Black Friday Escapade

[Norm]

I recently purchased an olive utility kilt from AmeriKilt and broke the ice by venturing outside and working in the yard in plain view of neighbors...

Well, this weekend I jumped into the deep end, so to speak and my wife and I took a trip to the Chandler mall near Phoenix with me wearing the AmeriKilt. I warmed up beforehand by stopping at the Ranch Asian grocery store, then proceeding to the mall. I wore the kilt with a brown belt, plaid shirt, black hose socks folded down and Reeboks. Took a deep breath, entered the mall through Macy's and held my breath as it was "black Friday" and the place was PACKED with people! Talked to a guy named Cody whom I had talked to a month before about kilts, and when he saw me in my kilt was almost ecstatic, saying it looked absolutely "awesome". Then he told me he had ordered a blue Sport Kilt and was expecting it to arrive any day. That was encouraging to say the least.

But the real test came when we finished talking and I just plunged in and walked into the people-packed mall. My wife was very supportive of it all, and we agreed to meet at a certain spot whilst she shopped in 2 hours, like we always do. I walked and I walked and walked through the packed mall. Was scary at first, but gradually I got used to it and saw nor heard any negative responses. In fact, when I went into a bookstore, one lady was delighted, saying "oh, you wore a kilt! Good for you.... one of our workers here also wears a kilt to work." So after a couple hours of walking around (also bought a Metroid trilogy video game for my Wii), got in the car with my wife and drove home.

Today my wife and I drove to the oriental food store and Costco, and I had a blast, no longer scared spitless to wear it in public. I even visited my dad, who is normally skeptical about new things, but only asked me how many kilts I had, then made a comment that he would not have the guts to wear one, but he was approving. So it has been a great adventure for me, and so great that my wife is very supportive.

It was hard to initially venture out, but soooo glad I did. The Lord gave me the courage I needed.... and oh, the thing is awesomely comfortable! Thinking about getting a red tartan from USA Kilts.....

Norm

[Dughlas mor]

Well done, Norm. It sounds like you had a very positive experience. If you`re ready for a tartan kilt, I highly suggest the USAK semi trad. It`s a high notch above the casual, and it can be dressed up quite a way, or down as casual as you like.

[Hawk]

As they say on this forum......"if no photos, it didn't happen"......

Well done.....where's the photos.......

Hawk

[hector]

Norm your story is so recognizable. For wearing the kilt there is just one rule: do it with respect. All the rest is subjective appreciation. Beside that rule there is just another point for which I have to warn you: it is addictive!
Well done sir and I hope this was just the beginning.
Cheers,

[Taskr]

Well done. Rarely do we encounter what we anticipate - especially when pessimistic
I imagine a lot of us still ask the 'should I today/this occasion' when there is really no need to (getting better at NOT asking that question myself). But a kilt at a Mall on Black Friday; well methinks you've topped the "how many people might see me today" poll. Seems undoubtedly it's just a usual part of your wardrobe now (not that you won't keep track of when/where it's worn - I think we mostly all do).
Would not be too concerned about not getting pics - but I would certainly take the addiction to kilts warning to heart

[James Hood]

Good on you, doing the dreaded first big outing!

In this opinion, it's easier to get used to being kilted in a tartan with sporran, as the look is more familair to more people.

If you wish to be more casual, boots and scrunched hose, sweater or short wiast-length jacet, e.g., black leather. However, sounds as though you are now a vet, on Black Friday in a mall in a solid colour!

[BKPowell]

Good for you. I went hiking in the mountains today while wearing me camo Utility Kilt, very warm for December.

BKPowell of the Northern Highlands of Utah.

[Norm]

I ordered a dark khaki utility kilt from UT Kilts the other day; still waiting for it. It is actually a kind of tan color, not really dark. Gonna see what kind of product UT Kilts makes. Their prices are quite a bit lower than other kilt makers.

Now my wife wants me to get a camoflage type kilt. Gonna hold off until I see how the khaki one works out.... but it is great to have a wife who is so supportive. Gonna give that idea a try I think, having my wife hang back 20 feet to see what people do or say. Never thought of doing that....

Been too chilly to wear kilts outside here...