I don't know if I am a common example or a very different one, but my first kilt was a matter of necessity.

My wife and I, plus our best friends were at a Celtic Festival outside of Annapolis, MD a few years ago. It was a clear, bright, and hot day in the Spring. So, I in my infinite wisdom was wearing a black polo shirt and blue jeans. By midday I was not only hot, I was sweltering. My wife suggested that I go and see if I could find a kilt I liked. So, off I went to see what was available that was cooler and not too expensive.

The tartan ones for sale were wool and started at a few hundred dollars. Well, that wouldn't solve my temperature problem, or at least I didn't think it would, so I kept looking and came across the Amerikilt booth and my life was changed. I got an olive drab (OD) cotton utility kilt, no pouches but a sporran in matching fabric and a brown leather belt to complete the outfit. From that hot day about three years ago to now my attire on weekends and vacations and occasionally at work for the Halloween party has been a kilt. I have three now; the OD Amerikilt, an acrylic from Pakistan in Ancient Lamont (my clan from my mother's side of the family), and an Irish National semi-trad from USA Kilts that just arrived and which I am wearing now.

So, mine was a matter of necessity, but it also allowed me to celebrate my Scottish ancestry. How about the rest of the rabble, what are your stories?

Larry Schwartz