Conversations with Strangers

[ChromeScholar]

I have found, generally, the most common reaction from strangers is the "look, look away quickly".

[Ozman1944]

Here in CA, folk come up and get quite chatty. No negatives as yet.

[Packhound]

...guess I was testing the waters to get public reaction to this magnificent garment.

Probably for some of us, the easiest way to test the waters is to try wearing the kilt in circumstances where although it will still get attention, it will not be entirely out of place. So wearing it in a "costume" situation or a special formal occasion may help to ease us into the kilt in public.

[Mr. MacDougall]

wearing it in a "costume" situation or a special formal occasion may help to ease us into the kilt in public.

I concur. A couple of years ago, before I was regularly kilted, I wore a kilt and renaissance shirt (same shirt in my icon, as it happens) for halloween. A friend teased me, "What, you're dressing up as you for Hallows?" Which was one of the factors that decided me to wear a kilt on a more frequent basis.

[Rigged]

I think some people who look odd also look dangerous to many folks. A man in a kilt is unusual but in a fun and friendly way. I'm a big Black guy and the kilt seems to make me more approachable. Instead of little old ladies clutching their purses and moving to avoid me, they walk up to me and strike up a lively conversations.

As for the occassional negative comment (usually issued anonymously and from a safe distance) -- well, some people just haven't caught up with the rest of us yet.

[Dirk Skene]

......As for the occassional negative comment (usually issued anonymously and from a safe distance).....

Wit' a big felller like you ... I am NOT surprised

[Clockwork John]

Having looked "weird" for years, I'm used to strange looks and strange questions. I get much more positive attention kilted than I ever got with a twelve inch pink mohawk. People would rather talk to a "freak" in a kilt than a "freak" in patched up pants and a studded leather jacket.


BTW, I love my wife... I mentioned the idea of wearing a kilt with a gorilla costume for halloween, and her response was, "Don't ruin a perfectly good kilt."

[Big Homestead]

I'm a little surprised how many goth kids are willing to just talk to me or comment positively on the kilt. Very neat aspect.

[staticsan]

I mentioned the idea of wearing a kilt with a gorilla costume for halloween, ....

Why wait 'till Halloween for a gorilla costume?

Wade.

[kevinkinney]

Hmm,

My all purpose kilt accessory is a matching 4 year old. When I take that along everyone talks to me. I guess we're viewed in a more socially acceptable way, since we're 'probably doing something traditional and family based' when we're dressed alike.

Cheers,

Kevin.