Kilted in Philly - A First!

**MACKAY** · 1st August 05, 11:15 AM

Although I have worn my kilt(s) to many a Celtic festival, and a few kilt nights, I had not yet taken the plunge beyond wearing my UK, Traditional or USAK beyond ‘safe’ venues. Until this weekend that is….

My wife and I decided to go to the Philadelphia Tattoo convention (think ink, not military bands) this weekend and I casually mentioned that maybe it was high time I wore my kilt beyond a Celtic themed event. I wouldn’t call it a mistake per say to mention this, as like many others, I had not yet reached a level of comfort (in my mind) that would allow me to go outside of my perception of a safe and kilt friendly environment. However, the wife immediately, and to my surprise, chimed in that I would look so ‘cool’ in my UK and boots at a tattoo convention, and the last thing out of place would be a guy in a kilt!

Well all went well leading up to the event, until my wife mentioned that we should take the train into Philly to save the hassle of parking, have lunch at the Reading Terminal Market and then head over to the convention center for the rest of the day. I didn’t let on when I said ‘sure thing hun’, but I had more butterflies than I ever had in any other adventure I ever undertook. Just to put things in perspective, I have been in combat, I have a pilots license, am a certified deep water wreck diver, a certified rescue diver, former fireman and have jumped out of perfectly good planes for no good reason amongst other equally stupid adventures … and wearing a kilt in public was giving me butterflies!?

Anyhow, long story short it was mostly a non-event. But, it was also one of the most exhilarating experiences I ever had! I received no comments at all from the train ride on through lunch. A few double takes sure, a whisper or two behind me, yep, but other than that … nothing!

Then at the tattoo convention while I was waiting in line I had a young woman turn around and in a loud shrieking voice yell, “Your kilt is soooo cool, I love it! You look soooo hot!” Well, you can imagine that I now had a bit more confidence than I ever had prior to this occasion.

During the next six hours in the convention hall I was stopped by a number of men and women who asked to take my picture, or where they could get one, etc. I seemed to be the only guy kilted there (several mini-kilts on young and innocent girls) and received no negative comments at all. I did have one guy shout to me “Are you regimental?”, but that was it. My wife even got a discount from an artist who though that we were a ‘progressive’ couple and set a fine example of individuality in a sea of attention junkies.

After the first hour or so I completely forgot I had a kilt on. I now know what everyone is taking about. It becomes a non-issue. You just become yourself. And believe me, there was a lot more to stare at there than a guy in a UK at this convention :-)

In the end I had a great time and came away from it all with a new found sense of confidence and attitude. The best part was that on the train ride home my wife was informing me of all the women who were following me or doing the double take with a wide smile and nudging the boyfriend / husbands arm and asking them if THEY should have the guts to wear a kilt.

In the end, I do admit that it was also a very comfortable day wearing a kilt. We were in a hot city, in a convention center with LOTS of people, and I felt great. After the initial fear of rejection and humiliation were put in check, the kilt turned out to be a great asset (we also got a free cab ride cause of the kilt). Also found out that the wife likes the look as well (she was for the most part indifferent prior to this event) and wants me to get a solid black as my next kilt.

Ahhhh … happy at last!

Brian Mackay

**Ranald** · 1st August 05, 12:39 PM

I'm very pleased your day went so well, yep it was my first too (today) but I didn't go quite so public.
Did you get some ink while you was there? and when's the next outing?

**MACKAY** · 1st August 05, 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by Ranald

I'm very pleased your day went so well, yep it was my first too (today) but I didn't go quite so public.
Did you get some ink while you was there? and when's the next outing?

I personally did not, but the wife had some nice script done around her wrist. I couldn't get what I wanted done, so I'll wait until next year. :-(

Next outting ???? The skys the limit now. I can't for work, but am looking forward to getting out kilted somewhere this weekend.

"Holy Tartan Batman .... this is liberating!"

Brian

**GMan** · 1st August 05, 07:32 PM

Kilted Liberation! Love hearing these type of things, it does make kilt wearing such a boost to the ego.

**Verlyn** · 1st August 05, 08:02 PM

Good on ya'. Last night, my wife and I were at some friends for dinner and they had some other guests too. In the middle of dinner, the hostess stops and says, "Hey, where's your kilt?" Alas, both were in the laundry and I was uncomfortable NOT in the kilt. Then she proceded to explain how great she thought it looked. Of course, ever since she saw one of mine last summer, she's been trying to get her husband into one. We also attend the same church, and our pastor was leaving. Ugly circumstance and she got the smelly end of the stick. Since we were leaving immediately to a festival after church, I wore my kilt. Got some good natured ribbing from some friends, but the great part was when we went up to say goodbye, the pastor says in her loudest voice, "You dressed up just for me! I love it." She'd seen me in my kilt before and got the biggest kick out of it. Its great now, I find I do feel more and more comfortable out and about in my kilt. I'd be interested to read minds when my future son-in-law is with me in his kilt. The girls are usually with us and there's looks, but no outward comments. Of course being 6'3" and 200 pounds may make them think twice. Cheers!