Being asked THE question

[Kiltboy]

I hear you, and understand where you are coming from. You can just walk away, use a snappy comeback, a stoic glare, some hand gestures, a silent smile, or some action like Steve has mentioned. Unfortunately there are many who feel such a question is appropriate at any time. Manners are an endangered species.

Appropriate quote: "If my Sheridan were here, he'd be appalled."

[Liam]

If it's a guy asking, my current reply is "why would YOU really want to know?"
If a female it is "are you?
I try to do both with a smile, and then put the person on ignore. It generally ends the discussion quickly.
I have also responded "is it really any of your business?"
If it is a friend or relative I tend to be a bit more polite, and may respond with "there is nothing worn, all is in perfect working order."

[TomFromBama]

I hear you, and understand where you are coming from. You can just walk away, use a snappy comeback, a stoic glare, some hand gestures, a silent smile, or some action like Steve has mentioned. Unfortunately there are many who feel such a question is appropriate at any time. Manners are an endangered species.

Appropriate quote: "If my Sheridan were here, he'd be appalled."

This ^^^^

Just speaking for myself, (and admittedly I'm still a novice kilt wearer and haven't heard "the Question" 100 times yet) I suppose it is a matter of degree, and I try to take the circumstances into consideration. Its one thing (perhaps) to make an isolated "cute" comment in a bar, but would be another entirely at work.

For whatever reason, (and as you note) a lot of people around here seem to believe this is a legitimate inquiry, maybe even one that's invited. I disagree, but "it is what it is". When I'm asked by a person who appears to be making a polite inquiry in the mistaken belief that its appropriate, I try to be nice and generally try to give a humorous reply. Otherwise, I simply turn it around for them in hopes of demonstrating how @#$% rude it is. "Would you appreciate ME asking YOU about Your underwear"?

My wife has suggested I start wearing my kilt to work for "Casual Friday" - I haven't ventured that far yet. But in my workplace, "Sexual Harassment" is a highly serious matter, and something that our management takes pains to ensure we endure exhaustive "training" over, on an annual basis. I KNOW what would happen to me if I asked any female co-worker about her undergarments, OR if I elected to lift a skirt or dress to check for myself - I'd be out the door and looking for new employment, IF NOT Also facing civil or criminal charges for the later.

My point being - seems to me that "what's good for the goose is good for the gander" - or at least should be. I suppose in a sane world it WOULD be, but we don't live in a sane world anymore (IMO).

[RSHAW]

Unfortunately "comic, risque" tee shirts worn by some kilt wearers tend to encourage this behavior. Additionally, these situations seem to arise with the use of alcohol. It like the antics of the few impact kilt wearers who wear the kilt as a garment and not as a costume.

[tripod]

Strange to relate even though I've been wearing a kilt for eight months now, I haven't heard that question. It may be because I'm older also wearing a brace and have to use a stick. I do get into a lot of conversations about my kilt though.

[sailortats]

Appropriate quote: "If my Sheridan were here, he'd be appalled."

Yes, Hyacinth certainly knew the rules

[Liam]

A very good friend once asked me about about the "regimental" practice. I explained that historically a much longer shirt was worn which both protected the kilt, but also the kilt wearer. I also told him that I preferred my expensive kilts without "skid marks". He responded with "way too much information" to which I simply replied, "well YOU asked."

[masonpiper]

In the 90s, my pipe bad was playing a gig on the 17th of march. The pub is very tight and the band snaked among the tables. While I was playing, a young female reached up the back of my kilt and gave my butt couple of squeezes. Somehow I managed to finish the set and then we marched off. I put the pipes up and went and sat down by the young female and ran my hand up her thigh to the hem of her skirt, she ran to the Police officer at the door of the pub to report me. When he confronted me I told my story, she confirmed it, I asserted I thought her earlier touching had been an invitation. He told her her could arrest me for battery, but would have to arrest her for sexual battery. Things ended there.

On topic if this is at work report it to Human Resources as it is workplace harassment and the perpetrators need to know it is and be admonished

[Taskr]

It is rude of a person to ask, in jest or not. Of course it is an individual's choice how to respond. Since most work places these days have harassment policies, I'd imagine reminding the requesting party of propriety is warranted. To not wear the kilt because of continually being asked seems to fit the harassment parameter to me.
Quick wit has its place. Respect should be ubiquitous.

[Richrail]

I'm not allowed to wear my kilt to work for safety reasons, working on the railroad means no loose clothing. The Railroad has very strict policies about any type of harassment. I know a lot of the fellows know I wear a kilt when I'm not working but nothing is said even in jest. Some other instances of inappropriate or belittling conversation has resulted in the perpetrator have to go to the corporate HQ for additional training and they must pay for the travel and housing themselves for two weeks, OUCH. I live in Reno Nevada and corporate HQ is in Omaha Nebraska.