When should a kilt NOT be worn?

[kilted2000]

Let me first say that I am not trying to start a discussion specifically about religion. I know that would be against the forum rules and I completely agree with the reasoning behind it. But as I am trying to wear my kilt more often I was wondering what others of the Rabble thought about a particular issue.

I attend a religious service every Sunday. I was thinking about wearing my kilt but then I came across this article by former XMarks member Matt Newsome. He gives his reasoning for NOT wearing a kilt to church. The fact that I am of the same denomination as him gives his thoughts extra weight for me. His reasoning makes some sense to me, but I know that many here wear their kilts to religious services and I wanted to get their thoughts and reasonings. I am not trying to start an argument, and I have no problem with kilt-wearing in a religious context. I just want to make sure that if I decided not to wear a kilt to a service that I am doing so for a good reason and not because I am just worried about what people might think.

Are there certain times not to kilt up? The advice is often given on this site that if you might distract from the person who is supposed to be the center of attention then you should wear trousers. Does this general advice apply in this case or am I overthinking things again? Mods please delete if this post violates any rules. That is not my intention but I understand that it might.

The article I am talking about is found here.
https://albanach.org/why-i-didnt-wea...r-c990206163fa

[Riverkilt]

Not sure the denomination you reference but guessing it's one of the Christian ones.

If I remember correctly their main dude lived unbifurcated.

If it's a denomination that tells folks what they can wear and not wear....there are other options.

Have seen many posts of guys going to their church proudly kilted. Even became a thing with the LDS. Have a collection of pics of kilted LDS guys proudly kilted at their church/ward that have posted on X Marks.

If their main dude happened to come back and be sitting in your church don't think he'd mind if you were kilted.

Go for it.

[Jock Scot]

A good question. I suppose parachuting and deep sea diving are the obvious answers and I can just recall that tree climbing was not the best place to wear the kilt either. However, there are other more serious considerations to take into account too, when deciding when and where to wear the kilt.

I think that if the element of the “ look at me” syndrome, which is inevitably a consideration, is going to override other people’s sensibilities then the kilt should not be worn. Even in Highland Scotland there are times when I do ask myself if wearing the kilt is a good idea and sometimes even I, as a hardened longtime kilt wearer, do decide that discretion and consideration of others on a particular occasion is not the place for the kilt to be worn.

[grizzbass]

Religious orgs seem to have various positions. I don't assume it would do any harm to ask the leadership of the church. I know from the members I've only had positive remarks when I did it. Not a lot but those that commented were positive. I know the bishop of my ward (Mormon for Congregation) said they were not appropriate for my sons to wear. Other faiths for which I have sung, either as cantor or choir member, have never had a problem with them. Good luck and good wearing.

[kilted2000]

Religious orgs seem to have various positions. I don't assume it would do any harm to ask the leadership of the church. I know from the members I've only had positive remarks when I did it. Not a lot but those that commented were positive. I know the bishop of my ward (Mormon for Congregation) said they were not appropriate for my sons to wear. Other faiths for which I have sung, either as cantor or choir member, have never had a problem with them. Good luck and good wearing.

My question was less about official or even unofficial positions. That would make the situation easier. It has more to do with " I can, but should I", a question of general appropriateness.

[FossilHunter]

My question was less about official or even unofficial positions. That would make the situation easier. It has more to do with " I can, but should I", a question of general appropriateness.

I think Jock Scot has given the most concise advice. You know your congregation better than us and would have a better idea if it would be a distraction or not.

I wear my kilt to church as I would a suit, conservatively and (I hope) tastefully. I do this because it is my “Sunday best” and based on my knowledge of the congregation. If I had reason to suspect I was causing undue distraction or consternation, I would definitely take it into consideration.

For funerals and weddings I have opted to wear a suit instead, primarily because there will often be friends and relatives of the deceased/couple that do not know me and the aforementioned issues of distraction or consternation are more likely to arise.

I think it’s a good question to ask but ultimately it is one you will need to determine the correct answer to. Though perhaps others can help a little by sharing their experiences.

Also keep in mind that “look at me” syndrome is not isolated to kilt wearing. People are perfectly capable of making spectacles of themselves regardless of what they’re wearing.

[grizzbass]

Then I would say you'll never know until you do. I've always felt whether I do something or not depends more on what I intend to convey, not on how others choose to react to it. In the same event I get some enthusiastic approvals and maybe a few dirty looks (or perceived dirty looks on my part). Other than an official like my old bishop I've never had anyone make a negative comment.
Everyone will react differently to the same event so if I am wearing it to honor the event or service or to honor my progenitors or to please my wife then all I can do if someone is offended is say I'm sorry if they took offense but it was not meant that way and if they can't accept that I'm afraid it will have to be what it is. If a lot of people feel offended then I obviously made a miscalculation. That's never happened though. I have found in my life that no matter what I do someone will be upset so as much as I do want to please people that is like the odds of fooling them.

My question was less about official or even unofficial positions. That would make the situation easier. It has more to do with " I can, but should I", a question of general appropriateness.

[grizzbass]

I was LDS for 50 years and that was one of the issues for the was. When sons started wearing kilts the bishop told them in no uncertain terms that it was inappropriate and they would not participate in any of their church duties as long as they wore them.

Not sure the denomination you reference but guessing it's one of the Christian ones.

If I remember correctly their main dude lived unbifurcated.

If it's a denomination that tells folks what they can wear and not wear....there are other options.

Have seen many posts of guys going to their church proudly kilted. Even became a thing with the LDS. Have a collection of pics of kilted LDS guys proudly kilted at their church/ward that have posted on X Marks.

If their main dude happened to come back and be sitting in your church don't think he'd mind if you were kilted.

Go for it.

[bdkilted]

I been in the habit for the last several years of wearing a kilt for all the high holy days, under the reasoning that it is appropriate to wear your best. I typically wear the purple heritage of Scotland for Advent, and my Keith tartan for Christmas (mostly green) and then the freedom tartan for Easter since the colors are pastel. I have had only very good response when I explain this is the best I have and I'm trying to coordinate the colors according to the church calendar.
We just changed churches and I let the pastor know that this was my habit, and was told that they welcome members to show pride in their heritage.
As other's have said, just wear the clothes; don't make it a look at me event. I sit where I always sit and don't make don't do things for the purpose of getting attention.

[bdkilted]

For other occasions like weddings, I always ask the bride if she is OK with it. Some love it, but I had one tell me an emphatic NO. She wanted people looking at her and I respected her request.