I agree with the idea of starting out with a tartan kilt.

Get a Stillwater Standard Black Stewart. Buy a kilt belt, or just a wie black belt and a sporran. You're talking about $125 here, or the cost of another UK.

It's fair game for anyone to wear...The 2006 SWK models are very nice kilts by all reports, and it's TARTAN...doesn't everyone know that kilts are supposed to be plaid? Thus the whole "what is THAT?" thing you're running into will go away except for the A.) truly, truly stupid or B.) people from cultures with no exposure to the kilt.

You will now get asked all the never-ending questions about your clan, bagpipes and so on. Read through the forums, and you'll see the respones we've all dreamed up over the years.

The thing is, a tartan kilt is very widely recognized as a KILT, not a skirt and acceptable, though unusual clothes for a man. Wear it around for a couple of weeks and you acquaintances and friends will get used to it. Then start slipping the UK back into the cycle, and it'll probably go better.

If you decide that you really like tartan kilts, you have choices beyond your wildest dreams in terms of pattern and color.