Is It an Age Thing?

[Hamish]

I read all of your reports in which you relate you kilting experiences - visits to the Wal-Mart store, or to the DIY store, etc., etc. Most of you receive compliments or comments about your kilts. I receive none!

As most of you know, I am kilted each and every day. This weekend, I have visited Homebase twice (that's a DIY/Gardening superstore), Marks and Spencer twice (that's a clothing, food and homewares superstore), and PC World three times (that's a computer superstore), and not once has an eyebrow been raised, a question asked, a double-take taken, or any other reaction to my "TFCK" kilts, Utilikilts or Savannah Kilt been noticed.

These shopping expeditions have not been on my own home territory, where I might be known, but many miles away. Neither the Staff of these stores, nor other customers within them, have shown any interest whatsoever, or surprise, in my garb.

Had I been a younger fellow would they have noticed and perhaps commented? Is it because I am the age I am that members of the general public consider me to be an old eccentric, best left to his own devices? What is it?

[Rob Wright]

Hamish, it may be that you are such a regular fixture of the landscape that people don't think "Oh, wow look at that!" In a few short months I've noticed that people look and react to me just like any other person. Maybe the folks over here are a little more curious?

Rob Wright

[Miah]

I don't get very many coments at all if I do it is a question.
My 1st thought Hamish is that you are in over in Europe and most folks i have meet from over that way while may be outwardly excentric are often quite soft spoken and wont say much to a passer by. Besides In England I would almost expect to see a kilted person here and there.

[GMan]

Ham,

I find that I too am known as somewhat eccentric in my usual haunts (even before my kilted life), but when I go beyond those venues, not knowing (really not caring) what others may say I find basically the same sentiment expressed, that of a nod of approval or a smile.

Most of my apprehension comes from within me and my own thoughts, that I find my biggest barrier. Now that my hair is thinning and turning to a lighter shade of pigmentation, my individualness (is there such a word?) and non conformity are beginning to really shine brightly 8)

[beverlonian]

Ham,

Like yourself I've had very few comments. The most memorable was when I turned a rural corner and met a group of about 20 ramblers head on. As they passed one female walker exclaimed "Ooh! He's wearing a kilt" in a wolf-whistle-ish manner. :P
At the other end of the scale an elderly lady (on another occasion) remarked she was expecting me to be a lady as I was wearing a sk**t.

[Rigged]

I think its a culture thing. In America, we have no cultural context for men wearing unbifurcated garments except as a costume or as a joke.

[David Woodington]

Rigged I think in the US there are alot more people who are little traveled and saddly ignorant and unappreciative of other cultures unlike Europe.
Now Hamish I really think the people you meet are just too terrified to say any thing.You, looking so vicious and all ,no one in there right mind would say anything to offend,I'm even carefull and I'm all the way over here in the States .

[Graham]

No Hamish I don't think it's age related, except that younger men might attract the ladies a little more, and since I am happily married, I don't care about that anyway.

Surely England, even your part of it, is SO accustomed to every variation of fashion that nothing shocks any more.

Or, as you've said before, it may be the English "reserve", a reluctance to say anything.

The only comment I've had today was the first person to call in who said "aren't you COLD dressed like that?"

[Raphael]

Probably people are getting used to the idea of kilts are being worn in a more casual setting.

[bikercelt1]

Well Ham, I think people respond to my kilts because I am an eccentric while you don't get response because they recognise that you are Hamish, Godfather of the kilted world, recognised leader of kilted men world wide, possesor of the worlds formost Kollection of Kilts, and general man-not-to-be-messed-with.(sounds like a super hero tag line if I ever heard one) I suspect that when people see you they dont respond because 1)they are afraid you'll make them wear a kilt, or 2)they're hoping thhat if they leave you in peace you'll put in a good word with Howie on their behalf.

(but thhen again, it could just be my overactive imagination again)

Jamie