First Kilt and the Wife

**Kilted Christian** · 29th April 07, 04:44 AM

Cheers all. Not a new subject but still in need of some brotherly advice. I recently acquired one of David Pope's fine Drummond of Perth kilts and wore it last night to a gala silent auction. Perhaps the first error in judgment was to surprise my wife with the outfit five minutes before leaving the house. Her response looked like she needed a pat on the back to start breathing again, then after a couple of cold comments about skirts, not being in Scotland, and kilts not currently a fashion leader, she pretty much didn't speak the rest of the evening. This morning wasn't a whole lot better.

I think she just needs some time and I shouldn't have surprised her. You would have thought that after 16 years of marriage I might have learned this, but no.

As to the experience, wow, I loved it. There were the usual queries including "the question" twice (to which I asked the older ladies "as long as I can ask you what you're wearing" and they blushed, and one feeble attempt at a lift from a goofy guy I know. There were three or four genuine comments of appreciation, so, just like hitting one great golf shot, is enough to keep you going. Oddly, there were quite a few people I know well that actually appeared distant on first approach, like "what in the world is this?"

I think I will be exploring the kilt a whole lot more, but wanted some input on wifey accomodation from you folks who have experienced this. Peace to you, Chris

**McMurdo** · 29th April 07, 04:53 AM

From my experience I would say Communication is the most important component to a happy kilting within a marriage. You might want to sit down with your wife and explain to her why it is you want to don the kilt, let her see this forum, and as far as the "fashion trend" comment, you might want to direct your browser to
http://www.dressedtokilt.com/
or
http://www.21stcenturykilts.com/home.htm

Hope this helps

**Kid Cossack** · 29th April 07, 05:27 AM

It takes time. When I got my first kilt, the good wife was of the opinion that she'd not let me out of the house in it. Around the house? That was fine. In the yard? That was fine. Out in public? Umm, no. Out in public with her? Oh heck no. Now she's pestering me to get her a kilted skirt, so we can go out on the town in a more of less coordinated fashion.

I suppose it was easier for me, as my first kilt was a UK, and it's easier to do yard work and suchlike in it, vice a tank like yours.

There are a number of folk sayings about what you can accomplish with time and patience . . . many of them unsuited to a family friendly forum! Maybe we can look at the Grand Canyon, however, and see what time and persuasion can do.

Go slowly, don't be combative, let her get used to it, show off some of the pics from these fora. ASK HER ADVICE on things like sweeping the pleats to sit down. Show her how a kilt differs from a regular skirt, the depth of the pleats and how they allow you to move freely.

Best of luck, o my brother, best of luck in your endeavors.

**MACKAY** · 29th April 07, 05:46 AM

From your post it seems that this may have been the first time she even SAW the Kilt - had this been the first exposure? If so, then yes, it probably did surprise her and I am sure that those 16 years of understanding were cashed in in spades.

Best of luck - read and heed the advice you will receive from the members that reply - many have been there themselves. To my great fortune, my wife is a fan of my Kilted obsession.

**Dreadbelly** · 29th April 07, 05:48 AM

Flowers, chocolates, a bottle of wine, and a few lines to the Honeydo list.

Or, just tell her to get over it.

Today my mood tells me to go with the flowers, chocolates, and wine.

It should be noted that my wife is totally weird and not like other wives.

Honey, I am getting a kilt. Really? Groovy!

Honey, how would you feel about buying an old school bus and converting it in to a home for us to live in? Really? WHEN?!

**Graham** · 29th April 07, 06:12 AM

Greetings Chris, welcome to the forum!

Well you really did surprise the wife there. My experience with wives, well, wife since I've only had one

is that they do need time to adjust in many cases.
It took my wife some time. At first, she didn't like the kilt but respected my decision, then she tolerated it, now she likes me in a kilt. It takes time.

The kilt is certainly worth "exploring", I wouldn't wear anything else.
May I suggest starting with special occasions, ceilidhs, church, and other outings. Then build up from there as you are comfortable.
I hope all goes well for you.

**GMan** · 29th April 07, 07:11 AM

Another welcome from me Chris,

I agree, time will be a great thing, just be patient.

**mbhandy** · 29th April 07, 07:32 AM

Chris

My wife wanted me to get a kilt. Then she said "your not going to wear that all the time are you?"

Now she helps me to decide what shirt or how formal I dress. She tends to down dress.
Time helps and let her pick or show her to the next kilt you would like to get and going to kilted games or dinners will help.

Then again maybe not. As stated above Communications is the main thing and suprises are not allways welcome.

Again, Welcome,

MrBill

**TimC** · 29th April 07, 07:50 AM

First off - Welcome to the madness and the addiction!

As for suprising the wife...hey, you're a guy. You're bond to do "unwise" things from time to time, even after 16 years of marrage. There are worse things you could have surprised her with!

When do we get to see pictures of the kilt??

-Tim

**TheSp8** · 29th April 07, 07:51 AM

Welcome to the list. I would have to agree that the surprise was greatest faux pas. I talked about it for a couple of months before I bought my first. Of course it helps that we generally don't care what others thoughts are on any subject. Be sweet to her and maybe even say you're sorry for springing it on her. Slow and steady should win her over.

YMOS,
Tony