There's always been a change of perception based on the clothing people wear. A common experiment is to dress differently to go to the bank. Two people of the same race, gender, and age go to open a new account. One dresses in tatty clothing, doesn't shower for two days, or shave or wash their hands. The other is well-groomed and wears a suit and tie. When they talk to the bank representetive there's a drastic difference in how they're treated.

Now you're in a kilt, an outfit that's associated with weddings and functions and the military. I don't know what you're wearing with it, but if you have on hose and flashes and a sporran, you're going to look dressed-up, even if you've got on a tee shirt on top. Like it or not, you're now as dressed-up as if you were wearing a trendy black turtleneck and black chinos.

It won't be until enough men wear kilts in everyday life that it won't be seen as "dressing up." On the other hand, you could always get a UtiliKilt and change the oil in your car while wearing it. Haul around a few bags of manure to your garden. Go for a walk on a dirt road on a rainy day. Wipe your hands on it if you scrape your knuckles. Then go back to the museum - I bet you're treated like you were in days of old!

Andrew.