The "Don of Fear"

**WillowEstate** · 15th May 14, 09:59 AM

Hi Kentucky,
KiltedJohn has it exactly right, it's all a question of confidence - your confidence. You may get the odd negative comment but in my experience, the proportion is miniscule compared to the compliments. You also have the great advantage of the support of your Good Lady, though in time, she may get a tad jealous of all the attention you garner! Walk tall, be confident, just do it!

By the way, I agree with you about Culloden, I don't know anyone who has visited and has not been deeply moved by the experience.

**Richrail** · 15th May 14, 11:25 AM

It is defiantly a confidence thing, wear it around the house, then a quick trip to the store. That will help build confidence, the odd trip to an Irish pub a hike in the woods builds confidence also. I have found that young people really like the kilt. The wife and I were out a the local mall when a group of skate boarders came by and they all love the kilt and thought it was cool, more confidence building. Now when ever I'm not working I'm kilted, I've become the kilted guy in our little community just north of Reno.

**McMurdo** · 15th May 14, 12:15 PM

Let me say I know what you are talking about, the first time I wore the kilt it was for my twin brothers wedding, there were of course no disparaging comments. The next time was for an event at work, everyone at work loved it though on my way one of my neighbours made a smart comment, he was walking his cat by the way. It was at this moment that I realized I really did not care what others thought. I quickly became a full time kilt wearer, which takes dedication through a Canadian winter. At any rate the more I wore the kilt and got used to it the easier it got, confidence comes from doing it. After over 5 years of full time kilt wearing and years of less frequent kilt wearing I have had far more positive comments then negative. I also have had far more conversations with strangers than I ever would have had if I were wearing trousers. In fact now there are people I have known for years who would not recognize me in trousers.

**Bareknees1** · 15th May 14, 12:41 PM

Welcome aboard, Kentucky. I guess I've hit that age where I don't care as much what someone else might think about my attire, but I remember those days. Took me the better part of 5 decades to "discover" the kilted world, so you are light years ahead-Good on ya! A well worn piece of advice has helped me through the years-"Those who mind(what you wear), don't matter, Those who matter, don't mind". Or, as Mr Ashton says, "Swish and swagger......"

**jhockin** · 15th May 14, 01:35 PM

It's a bit like learning to ride a bicycle: scary at first, but as time goes by you gain confidence and the fear disappears. Also, you will likely find that the overwhelming majority of comments will be positive.
Go for it!

**ratspike** · 15th May 14, 02:05 PM

My first time in a kilt was a really strange experience for sure, although it probably had as much to do with it being the middle of winter as anything else. Once you've done it the first time you'll realize that it's just no big thing. Yes, people or stare or whisper. Yes, you will almost definitely get attention from women. Randoms on the street may ask to have their picture taken with you. For the most part you'll find that the attention is very positive, and that the squares will keep their comments to themselves.

My approach to wearing kilts is much like my approach to life in general. I'm me being me, doing what makes me happy and comfortable, and it's not harshing anyone's mellow. Don't like my kilt? Not my problem so put a sock in it. Besides, your wife was just checking me out because I am awesome, while you are a complete tosser.

**MacKenzie** · 15th May 14, 02:28 PM

Originally Posted by ratspike

My approach to wearing kilts is much like my approach to life in general. I'm me being me, doing what makes me happy and comfortable, and it's not harshing anyone's mellow. Don't like my kilt? Not my problem so put a sock in it. Besides, your wife was just checking me out because I am awesome, while you are a complete tosser.

You won the internet for the day.

**Chainsaw02** · 15th May 14, 05:48 PM

KentuckyCeltophile,

I certainly understand your situation and very much agree with all my fellow Xmarks' that have replied. Please consider attending the Glasgow Kentucky Highland Games coming soon in your area. I have been there before and as a kilted gent you will fit in very nicely. And if you happen to see an entertainer by the name of Colin Grant Adams be sure and tell him and his wife Julie that Lord and Lady Chainsaw said hello.

Larry and Phyllis Dirr

**uncle remus** · 15th May 14, 06:35 PM

Before I wore my kilt in public for the first time I put it on several times at home and made sure I was wearing it correctly. My very first time in public was at a renn faire. My wife and I stay at a hotel the night before and when we leave the hotel in the morning we are dressed in our garb for the affair. I was getting very positive remarks when I would load our car from other guests, this prompted me to want to wear one in the general public, not as a costume but as a daily piece of atire. The only thing different about what I was wearing from what I was wearing daily was the kilt. If you are wondering if wearing it with the rest of your daily atire look at the top of this forum for 1 kilt 10 looks. I wore mine to a mall. I spent a very enjoyable day with my wife and mother. I did find out several things that kind of surprised me.

1. A man in a kilt, while the rest of the world lives in trousers says alot about your self confidence to the publc.
2. My wife is a "leg man." lol I think most women are.
3. you will get talked to by complete strangers and will get far more positive feed back than negative.
4. My wife will hold onto me more. I think to say this is mine get your own. lol

After I wore my kilt and my mother passed it around that I wear one I had several relatives ask for a picture of my kilt, they also wished they had the "courage" to wear one. During the day I was mistaken for a woman, something we still laugh about, and we received a discount from the manager of the restaurant we lunched at.

I think also that once you get comfortable wearing a kilt you will find you are much more yourself than in pants. You shouldn't be afraid of this as I think you will really like the person you are.

Have confidence in yourself and kilt on.

**Dusty** · 15th May 14, 06:52 PM

Welcome Kentucky,

I chose to wear my first kilt out of town and state to Molly MacPherson's Pub in Savannah GA. The second was my brother's wedding in Louisiana. Got great comments at both. After that I would wear my kilt when I went out to local restaurants, friends houses and local events. Got a few snide remarks but most were good. Confidence comes with time and you will get there. Last Thursday I wore my kilt to the Canton Mississippi Flea Market, which is a large event held twice a year. Like someone has already stated, people will come up and talk to you that normally would not do so. I was asked did I play the pipes, what tartan is that and (best of all) was interviewed for wearing a kilt. Remember most of all wear you kilt with pride and tell everyone who ask about your kilt about XMarks.
I had several people come up and ask did I play the pipes,