The Kilt is a costume.....

[jkane]

When I am at a loss for words, I simply agree with them. In this case I would just say yes it is a costume and go about my business. If I like the person and want to have more conversation, I might ask why do you want to know? They are trying to get a rise out of you. By agreeing, they loose their steam and then begin to accept it as just who you are instead of something to tease you about.

Relax, be calm, and just act like you already know what they think and don't care either way for their opinions.

[BrazHunter]

The kilt is a garment, not a costume ...
You can just tell them to take a peak at a dictionary and educate themselves ...

According to Oxford American Dictionary

kilt |kilt|
noun
a knee-length skirt of pleated tartan cloth, traditionally worn by men as part of Scottish Highland dress and now also worn by women and girls.
kilt
verb [ trans. ]
gather (a garment or material) in vertical pleats : [as adj. ] ( kilted) kilted skirts.
DERIVATIVES
kilted adjective
ORIGIN Middle English (as a verb in the sense [tuck up around the body] ): of Scandinavian origin; compare with Danish kilte (op) ‘tuck (up)’ and Old Norse kilting ‘a skirt.’ The noun dates from the mid 18th cent.

[campbell]

For family and friends I have found that the best thing is to purchase a few DVDs to show them. Television shows like Monarch of the Glen (Series 1-3), and movies like Brigadoon, Formula 51, and The Queen will get them used to the kilt.

As far as strangers are concerned, time and place are everything. The kilt is never out of place at: The Highland Games, St. Patrick's Day Parade, a Burns supper, and a wedding in which the groom is wearing a kilt. On any other occasion you will probably get rude comments. A tartan tie with a suit (pants) may be a better option for those situations.

[fluter]

A tartan tie with a suit (pants) may be a better option for those situations.

Not a bit of it, Mr. C!

Now in my homeland, the word "son" may have in excess of 3 syllables. For a first offence, I'd set the syllabic phaser to about 2.3 (stun setting).

Just look them square in the eye, and say "Suuuun, some of us just need the extra room."

[BoldHighlander]

Just look them square in the eye, and say "Suuuun, some of us just need the extra room."

[Matthew Siegmann]

Interesting to read. Of course, one would think I wore a costume most of the time with what I wear. My choice of atire isn't exactly 21st century. I like wearing detachable collars with my suits and I like a little Edwardian style when it comes to wearing my kilt. I must say, however, that I'm going to rethink wearing my smoking jacket with my kilt again. It was a bit too long for my taste. I did get quite a bit of complements though. I like top hats, as a matter of fact I love hats, which is part of my drive toward more historic looking dress.

[dfmacliam]

I would just let the comments go... if they don't phase you.. they soon drop the taunts. Life is all about that.. be it a kilt or anything else a person chooses to snipe about... walk with your head held high, live your life... and kilt on.. they will accept it as long as you believe in yourself..

[Scotcop]

thanks guys, people around me are trying to discourage me from wearing it around town, I think it's more about what people will think of THEM than me......I'll just continue to wear it, and put on my "Geordie" face.

[ghostlight]

...people around me are trying to discourage me from wearing it around town, I think it's more about what people will think of THEM than me...

Yes. Things like, "That guy in the pants must have ugly knees. But his friend sure looks nice."

[oldscubaguy]

Perhaps the best response would be: "Thank you for sharing", and then walk away.
By reading these posts I am beginning to understand that what other people think of me is:
1. None of my business
2. Meaningless