Kilted at Day after Thanksgiving family get together

[Jerry]

The Friday after Thanksgiving, my sister-in-law had a big get together for the family. It included a lot of family members from out of town, mainly from the Philly area. I decided to wear my Matt Newsome ancient Macneil tank. I didn't really know what to expect, because none of them had seen me in the kilt before. My brother-in-law is Japanese/American, so they follow the Japanese custom of rempoving ones shoes at the door. So after removing my shoes, I went in wearing the kilt, a black dress shirt and my kilthose and flashes, sans shoes. The first one I met was the sister-in-law. She gave me a big hug, and said, "I love the kilt, but you know you might get asked what you're wearing under it." I just ignored that part. Everyone I saw said they liked the kilt. I did get the bagpipe question one time, but I just said I don't play. I got a few questions about why I was wearing the kilt. My answer was, first of all, it's comfortable (didn't elaborate) and secondly. this kilt was over $500, and I need to wear it more than just to festivals. I also got several, "I didn't know you were Scottish" To which I replied I am Scot/Irish (McNeill) on my father's side, and Scottish on my mother's (Gordon) side of the family. My wife's aunt said she loved the kilt and wished more men wore them. All in all it was enjoyable. I think, wearing kilts is going to become a bigger part of my life. I know I will wear it to the family Christmas party. I also stopped in a feed store on the way to the dinner to get some scratch feed for our chickens. It was yet again, a non-event. I don't go out a lot (yet) in kilts, but I have yet to get a skirt comment or anything else negative. Mostly, my attire is just ignored. It has really been somewhat disapointing.

[David Dalglish]

Better no comments than bad comments, don't worry they will come

[Dirk Skene]

You need not be disappointed. Comments both supportive and crass are just around the corner. I like it when no one says anything. My attitude is "this is what I wear." Sometimes when asked if I am of Scottish decent I will lie and say no just to get the next question "then why do you wear a kilt?" and I can respond "because I want to."

In your case I would say your family is supportive. That is a good thing. Keep wearing the kilt.

[MacTavishOfJapan]

I guess life here gives me a slightly different perspective, in that I am watched and often approached everywhere I go, today I had some kid stand and watch me eat my lunch for example. So I would love to be anonymous and attract no special attention.

I'm glad your family are supportive and are encouraging your kilting!

[Riverkilt]

Good show cousin!

I'll bet you perk some interest in your family's heritage. A person should know their ancestors.

Ron

[Canadian_Kilt]

I wouldn't call it disappointing at all, but that's me. While I'm only just starting to learn about kilts and have yet to wear one outside of a store (watching my mailbox for my SWK!!), my interest in them does not lie in getting looks or comments from strangers, or to stand out or be different. I am interested in kilts, and the wearing of kilts, as a way to display that I am proud of my heritage and my family. In fact I hope when I do wear them out in public that I don't get a lot of looks or questions. I do want to be accepted, but I don't want to be a celebrity.

I'm glad your experience went well!

[Monkey@Arms]

I wore my SWK Black Watch, with hose, flash etc. while hosting my family's Thanksgiving this year. The 20-something nephews had been forewarned, but that didn't stop a few wisecracks about my side of the family's lack of Scottish heritage. My sisters have been very supportive and one bought me a copy of the book on MUGs, including kilts, that had been put out by the Victoria & Albert Museum. When out in public I find people generally ignore my UK's, which is just fine (thought I do enjoy the occasional "nice kilt".)

Best regards,

Jake

[Captain]

When I get the "Are you Scottish?" question when out with my wife she jumps all over "He's Scottish and Irish," because, as she's told me, she doesn't want me to start any trouble....

What, like I'm still 18 and fiesty?

When I get the question I just say I wear it because it's comfortable...

At family events my side is really supportive... her side (including the ever-drunk father-in-law of mine), is not supportive, but seldom verbal about it. Her dad did say he hopes our bun in the oven is a girl cuz he can't deal with a long-haired, earring having, dress wearing grandson... Which makes me want a boy that much more!

[Splash_4]

My nephew is getting married in the summer and that will be the first time the family will see me kilted. I am looking forward to it with some trepidation! I hope to have my ancient hunting tank on hand for the event. I hope the family is a supportive as yours seemed to be!

[flyingscotsman]

I wear my UK workman to family gatherings and out around town. So far besides the occassional 'nice kilt' I've had one guy whistle at me and a cousin-in-law grill me on wearing it into a family function. When I got fed up with her barage of questions I finally asked her if she was just jealous because I looked better in a skirt than she did - shut her up! LOL