Going to Germany

[BozemanboB]

Hello, all.

Monday I leave for Germany for a week of business tripping. I'll land in Frankfurt and travel to Goettingen, Freiberg/Dresden, and possibly to Munich, before heading back to Frankfurt. I'll spend most of the week on trains, it seems, but I have ~2 days of down time at the end of the trip.

Has anyone had experience kilting in Germany? I'd like to wear one for traveling, likely a utilikilt because I find them comfortable and versatile, but for business visits I'll be trousered.

Any words of wisdom are appreciated.


boB

[Chef]

I've been to Germany in a kilt. The ladies loved it! the Germans as a whole are very fond of the Scots. If you have a traditional kilt though, I would take that instead. In most countries the kilt is associated with Scotland and they know what a Scottish kilt is (everyone has seen a pipe band at some point). I don't know much about current German pop culture (so I don't know if they have seen much in the way of Utilikilts or the like) but in a non-traditional Utilikilt you might just be a guy in a skirt.

[Roan Carter]

My friend said she saw kilties in Germany. I can't say anymore than that really, only that I know they are there. You won't stick out in Germany as bad as if you went to say, Taiwan, or something.

Manaroks exist in Germany as well, not sure if I'm spelling that right, but they are essentially man-skirts. For them to exist, Germany must be slightly liberal on the issue.

Have you seen USAKilts' German tartan? It's handsome.

[Jock Scot]

If you stick to the traditional line with the kilt all will be well with the Germans.Anything that vears away from that line may well lead to "misunderstandings",if you know what I mean!I my experiance the tartan kilt = Scotland if looked at through German eyes.

[James MacMillan]

I have been lucky enough to travel to many countries in my life. In many of them I have also been lucky enough to be kilted. I have never had a negative experience soley on my chosen style of dress.

I think, by and large, you make your own luck. If you wear your clothes well, you will be treated well. Good luck in your travels. Dress well!

[Galician]

My friend said she saw kilties in Germany. I can't say anymore than that really, only that I know they are there. You won't stick out in Germany as bad as if you went to say, Taiwan, or something.

Manaroks exist in Germany as well, not sure if I'm spelling that right, but they are essentially man-skirts. For them to exist, Germany must be slightly liberal on the issue. Have you seen USAKilts' German tartan? It's handsome.

I have no idea how widely accepted they are outside of liberal zones like Berlin, but in any event, the word is "Männerrock"

[Frank McGrath]

When I was at Oktoberfest in 2004, there were a lot of guys in kilts. Most very drunk, but I got to talk to a few. They thought it strange that an american would be interested in kilts.

[Chef]

I have no idea how widely accepted they are outside of liberal zones like Berlin, but in any event, the word is "Männerrock"

In case anyone is interested you can find them HERE

[TheSp8]

I was stationed in southern Germany and wore both my UK and tartan kilts. They were all well received. There are Scottish groups in Germany and they wear kilts and play the pipes. Never even got a strange look. I did get some free drinks though.

YMOS,
Tony

[Sean_the_Kilted]

I wear my kilts in the small german town near Heidelberg, Germany that I live in and I haven't heard any comments yet. A few weird looks, but no comments good or bad. Germans don't strike up random conversations with strangers as much as Americans do.