New member, first kilt

[zeytoun]

Hello everyone
I've been reading your posts and really enjoy this site. My name's Oliver, an american with Hay clan heritage (so that makes me either Norman or Scottish I guess, lol). I just ordered my first kilt from scottishkilts.net, and I'm already getting nervous about wearing it for the first time here in the States. Was everyone else nervous at first? For how long? What are your first time stories?

[Ugly Bear]

I got my first Utilikilt on a Friday and wore it to a picnic the next day. I wasn't too nervous there; there was a Celtic band playing, and a kilt wouldn't've been too out-of-place. And it wasn't. I was the only one there kilted (to the dismay of the band, who loved my kilt -- "Symmetrical pleating!" they said in awed tones). But it still went over well, and I got a lot of positive feedback. (The beer helped.) I didn't know it then, but that would be the most feedback I would get in one place.

The hard part was going out in general public, to the stores and so on. Early on, suiting up wasn't just putting on the kilt, it was arming yourself with snappy comebacks, reasons and explanations. I don't suit up like that anymore because I don't need to; the disdain and criticism never came.

I'm convinced that 99% of the people out there just don't care. Of the rest, their reaction is mostly positive. There are a few who don't approve, I can tell from their faces: they're nun wannabe's who would love the world to be just so. But none of them have spoken up yet. It's just something they'll have to get over, not me.

[Kiltedmusiclover]

Good to have you on the board Zeytoun.
Your fears are understood here. Although I think
you will see that it doesn't take long to
get past those initial jitters. I think Uglybear is
right, Most people will either give you
positive feedback or say nothing at all.
I know you will enjoy your kilt. Be careful that's the first step to KILT ADDICTION! 8)

[Casey]

I echo these remarks. I have had very good experiences.

Take a deep breath and walk out the door with your head high and a smile on your face. Look people in the eye. They can't help but like you.

Casey

[Graham]

Welcome to the board Oliver, glad you decided to post.

Let us know about your kilt when you get it, how you feel in it, if you are happy with the quality etc.

We are all nervous at first, it takes guts, self confidence and a bit of a tough hide to go out in a kilt.

Try wearing it at events where it would not be unexpected to see a kilt, like Ceilidhs, Highland games, celtic bands etc. that will help build confidence.

Play lots of Scottish music (if you like it) to inspire you, watch scottish movies like Braveheart and Rob Roy, come to this board often and ask any questions you like.
All of us are where you are, or have been there.

Tell yourself that you look great in a kilt, cos it will be true no matter what your legs are like!

I began by slowly introducing friends, clients, church members and neighbors to my kilt wearing.
I would say "I'm off to Scottish Country Dancing tonight" (it was true of course).
Then as time went on I would wear the kilt at other times and just tell folk that it's so comfortable I like to wear it other times too.

As the others have said, most will think it looks great or not even comment. Occasionally you'll get a twit who asks why you're wearing a s***t.

Well done Ugly bear, it gets easier from here. Remember, we are here to encourage you.
I've only been serious about kiltwearing since last November when i bought a Bear Kilt. Folk on this board like Blu and many others have encouraged me a lot. So we are here for you too.

[Ded N. Buried]

Greetings and Salutations dear Oliver.
I too was a little nervous at first but, it passes. Like most of the gents here will tell you, you don't get anywhere near the hassle from people you would expect.
You will draw a little attention though,especially anywhere outside an official Scottish/Celtic event. I personally like the attention and as of thus far it's all been pretty positive or at least neutral. Now I have only had my kilt for about a week now so I guess only time will tell if this will continue.
Enjoy and start now saving now for your second one, just like potatoe chips, you can never have just one.

thanx...Ded N. Buried

[bubba]

Welcome to the board. I was nervous the first few times I wore my kilts out in public. As the others have said, generally it's a nonevent. There are a few that make smart remarks, but usually from moving vehicles, not to your face. Men will look at you strangely a bit, but that passes as word gets around. The ladies always look at you and that doesn't pass. They generally seem to love it. You'll be asked if you're Scottish, if you play bagpipes, etc. The fun ones are when some lass asks if she can look under your kilt. It really is fun. I live in a small town so people tended to notice more than they would in a big city but it's been overall very positive and a great deal of fun.

[The Kilted Chef]

Welcome to the forum Zeytoun! I often wonder what I was nervous about when I first wore the kilt in public. What you expect to happen (and it's always the worst!) never does. My kilt'n experences have either been met with positive comments or indifference. I think most people just don't care. Work on your best Sir Sean impression and smile! Samuel L Jackson said about wearing the kilt in Formula 51 that the "Braveheart thing" just happened when he wore his kilt! Keep ypur head held high and walk proudly mon! We are all here to support you!

Larry

[bikercelt1]

Welcome Oliver,

I'll echo what all the rest have said. The first time I went out and about I was nervous as a cat at an American Kennel Club show! Now I enjoy the attention. Take a deep breath, throw away your pants, and you'll never look back in regret.

Jamie

[Lance (Montana)]

HAZAH!
Another lad in Kilt. Welcome! Welcome!