Dealing with the wind?

[bubba]

It's pretty rare for the kilt to blow up as far as you think it is. Even in fairly strong wind mine are no problem in that regard.

[Graham]

I guess the lads have said it all..it can be a problem on a windy day.

I find cities are worst, streets with tall buildings either side become wind tunnels, the wind blows unnaturally about.
Out in the countryside, or on the beach - not a problem, the wind blows mostly in one direction.

I love the wind, and you will develope certain strategies to cope with it.

• If I'm standing, watching an event and I'm carrying a bag, I stand casually with my hands behind my back, bag in hand. This keeps the back down and looks natural. (or take a shoulder bag with a long strap and slide it to the back)

• Walking, keep you hands to the side whenever possible, especially when you feel a gust coming on.

• Standing next to my motor, talking, I place my back to the car.

• Up a ladder, use a modesty snap or pin, or else forget it - if anyone wants to look, let them.

• If modesty is your concern then wear underpants, I always do.
• If you have a choice of kilts, wear a heavy one on windy days.
• A sporran takes care of the front, keep something heavy in it.
• If you kilt has cargo pockets, keep something heavy in them.

On the very odd occasions the kilt is blown up, don't worry, shout "Wha-hay!!" and look like you're having fun.

[Tartan Hiker]

Most of us are more concerned about the "frontal flash" than the "southern moon", so the sporran is the key. Like Graham said, it will usually take care of things, especially when loaded. If the wind is really wicked, loosen the straps so it hangs a bit lower than usual. If you still flash, you probably need to seek shelter.

[Pleater]

Even if you can feel a breeze, know your kilt is moving in the wind - or even see it streaming off to one side the odds are that it is not exposing as much as you imagine it is, and trying to press down on the side that is flying up can actually make it worse as that is where the air is making its exit.

If it makes you feel easier carry a length of fairly thick cord or a slender length of leather thong long enough so you can flick it around the pleats below exposure level and hold the ends in one hand or tie it so it is held up by the sporran. That way you might flash once but not have to retire in confusion.

I find a 'kilt liner' of sturdy cotton maintains modesty even if the wind is blustery, and they are easy enough to make, a few pleats or a bit of shaping to reduce bulk and I'd risk anything up to a Force 7. I would recommend dark colours for gents, maybe something toning with either the kilt or shirt.

I use small safety pins set vertically and pin a liner to the kilt. I start maybe 6 inches from the edge of the front apron, and they overlap about 12 inches or more. I make them almost as long as my kilts - but that is not really necessary - just adjust as you feel is adequate for the job.

[Colin]

I have had a real problem with wind and my 4 yard PV kilts, but my traditional barely moves in the wind.

[auld argonian]

The first time that I went to downtown Chicago kilted I found that I had to cross the Michigan Avenue bridge and anyone who lives here can tell you that that there can be a mighty windy proposition. I was wearing my SWK Nightstalker. I did have my pewter kilt pin from the Ram's Horm Studio people...and I think that helped. A bit of a scare now and then...but I was walking into the wind and that helped a lot. Had it been blowing from the right side and picked up the apron then the folks on the tour boat in the Chicago River might have gotten more of a tour than they paid for.

Go on with ya...throw caution to the wind, so to speak, and don't worry too much.

Best

AA

[Yaish]

Like Iolaus I often wear my kilts on windy piers and have never really had a problem. More often than not the wind holds down either the inner our outer apron and keeps things in place, even if you feel the wind under the kilt.

The one time I did have a Marylin moment was last year at the Queen Mary. I was carry a box into the ship to set up shop, and walking over the gangway. The wind came from underneath, between the ship and dock but then I was in a pretty light weight UK Camo. Other than that, I have NEVER had a flash, regardless of what kilt I was wearing, or how windy it was. (And thats in two years of Santa Ana winds)

Generally, its just not a concern.

[Hamish]

Kilt management comes with experience. It is not really an art than can be learned in five minutes.

We have all known those embarassing moments, especially in those early days of kilt wearing but, with the passing of time, dealing with them becomes second nature and when they happen, they happen.

So what if someone catches a brief glimpse of something they might not have expected? Believe me, there is nothing new under the sun (nor under the kilt!!). Of course, don't do it on purpose but, if it happens accidentally, don't worry about it!

[Robin]

I read this topic this morning...and remembered it this afternoon

Wind gusts...hail, snow and I was waiting for the green light to cross the street (rush hour traffic from the left and from the right)...but...nothing happened...pleats flapping in all directions, but that's about it. :rolleyes:

[Cinnabar]

Thanks for the extra advice. I guess what it comes down to is that I don't really care is someone sees the goods; it's not really the end of the world. I think it's more that I am not expecting to be in a situation where that could happen (e.g., if I was wearing pants in the same situation). I guess I just need to get comfortable with the fact that I may end up flashing someone by accident and that's that.

Hmm... maybe a good way to get a date....too bad I'm married. ;)