Public reactions to the kilt

[rsvpiper]

Tobus,

This is all part of being part of the Kilted world. The drones find us different because well we are and i for one am very happy with that. Water off a ducks back mate

[kykilted]

Here in rural Kentucky I get quite a few stares when I go out kilted. Been kilted for only two months but really enjoy it. Most of the time I get nice remarks. Yesterday went to town to get tickets for a movie later and the girl at the ticket booth had a big smile the whole time she talked to me after she saw the kilt. Stopped for gas and the young lady there was all smiles as I tried to fish a quarter out of the bottom of my sporran.

[sblanck]

Mostly I get women who ask If I am wearing any underwear.

[jrmiller]

Tobus,
As much as we personally love our kilts and for the most part, dislike our pants, there's no hard rule that says "thou shalt wear thy kilt at every opportunity".

Dress to fit your mood, when you don't mind looking different and can easily handle the questions and the looks, wear it with delight. On the other hand, when you want to fly under the radar, dress in the typical male garb and become one with the herd.

As guys, in our culture, we are trained from a very young age to blend into the group and not stand out. Hence, when we do, it can be uncomfortable and unfamiliar. You have to be the right frame of mind to truly enjoy it. It's hard to overcome our early training. However, with practice, it does get easier!

[Tobus]

As much as we personally love our kilts and for the most part, dislike our pants, there's no hard rule that says "thou shalt wear thy kilt at every opportunity".

Aye, that's a good point, and it's really the issue that bugs me sometimes.

On the one hand, I love wearing a kilt. I can't begin to describe how much more comfortable it is. I've gotten to the point where I hate wearing trousers because they are so uncomfortable "down there" where it matters. Given the choice, the kilt wins hands-down every time in the comfort category.

But since kilts are not exactly common or accepted where I live, I have to temper my desire for comfort with my sense of fitting in. As I have mentioned before, I live in a very small rural Texas town, with the self-proclaimed title of "Cowboy Capitol of the World". As you can imagine, the mindset here is very conservative in its western ideals. There is a lot of testosterone in this town. The main industry here is cattle ranching and dude ranches. In the summer, motorcycle riders swarm to the area because of the scenic riding opportunities and plentiful bars/saloons. And in fall, the area is taken over by deer hunters.

So. Cowboys, bikers, and hunters. Not exactly the friendliest crowd to be in when you're the sole fellow in a kilt. Heck, I've even seen some ugliness from these guys towards men who are wearing shorts and sandals. It's like a big testosterone-based "manliness contest" sometimes. So as a general rule, I don't wear my kilt locally, unless I'm out hiking at the state park.

Any time we drive into the city (San Antonio), I'll wear my kilt. I'm anonymous there, and the environment is different. Kilts are definitely not common there, but at least they tend to be viewed somewhat favorably.

[Richard]

I suppose that's better than some of the usual comments I get like “why are you wearing a skirt” <smack> "ouch was was that for" only joking

[lethearen]

Not exactly the friendliest crowd to be in when you're the sole fellow in a kilt.

So what you're saying, Tobus, is that all us Texans need to hold a kilted invasion of your small town?

[McFarkus]

First, I would say, get used to being stared at when you're wearing a kilt, especially here in the States. Second, if you're in a small town/city, the more you wear it, the less you get stared at.

Finally, my favorite two reactions to my kilt were: 1) one guy who said to my, "I like your quilt!" 2) a somewhat drunken fan of wrestling asked me if I were Rowdy Roddy Piper's dad.

[Tobus]

So what you're saying, Tobus, is that all us Texans need to hold a kilted invasion of your small town?

Heck yeah! That would be awesome!

[ggibby]

I just really wanted to 'blend in' and not be the center of attention.

I doubt men in kilts will ever be so common as to not receive attention.
Once you get comfortable with that (figure out standard responses, pre-filter for 'real' interest, et cetera) and your companions do as well, you'll notice the peripheral glances and reactions less.

That's been my experience.