Your first kilt wearing experience

**David Thorpe** · 24th February 12, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

...One of my very few relatively young parishioners (female) came up to me at the front door of the church, all excited and flustered and asked "Is that... is that your... is it real?"

I knew she was trying to ask if it was my tartan (it was my clergy tank) but I answered her, "No, actually it's just your imagination. I'm actually standing here with nothing on."

Here's your sign.

**Tony** · 24th February 12, 11:48 AM

Choice of kilt - Dress Gordon from Moss Bros
The occasion - my wedding
Your experience - loved it!
The response - positive all round. got my dad, brother and best man kilted too.
Kilt wearing since then - didn't kilt again till my 40th birthday. I'm a very occasional wearer, though for some reason I now have 4. Not sure how that happened....

**Poppa in Manotick** · 24th February 12, 11:55 AM

Macman - we have much in common (in addition to the kilt). I too joined the Canadian Army Reserve in 1967.

The decision to wear a kilt. [I]It was part of the kit issued.[/I]
Choice of kilt. The regiment wore the Black Watch.
The occasion. First day on parade.
Your experience. Fulfilling. Great to be part of something bigger than yourself and quite different from the norm of the day (kilt, short hair, etc. when everyone else had long hair and blue jeans).
The response. I was also frequently reminded how to properly wrap my puttees.Kilt wearing since then. Finally got back to wearing the kilt about 10 years ago. I have 5 now plus various jackets and other kit. Yes, it's an addiction but a good one.
Doug

**werewolves** · 24th February 12, 12:37 PM

The decision to wear a kilt: Saw a guy wearing a Utilikilt at Oktoberfest, and I thought "holy cow, there are kilts with pockets, that you don't have to be a piper to wear??". Obviously I've learned a bit more about kilts since then

Choice of kilt: Utilikilt, Black Workman's

The occasion: Metallica Concert (Summer Sanitarium, Seattle)

Your experience: Nervous, I mean I was wearing a kilt to a heavy metal concert. But I figured since it was Seattle... At any rate, the responses were all positive, so I really enjoyed myself.

The response: Great, lots of "cat calls" from ladies, thumbs up from guys, one gal told me I was her hero.

Kilt wearing since then: Often. I have several, from casual "modern" to traditional 8-yard. Love it.

**tulloch** · 24th February 12, 02:00 PM

Since my youngest awareness of kilts I knew I would wear one if I ever had the chance. Finally took my mum to a highland games in Nova Scotia and saw how much they cost! Just waited it out - survived really.

When I had the choice of getting a kilt I chose the tartan my grandfather had used on a jacket that I still have and we had for vests as a child and my mother a skirt in the REALLY high highlands in Montana USA - Ross Hunting. At the same time I ordered one in Ross Hunting Dress.

The occasion of my first wearing one was I walked into the kiltmaker's workroom and dropped my pants. No better feeling, no regrets. Wife was at my side. I had bought my first boxer shorts for just the occasion and as the pants went down they stayed firmly in place. (Whew) Went home and walked the dogs and then off to a local music fest.

A few days later my wife and I went to a highland games and I was interviewed on television about the kilt. Great day all around.

The response I get to wearing a kilt has been almost universally good - sometimes quizzical. Never rude. I have been hugged and photographed with women I never saw before. It does make my wife a little nervous but I am very attentive to her and have tried to make it clear she is always number 1 in my life.

I wear it every chance I get. If I don't wear it once a week I get antsy for it. I wear it hiking, going to the city, to restaurants, to visit my old mother. Now I am in a pipe band learning to squeeze the bag - makes my mother so proud and happy. I can say that it has led to all kinds of happiness.

**MacBean** · 24th February 12, 02:03 PM

The decision to wear a kilt. Ar a Clan Chattan Confederation Event in Inverness, 2010, I felt a bit out of place without a kilt!
Choice of kilt. MacBean ancient.
The occasion. Christmas dinner.
Your experience. Fun.
The response. I think the younger generation particularly liked it.
Kilt wearing since then. Special occasions: family affairs, kilt nights at the local pub, Burns suppers, church at Christmas, Easter, and St.Andrew's, sometimes, going out to dinner.
__________________
"Touch not the cat bot a targe."

**Madpiper1130** · 24th February 12, 02:06 PM

First kilt was a DIY family tartan for my sons wedding (thank you so very much Barb T)
I was the only one in the weddding party showing knee. Had a grand time with lots of positive comments. I have only gone out kilted to special ocations until now just added my brother (Drummerboy) and my son to the kilted. We have a family brunch tomorrow and we will be kilted.

**California Highlander** · 24th February 12, 02:48 PM

The decision to wear a kilt.
Always liked the idea and my grandmother's family came to the US from Scotland.

Choice of kilt.
I rented a Spirit of Scotland

The occasion. It was for a school event, The school mascot is a Highlander, emblem is a thistle, colors are purple, black, and white. Seemed a kilt was the way to go.

Your experience. Great! Loved it, very comfortable.
The response. Positive. Everyone wanted to know why and I could give the Scottish family connection and the school fundraiser connection.

Kilt wearing since then.
Just got a casual black watch.

**Kiltboy** · 24th February 12, 03:30 PM

The decision to wear a kilt= My neighbor wore a UK from time to time. I always admired it. Finally worked up the nerve to borrow it for a week. And I was bet a case of beer I couldn't wear it for an entire day.
Choice of kilt=Borrowed a UK Workman. Ended up buying the same, but in chocolate brown.
The occasion=None. Just a day.
Your experience=Went to the gym, was a hit. (I was stunned how many of my friends had a Scottish blood line.) Went out for coffee, it was free. Stopped by a few stores and met all kinds of new people. Saw a lot of smiles. Even had a few offers I won't mention here.

What a crazy (and fun) day.
The response=Completely positive. And I won the bet. Free beer!
Kilt wearing since then=Almost every day. Only some of my contract sites don't like it. Many do. When it's my day, I kilt, without question. My friends ask what's wrong when I am un-kilted.

**Jack Daw** · 24th February 12, 03:39 PM

It was at the Salado Clan Gathering & Highland Games many years ago. I borrowed the kilt, in MacGregor tartan, but eventually bought and still wear it! I was skeptical at first, but was quickly won over, and had my first two kilts ordered and delivered within the next few months. I now have nine kilts, plus a large woolen that I hand-pleat into a great kilt. But, I still choose to wear my kilt for special occasions, including piping gigs, rather than as a daily garment.