Proper kilt wearing instructions for special people

**2176agp** · 12th October 10, 12:39 PM

As part of my 9 days kilted whilst visiting my family in Canada, my wife and I wanted to see how my step-son would feel about wearing a kilt. His dad, my wife's first husband is of Scottish heritage so we thought that Will might like it.

Now my enquiry here might seem odd, but here's the rub. My step-son Will is autistic. He is a somewhat high-functioning but may need a wee bit of help to learn about sitting posture etc when wearing a kilt, because at times he can be somewhat less than discrete when wearing, for example a bath robe.], if you catch my drift.

We want to get him one of the Thrifty Kilts from Stillwater for Christmas as a starter.

So -- can any one give some advise

Tony

**Bugbear** · 12th October 10, 01:22 PM

I suggest the boxer/briefs that are common now-a-days, and in a dark color.

I am not an expert, but I have lived, gone to school, and worked with autistic people, and I don't think there would be a standard answer without knowing your stepson.

I appologize if I am crossing any lines that I should not, and you might consult a Temple Grandin book if you have not yet.

**piperdbh** · 12th October 10, 01:42 PM

I am a high school teacher, and I've seen how kids with special needs are sometimes treated in a less-than-nice way. I'd encourage you to ease him into kilting, and make sure the first couple of times he wears the kilt that he's surrounded by his "support structure" of family and close friends who will brag on him and tell him how much they like it, and then maybe take him to a kilt night nearby to introduce him to other kilties in your area. If there's a Games close to you, it might be beneficial to take him there and get a stranger or clan member to explain some of the mechanics of kiltedness to him. (Teenagers often listen to strangers more than they listen to their parents.)
Above all, make sure the first few times he wears the kilt are positive experiences, and build from there.

**ForresterModern** · 12th October 10, 04:37 PM

Lycra compression shorts in black, kinda like bike shorts except without the big chamois pad. Cover all that needs to remain covered, but still are covered by the kilt unless he takes up one of those less than ideal sitting positions. Available in just about any decent sporting goods shop.

**2176agp** · 12th October 10, 04:51 PM

Thanks guys.

BTW -- I should point out that he's 26, so whilst not a teen, I do appreciate the advice to ease him into it

Just spreading kilty goodness

Tony

**Legba** · 12th October 10, 05:10 PM

My oldest 29 is Autistic. I would recomend getting him used to it at home and such, so it becomes routine if you are able.
However, as you know there are so many opportunities for mistakes to happen, and I would chalk them up to life and love!

**kc8ufv** · 13th October 10, 09:35 AM

Depends on how enthusiastic he is about it. I personally am am an aspie. I recommend having him wear whatever style underwear he normally wears, but a dark color. Possibly regimental if he normally wears boxers.

You have to consider his perspective on this, in adition to others. Perhaps more info may be gathered in either the parents or autism issues subforums over on wrongplanet.net. I know there are a few kilties on there.

**2176agp** · 13th October 10, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by kc8ufv

Depends on how enthusiastic he is about it. I personally am am an aspie. I recommend having him wear whatever style underwear he normally wears, but a dark color. Possibly regimental if he normally wears boxers.

You have to consider his perspective on this, in adition to others. Perhaps more info may be gathered in either the parents or autism issues subforums over on wrongplanet.net. I know there are a few kilties on there.

Your advise is greatly appreciated

Will is enthusiastic about it. For one thing, he has seen Angus (don't know the last name) of AC/DC wearing one and since he is a big fan of them, wants to emulate his heroes. But above that we want to instill a bit a pride in his heritage in him.

Thanks for the insight

Tony

**artificer** · 13th October 10, 11:12 AM

Originally Posted by 2176agp

Your advise is greatly appreciated

Will is enthusiastic about it. For one thing, he has seen Angus (don't know the last name) of AC/DC wearing one and since he is a big fan of them, wants to emulate his heroes. But above that we want to instill a bit a pride in his heritage in him.

Thanks for the insight

Tony

Angus Young.
edit: beaten to the punch by Bugbear!

I too recommend boxer-briefs, but depending on his sensitivity to various materials you might want to stick with whatever he's used to for undergarments and just find the same brand in a darker colour.

If he is sensitive to the slightly scratchy (compared to brushed cotton) quality of the acrylic 'wool' a longer compression short, as recommended by forrestermodern, would be quite helpful.

**wildrover** · 13th October 10, 11:49 AM

Don't forget that tartan "wee trews" (aka boxer shorts...I don't get the fascination with the word 'wee') are available a few places. Might not be easy to match the tartan, though.

The other guys' suggestions regarding short workout shorts are probably more effective and less expensive.

Note what Highland dancers are required to wear, and go for the same thing.

-Sean