Maybe I'm wrong, maybe the Kilt isn't 'just clothes'.

[Cynthia]

Glad to hear talking and venting with us has helped, English Bloke

It can be annoyingly frustrating going against the grain. Not that there is anything wrong with wearing or doing what most people are. That's the point -- as long as you are happy doing it, who cares what anyone else thinks and they should get over it as well. And that's what I wish others would get... you don't have to like the kilt, or long hair, or facial hair, or anything else, but you should let others be and not get in their face about it. As far as the Scots who were picking apart non-Scots, that's already been covered in this thread... it's just downright rude, and those people can't possibly know every detail about the person they're critiquing, too (and the person critiquing may not even be right anyway).

I realize that the world isn't a perfect happy little place where everyone gets along perfectly... and thankfully, those people who do act like the rude folks described in this thread are not the majority and most -- even if they don't approve or like something -- usually keep their opinions to themselves.

Oh and by the way, I'm not a re-enactor. I'm a historical costumer. I'm not going for 100% accuracy. I'm learning slowly, and sometimes have to use modern techniques or fabrics, especially so I can hurry up and costume with friends, and I don't portray history for the public. My friends and I are part of a private group. I will admit that yes, having non-modern hair is very handy, but I'm not even sure my knee length hair is normal for 18th century (and in fact, it can still be a little annoying... I need to make another cap with a little more room in the back). Mostly, I just have long hair because I grew up seeing and having long hair and it's very "me." I realize that not everyone likes that, but honestly most of the people in my life do like it. Only a few random nosy or rude people have felt the need to voice their opinion compared to the rest. Most importantly, I do, and in order to keep from getting gawked at (or tangled up in it *laughs*) I wear it up. I just wanted to clarify that to avoid any confusion with other re-enactors here -- I apologize to the OP for having some OT stuff in here.

Best wishes!