want to be, then others tend to fall in line unless they are just being jerks. And if they are jerks then they are jerks and nothing will alter their perspective. Mostly I treat the stares and confusion by just being more proud of how good I look and if no one tries to make a direct confrontation I just ignore them.

All the best,
Hugh

**antgrippi** · 15th November 11, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by biblemonkey

I mostly ignore the negatives since they have been few. And when someone stares I tend to stare back and not say anything to make them uncomfortable or just ignore it completely. One thing I have found is most folks will stare, whisper as I pass, or just plain get confused. It is amazing that people think "stage whispering" is quiet enough that I can't hear them even when they are right next to me. I answer the polite questions or jabs from friends accordingly and politely but for the most part I have learned that if you are totally comfortable being true to yourself and what YOU want to be, then others tend to fall in line unless they are just being jerks. And if they are jerks then they are jerks and nothing will alter their perspective. Mostly I treat the stares and confusion by just being more proud of how good I look and if no one tries to make a direct confrontation I just ignore them.

All the best,
Hugh

Yeah, that's kind of how I've been handling it as well. Doesn't really bother me that much, and if it does, it doesn't for long. As soon as I put pants on I realize how much I don't care what they think, because they don't understand what it feels like to wear a kilt. One of the things I hear most, once I've explained it a little bit is, "I wouldn't have the balls to wear that thing". This actually boosts my ego a little bit, and kind of balances things, even if they don't mean it in the way that it sounds.

**Zardoz** · 15th November 11, 10:33 AM

I've been around quite a few people that were as you said; befuddled or confused by the whole kilt thing. Strange as it may sound to us, there seem to be a lot of folks who seem to have never seen a kilt before.
I met up with a young friend from out of town for lunch one time, and she had a girlfriend with her. Her friend kept looking at me like my junk was hanging out or something. This was a 21 year old college girl, and she had no idea what I was wearing, never saw one on TV, never seen a pipe band, not even Braveheart! We had to explain it to her.

Most folks of course know what it is, but have likely never seen one up close, so they ask some dumb questions. A good way to deflect some of it is to say something like "I wear it to express my Celtic heritage" most folks won't want to press on about heritage.

The bigger problem in my book is the folks that know a little too much about them

**Thomas H** · 15th November 11, 11:27 AM

At first it upset me but now I just roll with it .

I say " I have not heard that one "

Or " I ask them if they know where they come from ?" Most do not

I tell them "it is a part of my Hertiage "

I tell them I would respect them if they wore something from there Heritage.

But mostly I just grin and walk on

**antgrippi** · 15th November 11, 11:44 AM

Originally Posted by Thomas H

At first it upset me but now I just roll with it .

I say " I have not heard that one "

Or " I ask them if they know where they come from ?" Most do not

I tell them "it is a part of my Hertiage "

I tell them I would respect them if they wore something from there Heritage.

But mostly I just grin and walk on

Yeah, the high road is definitely the way to go I'm finding, it just amazes me how close minded some can be. Or should I say clothes minded.

**Caddy One** · 15th November 11, 11:51 AM

I just smile and nod and keep walking...............and don't forget it takes a "Real Man" to wear the kilt in more ways than one..........

**dea3369** · 29th March 12, 05:20 AM

Originally Posted by Zardoz

I've been around quite a few people that were as you said; befuddled or confused by the whole kilt thing. Strange as it may sound to us, there seem to be a lot of folks who seem to have never seen a kilt before.
I met up with a young friend from out of town for lunch one time, and she had a girlfriend with her. Her friend kept looking at me like my junk was hanging out or something. This was a 21 year old college girl, and she had no idea what I was wearing, never saw one on TV, never seen a pipe band, not even Braveheart! We had to explain it to her.

Most folks of course know what it is, but have likely never seen one up close, so they ask some dumb questions. A good way to deflect some of it is to say something like "I wear it to express my Celtic heritage" most folks won't want to press on about heritage.

The bigger problem in my book is the folks that know a little too much about them

I agree with the "never seen a kilt before" comment. I wore a kilt one day to Boy Scout summer camp in Kentucky. TWO separate groups asked me to explain to them and their scouts what I was wearing. The confusion likely comes from the fact that I'm not Caucasian. I'm Filipino. So, some probably don't believe it's a kilt I'm wearing.

**PEEDYC** · 15th November 11, 11:49 AM

I think the difficulty here is that with the kilt you are wearing there is no real heritage apart from the style and unless people are used to seeing this type of garment that is not in tartan you are bound to get comments. Even those of us who wear the tartan still get comments and odd looks.

**antgrippi** · 15th November 11, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by PEEDYC

I think the difficulty here is that with the kilt you are wearing there is no real heritage apart from the style and unless people are used to seeing this type of garment that is not in tartan you are bound to get comments. Even those of us who wear the tartan still get comments and odd looks.

Waiting for my Nicholson tartan 8 yarder to get here from the UK. So maybe that'll look more like what people are used to. I get a kick out of it more than anything. I tend not to really be that out going when it comes to strangers, so having that much attention on me is a new thing. I'm adjusting though. Any time I feel uncomfortable mentally, I just think about how comfortable I am physically, and all the worry seems to melt away.