I think part of it is the daily pleasure of the kilt itself... it takes a little time to put the outfit together and to put it on...a nice ritual that makes you slow down a bit and puts you in a better, more mindful state.

Of course the reactions are part of it. There is the odd "off" reaction, but for the most part the sight of a kilt elicits positive responses. That doesn't hurt one's state of mind, either.

But another part I didn't expect: becoming a kilted person brings you in touch with a great community of people! The camaraderie and positive engagement, even if a bit "lively" at times (i.e. see anything about white hose), on this site is a great example. Think about the artisanship, creativity of the makers and sellers you encounter here and the "old-school" stand-by-your-work way they do business. (I had already encountered this when dealing directly with some artisans in Scotland... only to discover, once I found XMTS, that several are on this site, too!) I didn't know people still did business that way until I entered the world of the kilt. You can encounter exceptions, but those exceptions stand out all the more because they are so atypical.

There is no doubt about it. The kilt does something to those who wear it, those who see it and those who make it and sell it.

:ootd:

Ken