Summer kilting

[Robbie]

For those exhibitionists among you who secretly want to provoke a reaction of some kind to your kilt wearing – try this out. On one of those really hot summer days (regrettably not many of those here in the UK) when you might go out wearing just shorts (short trousers that is, not underwear) and trainers, try venturing out in just a kilt and trainers.

As one who has worn only kilts since primary school being kilted is normal for me and am relatively immune to stares and nudges and must admit I don’t really notice them. However, even I have been taken aback by the reaction of others to being clad in just a kilt and trainers and am a bit surprised by this – after all the kilt covers far more of me than a pair of shorts do!

[Blu (Ontario)]

Hi Robbie... are you suggesting shirtless as well? Hmmmm... I'll check this out on my wife... see what she says. 8)

blu

[Blu (Ontario)]

I just tried your suggestion and didn't think it looked bad at all. Better with tartan than with the jet black kilt methinks. I did realize that 1. my tennies are grubby, tatterd and need replacing, 2. I've got a couple of ugly bruises on my legs I never noticed, 3. it's way more comfortable than shorts. We'll see what my wife says when she gets back later tonight. 8)

blu

[Robbie]

You see! My point exactly, and this from a kilt wearer too! Trousers, no shirt or socks - ok. Shorts, no shirt or socks - ok. But kilt, no shirt or socks - hmmm!! I just don't get it!!

[Blu (Ontario)]

You see! My point exactly, and this from a kilt wearer too! Trousers, no shirt or socks - ok. Shorts, no shirt or socks - ok. But kilt, no shirt or socks - hmmm!! I just don't get it!!

My wife didn't think it looked that bad either. It looks fine compared to some of the gag-reflex stuff I've seen at various highland games over the last few years. Definitely going to try this out the next hot day. I'll keep you posted. 8)

blu

[Graham]

I wouldn't do it here.

why?

1. Not with my body
2. Skin cancer

I'd do it in a vest/singlet (whatever you call them there)

Another thing, I was in England and Wales last July and it was VERY hot, I did a walk up Mount Snowdon and nearly died of exhaustion doing the walk in 30 deg C heat.
After I left it got even hotter, I was quite surprised.

Unfortunately this was just before my 'conversion' to kilts, I was in shorts, I wish I'd had a nice lightweight kilt then.

Robbie, I would love to hear more of your experiences, having worn kilts so long.

Are you considered an oddity even in Scotland?
Do many others go kilted as much as you?
How do Scots feel about non-Scots wearing kilts?
Do you manage OK in the winter?
Do you wear a kilt to work also?
What kilts do you prefer?
How many kilts do you have?

sorry about all the questions 8)

[Blu (Ontario)]

Say, Robbie.... post us a piccie and we'll critque it for you. As always, you can be assured of complete subjectivity.

blu

[Robbie]

Hi Graham -

I wasn't suggesting that everyone tries this - only those who would otherwise go out just in shorts.

Sheez - what a lot of questions!

Are you considered an oddity even in Scotland?
No idea, but then I consider I'm dressed normally so why should I think others think differently?

Do many others go kilted as much as you?
No, there's only a handful of permanent kilt wearers (excluding those who wear the kilt as part of a working uniform).

How do Scots feel about non-Scots wearing kilts?
No problem - happy to see it, provided it is being worn properly.

Do you manage OK in the winter?
Manage what ok in the winter? Just wear a heavier kilt and longer outdoor jacket with only an inch or so of kilt showing keeps it dry and down.

Do you wear a kilt to work also?
Be very chilly without it!

What kilts do you prefer?
All are wool and tartan.

How many kilts do you have?
Counting just the ones I currently wear rather than an overall total, there's 1xdress for formal functions, 2x13oz and 1x16oz for office, 3x13oz for casual and 1 oldie that I don't mind getting dirty for mucking about in the garden, etc. Plus the lightweight 11oz for hiking, hillwalking etc, which is about half an inch shorter than the others. That makes a grand total of 9 in regular use, replaced on an approx cycle of 1 new kilt every 2-3 years.

As for Blu's suggested piccie - you must be joking!! No seriously, have just upgraded my system to WinXP and as a result most of my old hardware is non-compatable. Once I get my new scanner I'll see what can be done.

[beverlonian]

Graham asked:

How do Scots feel about non-Scots wearing kilts?
8)[/quote]

My first interest in wearing a kilt stemmed from attendance of annual works Christmas Dance in Scotland where most of the Scots wore kilts. I asked a Scots colleague how they (Scots) would view and Englishman wearing a kilt to the next dance. Reply was they would consider it a compliment, although I may meet the odd 'nerd'. Happily, come the event, the former was very much the case, with not one negative comment.

[beverlonian]

Graham asked:

How do Scots feel about non-Scots wearing kilts?
8)[/quote]

My first interest in wearing a kilt stemmed from attendance of annual works Christmas Dance in Scotland where most of the Scots wore kilts. I asked a Scots colleague how they (Scots) would view and Englishman wearing a kilt to the next dance. Reply was they would consider it a compliment, although I may meet the odd 'nerd'. Happily, come the event, the former was very much the case, with not one negative comment.