Be gentle...it's my first time

[davedove]

In most situations, the worst that will happen is an odd look or two, and maybe the occasional cowardly idiot yelling out the car window. A lot of people will appreciate it. Many will just ignore it. Quite a few will just look and take on a "Why would he wear that?" face.

[McRod]

Thanks for sharing your story. Going out the first time is a little unsettling to most. But as you now know the biggest hurdle to overcome is ones self. You're going to get looks, comments and questions, both positive and negative. Thats just part of being kilted. Ignore the bad, gain strength from the good and wear your kilt often and with pride.

Southern Breeze pretty well sums it up. As to being personaly threatened, no, and i have and do wear my Kilt everywere,even in some rather risky areas,and have never had a problem. I walk tall,shoulders back,and step out with total ease and confidance and look people in the eye. Seems to take care of the stupid ones. Sydney is a rather layed back kind of place though.

[Roan Carter]

I've worn my kilt when going to the mall for some things before. It may be the worst place in town to go. I get treated much, much better at social functions (even college parties) and just about anywhere else. People tend to be intrigued and ask all kinds of questions. It's kinda funny when I go to places like American Eagle and ask for a green shirt to match my kilt. ^_^

I think it's only when you go to a place of lower class, or cross an ethnic boundary, that you're going to be misunderstood. (For different reasons.)

But there are always the people who will say "Holy expletive, it's a kilt!"
The finest encounter I've heard of was an experience Bear mentioned in his blog, where a veteran saw him in his Black Watch kilt and shook his hand.

[macgreggor]

I find I walk a little taller and see a little better when I wear my kilt. As long as I avoid places where "wine has been taken" there are no problems. My TKD instructor told me to 'look confident, wolves don't eat other wolves, only sheep!'

Stand tall,

Greg (macG)

[bubba]

Had a good one happen yesterday. I stopped for a cold one at my favorite watering hole, which happens to be a rather seedy bar. Now, the guys there may not be high society but they are a fun, if rowdy, bunch. One character, obviously fairly new to the place and new to drinking age started razzing me about my "skirt" and getting annoying. Well, I just kinda paraphrased and old quote and said "You must think you're a wit. You're half right". Everybody started laughing, the kid kinda blushed and shut up. Got a free drink from the bartender for that one. The places I find people make the most innane comments in general are the trendy yuppie type places and that's where you're likely to find some idiot with a snootful ready to start something.

[Rigged]

I had a drunk guy come up to me like he wanted to fight, but when he got close enough, he changed his mind, turned and walked away. I can't imagine why.

[motorman4life]

I have had soooo many good experiences in a kilt, so many positive comments and compliments, I really have to work to recall the bad ones. I have had times (especailly early on) where I heard snickering or laughing and assumed it was about me, only to discvover it was not. When people don't understand things, it is not unusual for them to react unpredicatbly. I have had some situations that could have been bad, turn out to be the very best. It is all how you approach things. As I've mentioned before, I try to end all encounters in a positive way. One way to do this is to give your "attacker" a comfortable escape route.

I must say, I am surprised a kilt would not be more common in London and that it would get much of any reaction at all.

My best advice is to not shrink from comments. As others have mentioned, be confident. Show your confidence. Smile, look people squarely in the eye. Don't act like you are expecting sour comments or negative feedback. Look sharp and carry a command presence. It works wonders.

Also, check out my website.... www.kiltday.com

PS. I have met Rigged and I think with a couple of beers in me, I could take him!

[Riverkilt]

You'll stand taller in a kilt...no hassles. The very few cat calls you might get are best ignored...but if you're feeling frisky turn and face them and watch them cower.

Ron

[michael steinrok]

Good on you for coming out of the Kilted closet. Kilts are to be worn not stored!

[ckelly327]

Actually, some of the "seedier" places seem to be some of the most tolerant as well. I've been kilted with some hardcore biker types who were hardened Viet Nam vets and they treat you with more respect than if you were wearing Dockers. I'm not quite ready to walk through some areas of downtown while kilted but I don't walk through there whenever possible.

As said many times before me, wear the kilt with confidence and people won't bother you.