The Final Push!

[Clockwork John]

I'd suggest that you come up with an excuse to wear it out, and set yourself a deadline. You could wear it out to a Highland Games, or to a Scottish music festival, or you could choose a day that is "Scottish themed" and wear it then.

For example, you could say, "I'm wearing my kilt out on St. Andrews day."
I know it already passed, but it works as an example.

I first wore mine in public for Pascha (Easter). Then I wore it again when our Bishop visited our church. From there, it's been a steady progression to wearing a kilt at least once a week.

[Bugbear]

When you go out, smile when people look at you, and make sure you sit down correctly.

[Mr. Woolery]

Pick a particular activity where the kilt will be appropriate. I go Country Dancing with my wife twice a month and wear a kilt. The first time you go, just wear the kilt (and appropriate other garments) and have a good time. The second time, make sure you have to swing by the store afterward. If anyone asks about it, you can say you are on your way home from whatever activity. After that, it is fairly easy.

The only comment I ever got was a woman who noticed that my wife and I were both dressed nicely (me in kilt) and said "looks like you guys are going to have fun tonight!"

Oh, and spend some time looking in the mirror and rehearsing your snappy comebacks. Be prepared for the skirt question, the why are you wearing a kilt question, and THE QUESTION. I prefer the following answers:

It is a kilt, actually. Know why it's called a kilt? Because so many people who called a skirt got 'kilt.'

I wear it because of the "goldfish theory." Never heard of it? Well, you know how goldfish grow to fit their containers? Well, think of trousers as a small fishbowl...

Socks.

You might never get to use those comebacks, but having them practiced and being prepared for the likely comments will make it a whole lot less daunting when you go out in a kilt. It is a bit of psychology and it works for me. Good luck!

-Patrick

[Ozman1944]

I wore mine for the first time. to the local Supermarket, with a T-shirt that said;
"It's a Kilt! If I were wearing anything underneayh it, THEN it would be a skirt!" No one said a thing, but an elderly ladt came up and complimented my on the Tartan (Blackwatch)

That weekend I wore it to the Bar with T-shirt; "Built for a Kilt". Again, positive comments.

After that, I confidently dumped the T-shirts. and went to a Garden Party in Kilt, Fly Plaid etc. was told how elegant & handsome I looked.


Have never been nervous about it since.

[Chef]

This is not an experience I remember but it sounds exactly like what my son went through when he first got a kilt. He was very excited to get it, but then once he did he was hesitant to wear it. So my advice to you will be pretty much what I did with him. Now my problem is keeping him out of his kilt

Start at a kilt friendly event if possible. Highland games, Burns Supper, a Rabble Kilt Night etc. That is the best place to gain confidence. Once you feel comfortable in that setting then as suggested above go out with a group of friends who know you will be kilted. Once you are comfortable with that you should be fine.

One thing you didn't mention is what kind of kit you have. In other words what type of kilt and whether you have accessories, a jacket etc. The reason I bring this up is I think facing the non kilt wearing public is a tough thing to do for first timers. However I think you are more likely to have a positive experience if you come close to matching their idea of what someone in a kilt should look like.

Yes I know there are members who say, "to h*ll with what anyone else thinks". Fine but most of us do care if only a little. The public has a much narrower view of what a kilt is that most people here so being dressed well is more likley to get you good reviews. Looking well is also a confidence booster and your confidence will show. That will also improve how people react to you.

Now dressing well does not mean wearing a PC to a pub crawl (unless the crawl is after a black tie) but smart casual is a good aim. You will feel good and look good. If you want good examples of smart casual with a kilt I will point you in the direction of pictures posted by Panache and Hamish. If you take notes from their choices I think you will feel great and look great as well and it is likely you will be very well received.

If your goal is ultimately wear your kilt very casually you can always get more casual as you get more comfortable.

[kiltedsawyer]

DTP....Great thread, know that you are not alone in this for I am at the same precipice. Thank you for the thread and thanks to all those who responded with such encouraging words! Thank you!
David

[GG]

Fine but most of us do care if only a little. The public has a much narrower view of what a kilt is that most people here so being dressed well is more likley to get you good reviews. Looking well is also a confidence booster and your confidence will show. That will also improve how people react to you.

I will point you in the direction of pictures posted by Panache and Hamish. If you take notes from their choices I think you will feel great and look great as well and it is likely you will be very well received.

If your goal is ultimately wear your kilt very casually you can always get more casual as you get more comfortable.

I couldn't agree more. Very good advice.

Greg

[Jennifer D]

I agree with the folks above that going out with someone helps. When/if you get nervous you can focus on them. My husband's first day in the kilt we went to dinner and then stopped for gas. He was so excited to be out in his kilt that we went in to pay. The cashier's jaw dropped to the ground but he didn't make any comments. In fact, that may be the worst reaction hubby's gotten.

[CactusJack]

Sounds like everyone has already given you very good advice I know that after I got my first kilt I coulnd'nt wait to wear it out, so all I can say is wear it with pride and enjoy the freedom

[Makeitstop]

My advice is to gradually phase it in. Pick a normal location or activity and wear the kilt. when you have gotten a little more comfortable being kilted there, pick another.

The first place I wore my kilt that didn't involve friends or family was for a quick run to the grocery store. No one seemed to notice. It helps to just do mundane everyday things in your kilt. It reinforces the idea that it is just another piece of clothing. And it doesn't take long before you stop thinking about the kilt and start focusing on the task at hand.

If you are feeling incredibly self conscious, start small. Go out for ten minutes and run an errand. You don't have to go full time kilted all at once. As long as you keep pushing forward, it will get easier.

If you are having trouble making yourself do it, then just pick days to wear the kilt, throw it on in the morning (or after work if necessary) and just go with it. Whatever you're gonna do that day, do it kilted or not at all. Don't give yourself the option to wuss out.