Somebody once said, and I paraphrase, nobody will hurt you more than your own family.

That being said, you're well aware of your mother's reactions. I don't think I'd stop wearing the kilt; you're an adult, you can make those decisions for yourself. I think the key might be to, as best as you can, not give her rants a lot of reciprocal drama.

After all, as you experienced, other people...strangers, even...love the kilt! That has to count for something.