It's not about the build, it's about how you wear it!

[JerseyLawyer]

Kilts are flattering on big guys because of the cut. Well, as long as they're generally worn above the gut. Wearing your kilt (or jeans, for that matter) with your belly hanging over it is unsightly.

Being a widebody, I know from whence I speak. My ego is stroked more from looking good in what I'm wearing than squeezing into something I wore in high school so I can say, "Gasp... wheeze... yup. Still fits!".

As far as skinny guys... well, I've seen some real beanpoles in kilts. I think it gives some bulk that looks good. I could see a problem if you have really, really skinny legs, but why let that stop you.

[Galician]

Very interesting to hear all this. I recently had the experience of running into a family from Glasgow while out kilted. Of course I asked them if I was wearing my kilt properly. They assured me that I was fine.

Then, as I turned to leave, the wife added, "And you have great legs for it." Now I am far from skinny, so I am always struck at being told this (not the first time ). Maybe this does reflect on my self-image.

But why do I get this comment only when kilted, and never when wearing shorts?

[TheBlueCow]

I've gotten the same sort of thing - compliments on my legs when kilted, but not when wearing shorts. I also don't believe my legs to be all that "great" or "nice" (they just look like regular legs to me!).

I'm figurin' that because people are actually noticing the kilt, and don't really notice shorts, they're also seeing our legs when they would normally not pay attention to them. And I guess that despite what we think of our own legs, other people must seem to think they look good! (go figure, eh?)

I have been working on my legs more since donning the kilt... funny thing what compliments'll do for the self-image!

[Stratherrick]

I'm a skinny kinda guy and I don't have a problem so long as I wear thick, handmade hose! My calf muscles, such as they exist, need the extra bulkiness.

Mind, apparently you can get 'chicken fillets' for your calves in the same way that women can get them for their bras!

Cheers

Bruce

[meinfs]

I've gotten the same sort of thing - compliments on my legs when kilted, but not when wearing shorts. I also don't believe my legs to be all that "great" or "nice" (they just look like regular legs to me!).
[...]

I have been working on my legs more since donning the kilt... funny thing what compliments'll do for the self-image!

Yes, I've gotten the comment "I didn't know you had great legs" when I first wore my kilt. "Have I seen you wear shorts before?" was the follow-up question.

[12stones]

Kilts are flattering on big guys because of the cut. Well, as long as they're generally worn above the gut. Wearing your kilt (or jeans, for that matter) with your belly hanging over it is unsightly.

Being a widebody, I know from whence I speak.

I agree, the only thing I don't like is how the sporran helps to show just how much gut is hanging anyway.