Oy vey... the first kilt has arrived.

[Troy]

I had hoped to have it in time for Australia Day in the city as that would be an ideal time to 'be differernt', but that didn't happen.

Funny you should mention that, my last big kilted outing in Sydney was on Australia Day! (I wore my 16oz Cornish National with my grey marle Wallabies T-shirt.) The family and I (gorgeous wife and two beautiful kids) caught the train into the city and had a picnic lunch in the Botanical Gardens. Later we walked across the Harbour Bridge to spend some time at the Celtic Australia Day festivities, but by the time we got there it was almost over. I don't want to hijack your thread, so I will post more details in a thread of my own.

I'd be travelling from Sutherland to North Sydney, so small wonder I've never seen you (plus the fact of Sydney's size...).

Whoa! Sutho to North Sydney - now that's a commute!

It's not the general public I'm wary of. It's people who already know me. And generally it's those who know me most that I'm most wary of. I've already got An Event with some friends in a few weeks that I intend to be kilted at; most of them will not have seen my kilted before then.

As I said before, wear your kilt with confidence and flair. It would not be surprising for some of your friends to take a while to adjust to seeing you kilted, so be patient and take the time to explain to them what kilts are all about. If, in the long run, they aren't prepared to accept your choice in clothing, them maybe they aren't really worth having as friends. Bear in mind, also, that some people will be confused about the whole kilt vs skirt issue, especially since some of them will have seen you wearing womens' skirts before. (I'm not sure what your motivation for this is, and, frankly, it's none of my business!). At the end of the day, it's just a clothing choice - it's not as if you're indulging in human sacrifice!

Several people have suggested a tartan kilt would be an idea for better recognition. I'm thinking so. The trick is affording it.

I know what you mean - so many kilts... so little money! Unfortunately, our choices are a lot more limited than those of our brethren in the northern hemisphere. Just before Christmas last year, I bought my second kilt. I got it via Ebay from Highland Inspirations, who are based in Sydney. I was the only bidder, so it cost me $90. By the time I paid for postage and a money order (call me old fashioned, but I still get uneasy using my credit card on-line) it set me back about $100. It's an acrylic/wool blend, 8 yard, pleated to sett, and I use it as my 'everyday' kilt - naturally, it's nowhere near the quality of my hand-sewn Cornish National, but it's still quite a presentable kilt.

There are only a few tartans available (mostly 'commercial' tartans of their own design) but they are well worth checking out. (by the way, I chose the Celtic Spirit tartan - nice green background, with a white stripe through a black check which reminds me of the Cornish flag).

Best of luck,

Troy