Be gentle...it's my first time

[bronzewhaler82]

Hi guys


Just thought I'd share my first out-on-the-town kilt experience


Last night I decided to wear my plain black kilt out into my local town just like you guys advised

I had a great time actually, at first I walked past a few groups of teenage girls who sniggered (as was expected) and a few people visibly stopped and stared in the street (one guy actually stepped on his dogs paw cos he was too busy staring at me instead of looking where he was walking!)

Hardly anyone noticed in the restaurant as I had my legs under the table but as soon as we got in the bar afterwards alot of heads turned, people sniggered and stared but I didn't mind, I really didn't because no-one threatened me at all, I actually felt really comfortable and even my girlfriend (who was dreading it) said it wasn't as bad as she thought, one drunk girl said loudly "THAT BLOKE HAS A KILT ON!" but I didn't mind, at least she didn;t call it a skirt!!!

Has anyone on this forum ever been assaulted because they had a kilt on? I appreciate it must be a risk and there are some areas I wouldn't dream of wearing a kilt in but on the whole I don't see why people shouldn't wear kilts wherever they want to. I only hope I can be that brave one day!

Cheers

[Southern Breeze]

Thanks for sharing your story. Going out the first time is a little unsettling to most. But as you now know the biggest hurdle to overcome is ones self. You're going to get looks, comments and questions, both positive and negative. Thats just part of being kilted. Ignore the bad, gain strength from the good and wear your kilt often and with pride.

[McRod]

Thanks for sharing your story. Going out the first time is a little unsettling to most. But as you now know the biggest hurdle to overcome is ones self. You're going to get looks, comments and questions, both positive and negative. Thats just part of being kilted. Ignore the bad, gain strength from the good and wear your kilt often and with pride.

Southern Breeze pretty well sums it up. As to being personaly threatened, no, and i have and do wear my Kilt everywere,even in some rather risky areas,and have never had a problem. I walk tall,shoulders back,and step out with total ease and confidance and look people in the eye. Seems to take care of the stupid ones. Sydney is a rather layed back kind of place though.

[Roan Carter]

I've worn my kilt when going to the mall for some things before. It may be the worst place in town to go. I get treated much, much better at social functions (even college parties) and just about anywhere else. People tend to be intrigued and ask all kinds of questions. It's kinda funny when I go to places like American Eagle and ask for a green shirt to match my kilt. ^_^

I think it's only when you go to a place of lower class, or cross an ethnic boundary, that you're going to be misunderstood. (For different reasons.)

But there are always the people who will say "Holy expletive, it's a kilt!"
The finest encounter I've heard of was an experience Bear mentioned in his blog, where a veteran saw him in his Black Watch kilt and shook his hand.

[macgreggor]

I find I walk a little taller and see a little better when I wear my kilt. As long as I avoid places where "wine has been taken" there are no problems. My TKD instructor told me to 'look confident, wolves don't eat other wolves, only sheep!'

Stand tall,

Greg (macG)

[bubba]

Had a good one happen yesterday. I stopped for a cold one at my favorite watering hole, which happens to be a rather seedy bar. Now, the guys there may not be high society but they are a fun, if rowdy, bunch. One character, obviously fairly new to the place and new to drinking age started razzing me about my "skirt" and getting annoying. Well, I just kinda paraphrased and old quote and said "You must think you're a wit. You're half right". Everybody started laughing, the kid kinda blushed and shut up. Got a free drink from the bartender for that one. The places I find people make the most innane comments in general are the trendy yuppie type places and that's where you're likely to find some idiot with a snootful ready to start something.

[Blu (Ontario)]

... Has anyone on this forum ever been assaulted because they had a kilt on? I appreciate it must be a risk and there are some areas I wouldn't dream of wearing a kilt in but on the whole I don't see why people shouldn't wear kilts wherever they want to. I only hope I can be that brave one day!...

Glad your first outing was a positive experience.

There was a story on another board a while back that sounded pretty serious that later proved to be a hoax. Personally, I've neither been threatened, or assaulted. I've had insults shouted at me by teenage boys from fast moving cars. I've also had some rather stupid remarks come my way. Certainly not violence. On the other hand, I don't dismiss the fact that it could happen. Neither do I curl up like a mushroom worrying about it. Kilt or not, assaulting somebody is a criminal act and I would persue the party criminally and civilly to the fullest extent possible.

.

[chasem]

I have never been assaulted, threatened, or anything of that sort when wearing the kilt.I have seen teen/pre-teen girls giggle, but aside from that, the worst of it has been some guys in a couple of my classes leaning over to another and saying something to the effect of "hey, dude's got a kilt on" in kind of a "not sure what to think about that" tone.

aside from that, nothing but compliments and genuine questions.

[Randy]

I had never really thought that someone would assault me over my choice of clothing. My wife will answer the question of "Where are your bagpipes?" I have heard some comments in poor taste but mostly just ignore them if my wife is with me. But I have issued bad karma when without adult supervision.
I guess wear the kilt like its yours and most sober folks will not mess with you.

[Rex_Tremende]

I had never really thought that someone would assault me over my choice of clothing.

Like it or not, a guy in a kilt can challenge gender stereotypes among the unenlighted and insecure, and for whatever reason, people who challenge gender stereotypes are often the victim of violence. BW's concerns are probably not unfounded, even if getting beaten up for wearing a kilt is rare.

So, be aware of your surroundings, avoid traveling alone in high-risk areas at high-risk times, and, above all, be confident in yourself, kilt or no.

Regards,
Rex in Cincinnati