Why did you start wearing a kilt?

[kilted_brewer]

My short version amounts to what Rocky wrote to himself at the link below, only I was 35 when I had the a similar realization: I didn't want to hit my next birthday and still be afraid to wear the clothes I thought looked good.

I don't think I've ever had a chance to relate the longer version, so thanks for asking!

I had been interested in tartans since high school, and had a copy of Bain's Clans & Tartans of Scotland, as well as a necktie in what I now know is Cumming Hunting Modern dating from that time (one day, I'll have a tank in that tartan, too, but it would have to be an asymmetrical tartan, so I don't think I'll be attempting to make it myself; that will likely remain a cherished dream).

But it really took a series of events to get me started wearing a kilt. First, seeing a Utilikilts booth at an event my workplace co-produces in Washington, DC made me see that contemporary kilts could be just another option for everyday wear. The death of my maternal grandfather, who was proud of his Scottish heritage (however distant it may have been), and my personal/private/eccentric effort to honor his memory brought back the interest in Scottish history and culture, and my own ancestry. Finally, a few weeks' parental leave from work in late 2006 gave me the chance to try out being kilted everyday.

I think I went 2 years kilted fulltime, but in 2009, I reconciled with shorts. Jeans and I still have an uncomfortable working relationship, and my khakis and I have long since parted company.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/articles_id.php?id=7

Here's mine (written up a few years back).

[thescot]

The last time I saw my father alive, as he was dying of Motor Neurone Disease, he asked me if I'd wear a kilt at his funeral.

I granted his wish.

Slainte

Bruce

Bruce, that was the most eloquent and poignant story I've heard in a while. You made a good choice.

[dfmacliam]

A desire to honor my Celtic Heritage.. I am a work in progress, learning and developing my style, from what I have learned off this site.

I do not have years experience or family who have worn the kilt, but a desire to honor my Claghorn Family ancestors, even if they are from Edinburgh/Corstophine area, and not the Highlands. I do have Irish descent that I wish to honor as well, but I acknowledge the kilt is the Scottish National Dress, and not Irish in nature. (my official disclaimer)

[Heming]

A few years ago, after I'd been back in Norway for a couple of years after having spent some time in Edinburgh, I went back to Edinburgh to celebrate a friend's 30th. It was a black tie thing, so I rented a kilt outfit. The next day I went to TFCK and ordered a black barathea kilt suit.

[Cavebear58]

12345

[GDub]

Totally out of the blue, my wife bought me 2 kilts (an SWK Irish National standard and a black AK) for my birthday in August 2008. I had never even thought of donning a kilt until then so the gifts were a TOTAL surprise. I was a little taken aback at first, but thought, "What the heck..."

One year and a few months later and I now have 18 kilts--with another on order! I've been kilted at every gig we've played since then. I go out and about kilted, I wear an SK around the house in the evening and I usually wear my camo UK when I'm out working in the garden. I don't wear the kilt to work because I'm a programmer and sitting on pleats all day doesn't appeal to me....

[Smayniac]

I got started on a bit of a whim. I saw Sport Kilts in a bicycle catalog I used to get and ordered one, then two more. Eventually I decided I wanted something more substantial and eventually found my way to the Xkilt instructions. I am not a bit Scottish, and only a tiny bit Irish(I know, I know), but I just wanted one and now I have several and fabric for more plus a wish list.
Bob

[Rex_Tremende]

Because I wanted to.

Regards,
Rex.

[Ozark Ridge Rider]

Have always known of my family heritage through Piper/Murray clan.

When my wife got involved in activities of the Scott clan I told her I would do anything to help her, but I would NOT wear a kilt.

It didn't take her long.

Dan

[Panache]

Because I wanted to.

Regards,
Rex.

Bravo!

You summed up my reasons far better (and shorter) than I could

Cheers

Jamie :ootd: