The way kilts are perceived

[Graham]

In our area I find a problem that even among those who are accepting of kilt wearing - the common perception is that if one is wearing a kilt then one must be "dressed up" to go somewhere.

In a very casual society like Australia I think it may be worse, maybe not.

I try to 'dress down' a kilt with a T shirt, no hose and a bum (fanny) bag in the stead of a sporran, but this idea remains in peoples' minds.

I get comments like "is there an event on?" or "are you competing?".

Human nature is a strange thing

[John in Texas]

I always seem to run into some smart-a$$ who asks me where my bagpipes are, go figure.

[elijah]

I deal with the same thing here in Idaho. Not too big of problem, except for my own defensiveness.

[Kiltedmusiclover]

I get the standard comments like "Isn't that a
skirt?" :x Or "When did you turn weird dude?"

Seriously, once I explain its a Kilt. It is
usually respect I get. But to wear one casually
to say the local Wal-Mart or grocery store
will really cause a rise in about 1/2 of the
people here.

If it is in a parade or a formal function it is
usually not looked at too much. But outside
of those it is an oddity.

Nelson

[Graham]

The only way I can think of to get the kilt accepted more as a casual, everyday garment - is for more men to wear one, more often.

[highlandtide]

Where in NC are you again Nelson?

[Blu (Ontario)]

Let's face it, we are bucking the standard dress conformance paradigm for men. Most adults are either complimentary or at least polite. Young teenagers (esp. in a group) seem to enjoy doing some razzing now and again. I guess it's all part of being a trend setter. I think it's worth it.

blu

[richardljohnson]

Being in Texas (I'm in a suburb of Dallas) a kilt is something you say after you go hunting..."i went huntin' and kilt me a deer!" Sorry, but I couldn't resist.

It's not unusual for the looks and double takes or odd comments. My wife kind of enjoys watching some of the reactions. I am not totally use to them but most I just let slip by.

The 2 best verbal reaction came from a guy working at Wal-mart. He saw me walking through the parking lot and asked asked if I was wearing a kilt. I told him I was and he said that he had never seen one before. His last comment was ...that's cool."

The next comment was from a man in the video store. I was wearing one of my camo kilts and he said that he had never seen a camoflauge kilt. He then asked if my Clan was the Camo Clan. I laughted at this and told him that was a good one.

The best non-verbal incident was when my wife and I were at a large mall in our area. As we walked through I saw a man about 6'3" and close to 300lbs watching me. As we got close he saw me looking at him and he just nodded. I retured it and kept walking. I got the feeling from looking at him that he had been in a Scotish game at one time or another.

I have found out that you can't wear a kilt and be thin skinned. I guess it helpd I was a cop for 18 years and you kind of get use to off the wall comments.

I don't think a kilt will ever get to be a regular site, at least in the Dallas area but there are a few events where it is common...who knows...stranger things have happened. At least I will still wear mine, casual or formal...doesn't matter to me.

RLJ-

[Mr. Kilt]

I've started to wear my kilt to the flea market that I sell coins at. Other than a couple of buddies making some good-natured wisecracks, all the comments have been positive. The women seem to love it. I've also been "told" that I have to wear it this August at a motorcycle event I'm attending. Apparently some of the females who will be there are demanding a kilted appearance. 8)

[Graham]

Better do as you're told then Al, don't want to dissappoint the lassies do we!