Why do you wear your kilt?

[hpdpipemajor]

Hey everyone! I have a "philosophical" question for all of you. I got interested in things Scottish because my family was of Scottish ancestry, and I first purchased a kilt when I was seventeen. Though I wore it casually from time to time, I mostly wore it to Scottish Festivals or other such events, and rarely out to an non-Celtic event. In fact, the only reason I would wear it outside of such an event was merely to get a rise out of people or just to be different, and for no reason more noble than that. E.g., I would wear it to the mall just to get a reaction from people, and not necessarily in the interest of gaining acceptance for the casual wearing of the kilt or for educational purposes. Moving on, I began the pipes at eighteen after searching for a year for a teacher. Now, I am the Director of a pipe band, as if you all didn't know by now, and I have for many years come to view the kilt (I realize this may be a heretical statement, but bear with me) merely as a part of our uniform. Though I enjoy performing, the first thing I want to do after an event is get out of the kilt and into something more comfortable. I usually prefer to avoid the discomfort I feel wearing it about, getting the stares and having to explain to everyone what it is I am doing wearing a kilt. Sadly, most of the culture around here thinks the same, piper or not, and kilts only emerge from the moth balls when there is some sort of local event to attend.

Now, after joining this forum, I have been considering the possiblity of wearing my kilt again casually, and I was wondering, what motivates the rest of you kiltophiles to wear your kilt? Do you wear it in the interests of education, or to get the attention, be it positive or negative, or just because it is comfortable? And does anyone else just want to be alone when you wear it (as unrealistic as this is)? And, while you are at it, can anyone recommend where to get a good inexpensive pair of black kilt stockings? ;-) Seriously.

And mind you, it is not necessarily that I plan on basing my choice to begin wearing the kilt casually again on the concensus of this group. It's just that in making this decision that I asked myself why I would wish to begin wearing my kilt casually again and wondered what the reasons were for everyone else who does. Anyway, thanks everyone! Looking forward to your responses!!! Cheers! -- Ryan

[Iolaus]

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=11436

Seek and ye shall find! ;)

I like to wear my UKs because I like to be different. I'm a student, and it's difficult to stand out in an environment as diverse as a California college campus; wearing "non-traditional" kilts does that in a way that traditional kilts would not... and it appeals to my "counter-culture" background (I grew up in the late seventies/early eighties California party scene).

[bubba]

I wear kilts every day. The why is simple, they're a bunch more comfortable than jeans. I really don't care if anyone doesn't like it, I intend to continue wearing them.

[Jewddha]

Theyre oh so comfortable, I do enjoy doing something a little bit different that reflects my personality. I wear it most anywhere I can, but sometimes it is nice to be alone and just lie back on the couch and throw the feet up without worrying about who might be around. Im about 17 myself, its a great lifestyle choice for me, and frankly, why shouldnt I?

[Blu (Ontario)]

I bought my first kilt 5 years ago as a "millenium year" project. I wore it to fiestivals, family gatherings etc. where I felt safe. I wasn't until I stumbled on the Bravehearts forum that I even considered wearing it casually. After mustering a bit of moxie, I gave it a try at Niagara Falls USA. of all places. Prepared for the negative, I got nothing but positive reactions, esp. from the ladies... smiles, thumbs up... I'm 50 and balding yet a good looking 20 something lass stopped her bike to give me a big compliment... and my wife is standing right there. Who needs encouragement after that!

You know what?... It's too easy to give in, wear trousers, and not bother dealing with public reaction. Sometimes I'm just not in the mood for it. Other times like you I enjoy having a bit of fun with it. Sometimes my wife isn't in the mood for it either and I get a request to please be inconspicuous and leave the kilt in the closet. Sure... whatever. Sure it's easy just to wear trousers sometimes but still I try to make it a point to wear one of my kilts at least once a week out to something.

Long story made short...

1. I love the comfort and support.
2. I like having something different to wear to restarants and parties.
3. I like the reactions from women.
4. I like the way I look in it. I actually feel a bit younger.
5. With jacket and dress sporran, I outshine the best suit.
6. It makes a great conversation starter at social gatherings.
7. It's been a motivator to get out and get walking again.
8. I love the air conditioning effect on walks.
9. Because of it I've been introduced to some intersting people.
10. It's given me a much greater interest in my personal appearance.
(And not necessarily in that order.)

Until I put on a kilt and looked in the mirror... at no time in my life had I ever bothered to turn and look at my own butt in a mirror! No other garment I've ever put on has ever caused me to do that!

Although I'm nowhere close to being a full time wearer, the kilt has become part of my persona and the wearing of it like a fix. At this point in my life, it would be very difficult for me to give it up.

Cheers,
blu

[Alan H]

I wear a kilt about 3 days a week. I usually have on a kilt 2 days a week at work and one day during the weekend.

I wear them because they're fun, they put me in touch with my heritage, I like being a little bit different, and they're fun. Oh, id I say that I wear mine because it's fun? The kilt appeals to my sense of the outrageous, without being beyond totally outrageous.

Since I"ve started wearing them, like Blu, I've started paying a little bit more attention to my appearance. Like Blu, for some strange reason, every now and then a lass will give me the eye or a smile that I wouldn't have gotten otherwise.

Are they comfortble? Yes. Are they MORE comfortable than pants? I dunno... for me, yes and no. It depends on teh kilt and the day an the nature of me grundies, since as a rule I'm not regimental.

[Jewddha]

Until I put on a kilt and looked in the mirror... at no time in my life had I ever bothered to turn and look at my own butt in a mirror! No other garment I've ever put on has ever caused me to do that!


Cheers,
blu

amen!

[Ugly Bear]

Though I enjoy performing, the first thing I want to do after an event is get out of the kilt and into something more comfortable. I usually prefer to avoid the discomfort I feel wearing it about, getting the stares and having to explain to everyone what it is I am doing wearing a kilt. Sadly, most of the culture around here thinks the same, piper or not, and kilts only emerge from the moth balls when there is some sort of local event to attend.

It's no wonder you don't like wearing your kilt outside of piping events: it's your work uniform. Probably heavy, probably scratchy, which doesn't work well in Birmingham in any season. Probably expensive and hard to replace, too; I'm guessing you're afraid of getting it ripped or stained while you're out.

Get another kilt. Get something lighter and cheaper, not necessarily even in tartan. There's a big difference. You'll see.

Now, after joining this forum, I have been considering the possiblity of wearing my kilt again casually, and I was wondering, what motivates the rest of you kiltophiles to wear your kilt?

After 33 years in trousers, the boys needed a break. And 'cause no one can stop me.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Ugly Bear has a point. As someone who wears the kilt "professionally" so-to-speak, you are in a different situation than most on this board. I tell people that I wear the kilt every day I am working (I work at the Scottish Tartans Museum, in case you didn't know). Sometimes people give me a hard time for not wearing it all the time. If I like the kilt so much, why don't I wear it on my days off?

Because any time you wear a kilt in public, you have to be prepared to answer questions about it. People will come up and ask. It's just a fact. Well, that's what I do all day long -- answer questions about the kilt, tartan, Scotland, etc. And that's precisely why I don't wear a kilt on my day off -- because I want a day off! Lol...

Aye,
Matt

[beverlonian]

Because it is very comfortable.

Because it looks good.

Because it distinguishes me from every other Joe Bloggs (no, Bloggs is not my name!).