Do Scotsmen REALLY wear the kilt?

[Nervous Jock]

That said, I just moved to Idaho and I have far fewer comments on my Kilt-wearing here than I ever did in Scotland.

Why does that not surprise me

[Darkislander]

Can't really say much that has not already been covered. Remember in days gone by, men went to war in them, spent most of the time wearing one and so on. As generations have passed, it has become more of a formal garment dressed up as you do. I'd love to see lots more of it on a daily basis, and yes folks do love to see it. Look out for my recent kilted holiday photos coming soon.

[Glamrockdj]

I work for the Post Office and have been told in no uncertain terms that the kilt is not part of the uniform. That leaves my leisure time from 7pm to bedtime to wear the kilt, 9 times out of 10 after a shower and dinner that leaves about 2 hours sitting watching tv whereupon I have no compulsion to wear the kilt.

At weekends however if I'm not doing some historical or sporting event I get to wear my kilt quite often.

Scottish society looks down it's nose at anyone wearing a kilt, it's seen as something to sneer and point at unless you head outside the Central belt where attitudes are a lot better.

I am guessing but I'd say that fewer than 10% of Scots own a kilt!!

[Phil]

This comes up regularly and intrigues me that anyone should think that Scottish people wear the kilt as a normal everyday garment. Sadly it is just not the case and, in fact, there are many Scots who would never even consider wearing one. While it is a very powerful national image, appealing to many around the world, in Scotland it is regarded as a form of dress for special occasions and not everyday wear except for a (very) few individuals. Many Scots indeed regard the whole tartan, shortbread industry as a bit demeaning, much like the attitude towards hillbilly culture in America which represents people as a little odd and backward.

[11hr]

This is a bit off topic, but I subscribe to the theory that, over the years, formal attire has evolved from more every-day clothes. Whether this applies to the suit evolving from something once reserved solely for outdoor recreation into proper business attire or the kilt, once worn every day now reserved for special occasions, the evolution of formal clothes is continuous, albeit slow.

Perhaps this is the reason the kilt is seen but rarely except for special occasions now days.

ref. The Dandy, Humanities, March/April 2008, A Conversation with Michael Anton, at
http://www.neh.gov/news/humanities/2...Interview.html

[Woot22]

If Scotsmen do not where the kilt on a daily basis, does it bother them when we wear one while vacationing there? My ancestors immigrated to the US form Scotland, but that was a hundred years ago. So I was wondering if it bothered the Scottish when we visit our ancestral land and where the kilt. I understand there is bound to be a few people who would be annoyed, because there always is, but on the whole is it accepted or merely tolerated to be American and wear the kilt in Scotland?

If there is a better place to post this question I apologize. I am still a newbie and still trying to get a feel for the site.

[Phil]

If Scotsmen do not where the kilt on a daily basis, does it bother them when we wear one while vacationing there?

You are unlikely to encounter any animosity while wearing the kilt in Scotland where most people like to see one worn even if they don't wear it themselves. There are very few people indeed who take the attitude that only a Scotsman should be wearing a kilt, I have only ever met one so don't concern yourself there. What you are likely to encounter is comments of the "kiltie, kiltie cauld bum" variety from (usually) younger people but as they are likely to direct such attention to anyone, regardless of nationality, it shouldn't concern you. The general attitude towards kilt wearers here is that they are probably working in the hospitality industry in some capacity (tour guide, hotel doorman, busker) or in one of the many highlandwear shops and may be pleasantly surprised that you actually wear it as a garment of choice.

[Woot22]

You are unlikely to encounter any animosity while wearing the kilt in Scotland where most people like to see one worn even if they don't wear it themselves. There are very few people indeed who take the attitude that only a Scotsman should be wearing a kilt, I have only ever met one so don't concern yourself there. What you are likely to encounter is comments of the "kiltie, kiltie cauld bum" variety from (usually) younger people but as they are likely to direct such attention to anyone, regardless of nationality, it shouldn't concern you. The general attitude towards kilt wearers here is that they are probably working in the hospitality industry in some capacity (tour guide, hotel doorman, busker) or in one of the many highlandwear shops and may be pleasantly surprised that you actually wear it as a garment of choice.

Thanks for the info Phil, I definitely want to wear the kilt in Scotland when I go next summer.

[Jock Scot]

Thanks for the info Phil, I definitely want to wear the kilt in Scotland when I go next summer.

Yes Phil is about smack on there. As to your visit,I am sure Scotland will be delighted to welcome you and your kilt.Have you any idea where you are visiting?

[Woot22]

I am trying to make it there July '09 for the Gathering in Edinburgh.