So what gives anyway.... ?

[Jimmy Carbomb]

Jamie pretty well summed that one up, and Blu... you're not alone with the observation.

The biggest difference with this situation is that we wear our kilts to a load of Irish Pubs, Celtic Festivals, Highland Games, and areas where the tartan has meaning. If you wear it to the mall, chances are that you'll never hear a mention. If you wear it to a Celtic Fest, chances are that you'll have (at least) a mild and friendly inquiry. It's always best to know the tartan so that you can continue the friendly banter and make kilt-wearers look intelligent. You'll also NOT be mistaken for someone that wears the kilt as some "alternative" statement.

I couldn't care less if someone wears tartans in ties, vests or bath robes. They're just not the same to me. Kilts are an expression in my mind. They're a statement of pride, heritage and family. I have UtiliKilts, AmeriKilts, Pittsburgh Kilts and my own kilts for those times when comfort and functionality is primary.

Good thread buddy!

[macwilkin]

I've actually had people ask about some of my tartan ties that I wear sometimes with my "mufti" -- but then, most of the folks asking know that I wear a kilt and I am active in Scottish heritage societies, etc.

I do agree with the consensus here; the kilt seems to attract the questions, whilst ties are more common.

Cheers,

Todd

[Ugly Bear]

Knowing your tartan is important, whether you're wearing the kilt or inquiring about it.

Once I was stopped on the street (in freezing weather) by a guy who wanted to ask about my kilt. A minute into the conversation, he said that he wanted a kilt.

"I'd have to get it in the MacGregor tartan, 'cause that's my family tartan," he said before pointing to my kilt and asking, "What tartan is that?"

"It's MacGregor," I replied.

If he was embarassed, he didn't let on.

[Blu (Ontario)]

... You'll also NOT be mistaken for someone that wears the kilt as some "alternative" statement.

That, sometimes, seems unavoidable no matter what.

... I couldn't care less if someone wears tartans in ties, vests or bath robes. They're just not the same to me...

You and most of the general public, it would seem.

...Kilts are an expression in my mind. They're a statement of pride, heritage and family. I have UtiliKilts, AmeriKilts, Pittsburgh Kilts and my own kilts for those times when comfort and functionality is primary...

The bottom line, it would seem, is that as it takes tartan to give the kilt meaning, the reverse also seems to be true.

[Archangel]

What is really mind boggling to me is the number of people who actually know tartans. People stop me, "oh, is that the Maple Leaf tartan?"
I don't tartans out of the blue, maybe a couple.