To kilt in modern north american society

[thecompaqguy]

As a rule, wearing a kilt is going to be as big a deal as you make it. It's an unusual thing to see a guy wearing pretty much anywhere, so people are going to notice and that's just what it is. If other people's comments and actions are making you feel that there's something wrong with you, based solely on what you choose to wear, then you'll need to get over it IMO. I've endured my share of snickering and pointing and stupid remarks and honestly, I don't care. Wearing a kilt makes me happy, it doesn't hurt anybody, and I've got two middle fingers for anyone who has a problem with that.

Getting comfortable with wearing a kilt can be a big hurdle for some guys, but the more you do it the easier it gets and the more natural and normal you'll feel. Being comfortable means being confident, and being confident makes all the difference in the world.

As for your wife, that's a bummer for sure. Almost every guy I know who wears a kilt has a significant other who's very enthusiastic about it, but others not so much. Could be that she'll come around as she gets used to it, or at least stop giving you a hard time about it.

So true! I experienced this today. My wife has made no secret of disliking the Kilt, but after work I came home and put on my Douglas Ancient, she had her sister come to visit, and on top of that a hairdresser come to braid her hair. I used to feel some anxiety and used to explain why I was kilted, but today, just carried on as I would in trousers or shorts. No reactions, and I sensed the hairdresser quite liked my kilt as she smiled at me when I opened the door to her I think the wife is just getting used to the kilt, more than just 'tolerating' it. I think most of the hang ups are in our minds, sure a kilt is way different from the usual sea of jeans, chinos etc but having seen more outrageous items for men off the catwalk (the 'manskirt' is apparently a thing), I think the kilt is very smart and presentable.

I think my wife expects to see me kilted more often as I have quite a collection, I might as well wear them I admit, some trepidation wearing one out and about but I have found that those who matter won't mind, and those who mind don't matter

[Father Bill]

The use of "Religious" to describe the nature of clothing is merely a fact; it does not enter such inappropriate topics as the value or teaching of various faiths, and therefore is quite appropriate here.

[matt.mackinnon]

There are two sides in my mind.

1. I don't really care what everyone else is saying about me.. it's their problem what they think, not mine.

but equally

2. I'd prefer not to embarrass my family or make them uncomfortable, so it rather limits my ability to wear my kilt.


I wore it to church a few weekends ago, and I knew that I was the only person who would. I am pretty good friends with the paster who I know has a kilt, and know there are a couple others on my street who have a kilt as well. They do wear them on Robbie Burns day, but can't say it's a common occurrence. I wore my kilt to the Hamilton Wood Show as it for the longest time occurred around Robbie Burns day, and felt very comfortable doing so. Yea there were the odd of remarks, but quite a few women hitting on me too.

I was just more curious as to if there is getting a more global acceptance of a kilt clad man, or if it's like where I live and others seem to make it into a bigger deal than it should be. As someone said in another thread here, it's just an article of clothing.

[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.

[sailortats]

faggotI have tried twice to add the word after the word f''king in my post but it will not accept that word.

[416 Rigby]

Of course, he's trying to get under your skin. If you respond, he wins. Ignore the idiot, and you win.

[Dughlas mor]

It seems apparent from your post that this sub-human is getting to you, and I can certainly understand why. I have to agree with 416, though, it isn`t a battle worth fighting. Sometimes it`s very difficult to let something like that go, but I think in this case it would be the wisest thing to do. I really can`t think of a better alternative. I wish you patience and wisdom in dealing with this loser.