To kilt in modern north american society

[Madadh]

I took one of my lads to my daughters school for a show and tell on St. Patrick’s day. I arrived early and had to wait in the main hall for about 20 minutes. Everyone came up and asked about the dog, all the usual questions you get when walking an Irish Wolfhound. After about 20 minutes one of the teacher came up to me and apologized. She was sorry that everyone had fussed so much about the lad, that no one noticed that I was in full kilt and regalia.

So if you want to wear a kilt and not be noticed, walk an Irish Wolfhound.

[cessna152towser]

I hate to have to say it but one of the problems of wearing the kilt, compared to other native costumes, is the no underwear myth, perpetuated by those who don't know any better.
Last month I attended a small gathering of kilt wearing friends for a barbecue during my holiday in Germany. There were kilt wearers from England, Ireland, Belgium and Germany, besides myself from Scotland, all properly clad. All that is except the German butcher who provided the barbecue and who had obviously never worn a kilt before, but presumably thought he was expected to play the part by wearing a kilt but no underwear. His kilt was ridiculously short and exposed his testicles every time he bent over, much to the embarrassment of the rest of the company.

[Dughlas mor]

Och, enough to ruin your appetite!

[ctbuchanan]

I hate to have to say it but one of the problems of wearing the kilt, compared to other native costumes, is the no underwear myth, perpetuated by those who don't know any better.
Last month I attended a small gathering of kilt wearing friends for a barbecue during my holiday in Germany. There were kilt wearers from England, Ireland, Belgium and Germany, besides myself from Scotland, all properly clad. All that is except the German butcher who provided the barbecue and who had obviously never worn a kilt before, but presumably thought he was expected to play the part by wearing a kilt but no underwear. His kilt was ridiculously short and exposed his testicles every time he bent over, much to the embarrassment of the rest of the company.

The only part of my wearing the kilt that bothers my wife is "The Question". It irks her to no end and I have to restrain her at times from a very sarcastic response. Other than that I usually receive a very good response when I wear my kilt in an everyday setting. The occasional wise crack which I usually ignore but it is normally 95% favorable comments.

[tundramanq]

There is a good reason men's kilts should be no shorter than the top of the knees. When you bend over the rear fabric has to go around your rump so the hem rises. On my fairly rumpless body that shortens the drop by 7 inches which is as close to exposure as I will let it get.

Quick public service.
Kilt check: Stand with your rear facing a full length mirror and bend over putting one hand on the floor. Pick up the front aprons with the other hand and look beneath to see how close you get to exposure.
Also keep in mind that the hotter the day, and generally, the older you are the lower you will hang.

If in doubt squat! Please.

[Taskr]

Tundra,
You've assumed we have such physical ability!! Also an image that brought a chuckle and quite possibly spoiled my appetite for lunch

[tundramanq]

The other indicator is if, when sitting, "anything" touches the seat it's time for underwear or a longer kilt.

[thecompaqguy]

The other indicator is if, when sitting, "anything" touches the seat it's time for underwear or a longer kilt.

kilt liners are a good idea

[Taskr]

" I am curious if this is common around the X-Mark community, or if I just have the pleasure of being the ground breaker in my town"

Hopefully you have that distinct pleasure of ground breaker..at least for kilt wearing. On reviewing this thread, your comment quoted above was seen afresh, though reflected in responses. In practically every community someone at some time becomes that person who does something out of what has been heretofore usual and normal by community standards. Unfortunately, such departures are sometimes a stain on the community and society as a whole. More often such departures provide innovation, joy, refreshement and motivation for others to embark on their own do-no-harm path of growth and diversity. There are many examples of the one who became the many in music, fashion, style and a host of other human pursuits and endeavours. Likely as many remain the one and only. It may be, then, that we have to consider the kilt as not being so unusual or odd in the grand scheme of breaking new ground given the myriad of so many before; but simply the aspiration of the individual to be whom they want to be in a non-threatening and peaceable manner. Moreover, our kilt wearing might have an even greater reach in providing someone else the nudge to express themselves in their own way as they have always wanted.

slàinte

[thecompaqguy]

" I am curious if this is common around the X-Mark community, or if I just have the pleasure of being the ground breaker in my town"

Hopefully you have that distinct pleasure of ground breaker..at least for kilt wearing. On reviewing this thread, your comment quoted above was seen afresh, though reflected in responses. In practically every community someone at some time becomes that person who does something out of what has been heretofore usual and normal by community standards. Unfortunately, such departures are sometimes a stain on the community and society as a whole. More often such departures provide innovation, joy, refreshement and motivation for others to embark on their own do-no-harm path of growth and diversity. There are many examples of the one who became the many in music, fashion, style and a host of other human pursuits and endeavours. Likely as many remain the one and only. It may be, then, that we have to consider the kilt as not being so unusual or odd in the grand scheme of breaking new ground given the myriad of so many before; but simply the aspiration of the individual to be whom they want to be in a non-threatening and peaceable manner. Moreover, our kilt wearing might have an even greater reach in providing someone else the nudge to express themselves in their own way as they have always wanted.

slàinte

I think the problem is too much over analysis... Kilts, although smart are not common, but a search of Instagram yields tons of pics every day, (Iconosquare.com search) so someone, somewhere is kilted and looking sharp! We shouldn't need approval from others ie how common the kilt is or reactions... if you like it, do it