Going through a baptism of sorts

[Drac]

Morning all,

Went to a Veteran’s dinner at the VFW Saturday after doing color guard for a corporate event on Friday to help honor the fell at Fort Hood.

I changed into my kilt for the event with a polo. I know you have all been through it but this was really my first casual event wearing a kilt and maybe the VFW where at 41 I was by far the youngest wasn’t the best choice for public appearance. I spent most of the night fending off the comments on my “skirt”. I tried to joke it off at first with how I had the legs to carry it off but soon I ended up just tuning them out.

That being said it has spurred the part of me that makes me want to run out and get a couple denim, other solid color or maybe a new casual kilt just to thumb my nose at them.

Jim

[MacLowlife]

As you may have noticed, there are probably three big factions here:
1) the guys who dress in Scotland's national dress, meaning the kilt in usually modern- traditional format
2) the guys who wear modern kilts
3) the guys who wear older (historical) forms of the traditional kilt

Before everyone hits their mouse, I KNOW there are many who do all three, or two of the three. These are just the lines as I see them. But I mention this because, particularly at the VFW, a lot of folks aren't going to be convinced that a denim garment is a kilt, no matter how hard or rational the argument is. If you are placing yourself in the Utilikilt camp, then you may as well step up and get a couple that aren't "plaid" and trudge forth into the battle. If you are really more of a Scots modern guy, then the course I would recommend is just to wear your tartan kilt more and more often. Build up the muscle that knows when to shoot back a smart comment and when to shrug amiably. And remember, for most of us, the people you really want to impress may not be at the VFW. I have nothing at all to say against veterans of any age, especially my elders, but I prefer the sly sidelong glances of the ladies at the mall.

That's just me, though.

[Tobus]

I'm glad you brought this up, as it's an issue that I've been thinking about. I changed into my kilt at work last Friday afternoon when the general atmosphere in the office was casual (everyone looking forward to their weekend). It was generally well-accepted. But I did get one or two joking remarks about my "skirt", or a guy laughingly calling me "ma'am".

And granted, this wasn't as tough a crowd as a hall full of retired military veterans.

But when you described your outfit, you mentioned a polo shirt. Do you think they would have had a different response if you had worn, say, a shirt/tie/waistcoat and possibly a jacket with it? I've been thinking that 'first impressions' in the kilt, in front of others who you want respect from, might be better if the kilt is presented with more traditional men's accessories. And I have no personal evidence to back up the theory, which is why I'm kind of asking the rest of you folks here. Do you think this would be true?

In other words, when you first don the kilt in front of a group of people who haven't seen you in one before, do you find that you're received better if you're wearing "day wear" or better, as opposed to "casual"?

I'd think it definitely couldn't hurt. Especially in front of an older, more traditionally conservative crowd like the VFW.

[BEEDEE]

Interesting observations. I have worn my kilt many times in visits to MCAS Cherry Point and Camp Lejuene. Marines, by and large tend to be polite anyway, but I have had nothing but good comments and intelligent questions. Guess it might be an age group issue here.

Brian

[Geoff Withnell]

Hmmm. Did you have anything on (hat, pin, etc) that marked you as a vet? I attended my first Marine Corps League meeting a few weeks ago, in the Leatherneck kilt. They didn't know it was Leatherneck until I told them. At 60, I wasn't the youngest, but with a heavy representation of WWII and Korean Vet, I was far from the oldest. But I had on my bonnet with the USMC clan badge, and USMC belt buckle, and they just chalked it up to an earned eccentricity.

Geoff Withnell

[Drac]

I guess I fall into all three as I go to Ren Fairs where I go into historical role. I want to incorporate the kilt more into my life and it seems that there are time and places for each type. I wouldn't wear suit pants with a t-shirt just as I lean more toward chinos when wearing polos or button ups. I was feeling the same way about kilts, modern for situations where jeans are appropriate and plaids wear dresser is called for.

Am I violating an unknown culture law?

The affair I went to was a corporate event that was being hosted at the VFW for my companies veteran's association. The recommended dress was corporate casual so I though that the #3 Sporty look from the Ten looks would be appropriate for the event.

Jim

[Tobus]

The affair I went to was a corporate event that was being hosted at the VFW for my companies veteran's association. The recommended dress was corporate casual so I though that the #3 Sporty look from the Ten looks would be appropriate for the event.

That's kind of what I'm talking about (and as a side note, I'm glad we have the "ten looks" thread for common reference!). Once a particular crowd is accustomed to seeing you in your kilt, I would think that matching the kilt outfit to the formality of the occasion would be the right thing to do. But for first impressions, I'm wondering if the folks here thing it's best to go up a notch or two on the "ten looks" meter. Just so that the first time they see the kilt, it looks more respectable than what they're wearing themselves.

[MacLowlife]

I wasn't there, and I didn't see any information before about whether or not you knew anybody. I have been the subject of plenty of "good natured" ribbing from guys who thought they were trying to make a stranger feel comfortable. Sometimes it works better than others. And sometimes your friends will give you the hardest time.

I know that plenty of people frown on the mixing of military credentials with casual civilian kilts, but it might be useful to find and wear one of those lapel pins that will immediately let your fellows know that you served. I work with a guy who wears about six on his sport shirts to work. There is no mistaking he is a veteran and he is proud of that.

As for under dressing or over dressing, there are always going to be two schools. In an older crowd, you might want to over dress a little, to show respect, while in a younger crowd, you might want to avoid looking like a stiff. You can find advice to lead you astray either way there.

Isn't it surprising, at our age ( whatever that may be) that the confidence we have most of the time deserts us now and then and we feel out of place? I'd love to be 41 again, but I can tell you that there are times and situations when I still feel like a first grader. Maybe that is what keeps us from overestimating our abilities.

Thanks for bringing this up, especially in this set of circumstances.

[dfmacliam]

I, also, wore my in the company of veterans, and explaining my tartan, was my clan... US Marine Corps Leatherneck, they appreciated the kilt. I have worn my kilt in the presence of some of my friends, who are the 1% biker types, they gave me a bit of grief, but also acknowledge an admiration of sorts, to me wearing it.. "it takes a set" to wear it.. especially around them...LOL.. most of them are Vets, and respect the Leatherneck tartan for what it represents..
Yeah, it going to happen. People who know you, will mess with you, but its usually in good nature.. you laugh it off, and move on.. its what we do. They respect you, for who you are, they probably respect you for honoring your heritage, or just wanting to wear the kilt.. It takes a certain type of personality to wear the kilt, in the non kilt wearing world... and that is the same one thats predominate, in the military, and even the biker community..

Remember.. we dance to the beat of our own drum... and pipes,too.

[BroosterB1]

I don't think you are violating any dress or cultural law other than the fact that lots of guys are uncomfortable around a kilt. Especially older gentlemen whose experience may be a touch restricted or provincial. I don't think that dressing up (shirt, tie, jacket et al) would have made a lick of difference. The object of objection in their minds was the "guy in the skirt".

How many other kilted guys have they seen(besides playing pipes?) ? While we know there is a huge tradition behind the kilt, they may not be so informed. While we know the "power" of the kilt, they may think it is a "dress" and why in the world would anybody wear one?

You have to remember you were the white mouse in the cage of black ones, not the other way around. All this being said, the more you wear the kilt the more comfortable those around you become. If you feel the kilt expresses something unique about you, wear it.

:ootd: