To kilt in modern north american society

[Taskr]

Your wife might simply be noticing that other women are noticing

Kilting has become almost the habit of throwing on a pair of pants. Maybe moreso now that I find myself having to make myself wear a pair of pants. Finally saw another kilt (utility) in my little city other than at a Gala. Maybe with them being seen "on a regular day" more often, others will take theirs off the hangers too. I'm with you; since its worn as it is intended to be (not a made-up costume or parody piece) there is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing Scots garb along with those that wear their tradtional and religious garb every day. In fact, more of us should be joining them rather than the throngs that complain about it.

I do get the spousal approval angle though. Mine has finally admitted its not that she minds the kilt being worn more often, its just that she sometimes perfers the backside of my jeans to the swish of a kilt. I couldn't argue on that one.

[Geoff Withnell]

I recognize that some people make snide comments about the kilt. These people are in the minority, and are motivated by their own insecurity. Wear it with pride and ignore them, and you will be amazed at how little such folks matter. Many others will admire your self confidence.

[McMurdo]

I wore the kilt daily for 5 years in Toronto, just down the QEW a ways. Yes I was the only one doing it that I knew of but it was well worth it. As a result I have become far more comfortable in the kilt and far more knowledgeable about my heritage. After a while everyone just accepted me as the guy in the kilt. When I first started I had some rude comments however years later all I seem to get are compliments. If you are in Toronto for the first Tuesday of a month you should consider coming out to Tartan Tuesday at the Caledonian Pub. Here is the photolog thread

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...oto-log-87610/

If you and your wife do come out, it will serve to show that there are others not so far away that celebrate their heritage in the same way.

[Grizzled Ian]

I have felt completely comfortable wearing kilts during my two visits to N America, from rural WV and BC to NYC. Except while driving, when I typically sit in the drivers seat for 8 or 10 hours in a day, and I don't want to subject any kilt to that amount of abuse.

I have been in Toronto, McMurdo, though I drove straight through on 401 and didn't stop, so you'll have to explain what "QEW" signifies, please.

WV: West Virginia
BC: British Columbia
NYC: New York City

[Father Bill]

Queen Elizabeth Way QEW - the highway between Toronto, Hamilton, and Niagara.

[MinusHD]

I might be cautious to compare a kilt with a turban or hajib. One must admit that turbans and hajibs are commonly worn in contemporary culture as a sign of adherence to religious practices in many parts of the world, including North America. The kilt, while it has a rich cultural significance, is not worn as a symbol of religious practice (to my understanding). Nor is it commonly worn in contemporary culture in North America, or even in Scotland. There is a difference.

I don't say that with any disrespect... or to diminish the importance of the kilt's place in the world, or our collective appreciation of it.

As I have used the word "religious", I may be close to violating a forum rule. So let's not go any further down that road. I'm just putting my 2 cents out there as it relates to the comparison that was made by the OP. If my understanding is mistaken I'd be happy to be corrected, lest I find myself being ignorantly mistaken.

[Reiver]

I have cowboy'd some and had comments about boots/hat.
I've soldiered much and years ago had comments about my uniform/service.
I wear a kilt in the same manner....like I was born wearing it.

Folks sense your comfort in what you do and wear....if you are confident and non plussed they will accept you as such.

If you are uncomfortable you will telegraph that feeling.

It really is up to you...your comfort zone.

Jump in with both feet and just go with it...life is short.

[Mike S]

Although a native of Big D, I now live in an area (where most of my family hails from) that was settled predominately by Scots as well. We do have a small Highland Games, Highland society, Burns supper etc. which is fortunate for a small Southern town far from a truly big city.

However there are still some who will snicker at the sight of a man in Highland attire. They are mostly the young and none too bright among the citizenry, and thus hold little interest or concern in my estimation and those of my kilted brethren.

[416 Rigby]

Just simply accept the fact that you're in the extreme minority when kilted. When I first started wearing it a year ago, I was always thinking in my mind "I'm wearing a kilt." I don't think like that anymore, it's just my regular Friday clothing. I've yet to get negative comments, only quite positive. Think of it this way: you may inspire others to go for it.

I have yet to see another kilt when I'm out and about. I did, however, speak with a man at a business yesterday who said he still has his kilt he wore when he got married, and maybe he should get it out and wear it. There's hope! Maybe I should propose a kilt night at a pub, like they do in some places.

It will never be mainstream, but it doesn't have to be. Enjoy it and spread the love.

[sailortats]

I wear my kilt frequently and generally receive nothing but positive comments. HOWEVER, I have a drunken louse that lives 2 doors down from me and every time I go by its house I hear "There it goes wearing a skirt again, fu--ing ." I am about ready to jump through the window and strangle that a__hole. Any ideas on a good response? I have run out of them.
He is a drunk and a dredge on society but I am sick and tired of this worthless excuse of a human.