My wife is not on board with the whole kilt thing.

[robthehiker]

Uh guys? How about a little respect? If it's intended as a joke it's not funny. If it's not then keep it to yourselves.

[CDNSushi]

Hmm... Well, so far I think robthehiker's first bit of advice back on page 1 of this thread was by far the most helpful.

I notice from your profile that you live in Texas. It's interesting that even here in Japan I got a buncha Texans -- namely the church pastor and his family. When I started wearing my kilt to church, they were taken aback at first, but very quickly adapted. Although, they told me,

"There's no way you could come to Texas dressed like that though. You'd get your butt kicked!"

The next week at church I held them to what they said, and told them, "Baloney!" I would do just fine in Texas kilted. I then proceeded to show them that Texas even had its own official state tartan and that a lot of folk were pretty darn proud of it too!

Maybe that would help change your wife's mind. That, and maybe remind her that many military, paramilitary and police officer units wear the kilt on formal occasions. It's almost par for the course to have witnessed a funeral for a serviceman where there is at least a kilted piper playing.

I suppose that some of this may also be the fact that the U.S. is a little distanced from us Commonwealth folk. Growing up in Canada, I saw lotsa people in kilts. Never, ever thought anything of it, even once. Even the other day when I went out in my kilt to the local pub, I sat at a table with two other Canadians and an Ozzie... No one even mentioned my attire for the first five minutes until finally someone at the table asked me if there was a special occasion since I was wearing the plaid, but when I said "no" that it was just for style and comfort, the conversation moved on and the topic wasn't re-visited thereafter.

I'd say give it some time. I also like the idea of having your daughter who bought you the kilt have a kind word with your wife... Some people just need a lot more time to get accustomed to an idea than others.

(I'm still trying to get accustomed to the fact that a friend of mine -- as straight as a straight man can be, started carrying a "murse." It's weird. And he's always announcing to others that he can't find his murse... or he left something in his murse... But I mean, it's not like I'd not be seen with him in public or anything. You just won't see me with one of those anytime soon, that's all. But the world's a changing place. Ask me what I think of this in 10 years. I might not only have a murse by then, but wear mancara and wear mens' tights -- apparently both are on the rise, especially in Europe. Go figure.)

[DTrain]

I can relate. My wife is of a similar stance. She rolls her eyes when I want to wear it, and doesn't like the attention it draws (neither the positive or the negative--smirks, smartaleck comments, etc.). I have forced the issue on occasion but this usually gets a cold, icy response and the tension between us is palpable. I keep trying to bring her around but its been a VERY SLOW process.

Rigged may have hit on a good idea to work the romantic angle. It's worth a shot.

[Carolina Kiltman]

I hereby take back all of my advice in this thread, and run for my life.

I'm with both of you. My Father told me as I was leaving for college: "Never get between a man and his wife. The cemeteries are full of people who did!" No way am I getting involved with this one!

[werewolves]

This is maybe the best advice I've seen on the subject:
http://www.kiltmen.com/wives.htm

PS: Their section on overcoming religious objections is brilliant as well.

[Alan H]

I had this issue, and I finally had to lay down the law.

MY clothes are MY choice, and while I love you, you will NOT tell me what to do.

Funny, but it hasn't been a significant issue, since then, and she's "seen with me" quite often when I'm in a kilt.

Again, be reasonable. Try education. Try the "slow break in " technique. Go to some Highland Games. Rent "Rob Roy". Don't be a jerk about it. Don't wear it on days that are HER days. Go slow. But if you do this for months on end and she still sees what you wear as her prerogative to define and throws a fit when you pull out a kilt, then mate.... In My Humble Opinion, you need to think about your relationship.

I really, really hope it doesn't come to that.

[hospitaller]

well, then I would enjoy going out alone while she stays home.

your daughter and yourself im sure will have a good time, will encounter plenty of firendly people towards you because of the kilt....while your wife stays home.

her prerogative not to go out with you kilted, but it is also your prerogative to dress any way you're comfortable with and enjoy yourself...on your own.

so power to you and wear your kilt.

more importantly even in my eyes...you have your daughter's support. take advantage of it.

[CDNSushi]

PS: Their section on overcoming religious objections is brilliant as well.

"Trousers are an abomination to God, because they disrespect the anatomy that God gave to men!

ROFLOL!!!!!!!!

[werewolves]

"Trousers are an abomination to God, because they disrespect the anatomy that God gave to men!

ROFLOL!!!!!!!!

I know, genius of the tongue-firmly-in-cheek variety

Sorry for the hijack, and now back to our regularly scheduled thread

[Iolaus]

[....]

Problem is my dewey eyed bride will not entertain the notion that anything but trousers should be worn by men. Anything resembling a skirt is reserved for women. No amount of education by my part has yet to change her mind.

If she's so stuck on gender appropriate attire, maybe you should gently discuss the possibility of having her give up her pants.

In all seriousness, there's not a lot of likelihood that you will be able to convince her otherwise. Peers might do it, but you won't.