Wearing the Kilt the First Time in Scotland vs. America

Our guest Shaun Vlogs compares notes with Rocky about what it was like wearing the kilt the first time. In his case, it was something he grew up with, but you’d be surprised at the similarities in how it feels for a young Scot vs. a young American putting on the kilt and wearing it in public for the first time!
* Tartans in this video:
Rocky: Stewart Old Colours
www.usakilts.com/gallery/13-1...
Shaun: American Dream
www.usakilts.com/kilts-and-pa...
Shaun’s Vlog:
/ @shauntakesamerica
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Started in 2003, USA Kilts is a team of kilt makers and artisans located in Spring City PA. In 2017, we made it our mission to build community and bring kilts and Celtic culture to the forefront with our YT show: Kilts & Culture.
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[@DANDIIDAY1111]

Been wearing a kilt for 3 days and I fucking love it

[@USAKiltsOfficial]

Welcome to the club! Cheers!

[@paulskeet9001]

I started wearing the kilt after a life changing event (heart attack, double bypass), after a long long road to recovery and back to "normal" health (took many years) I decided that I'm on borrowed time and screw what people think. Now I'm a Yorkshireman with no obvious Scottish roots who has fallen in love with the kilt and wears it everyday. Now I live in Sheffield (steel city) in the North of England and apart from a Piper street performer I haven't encountered another kilt wearer. Saying that I have had nothing but positive encounters with folk and have increased in confidence tenfold

[@richardwhite3924]

I started wearing a kilt 7 days a week (other than winter) in 2017 while living in Boston, Massachusetts. I moved to a small town, Yarmouth Port, on Cape Cod in late 2019 and within a very short period of time I became something of a local celebrity. Today (April 2023) I went to the Veterans Administration Medical Clinic in nearby Hyannis to have some medical tests and every place I went after my appointment before returning home, strangers approached me complimenting me on my kilt and asking me questions about my kilt. During the conversation with one guy, I think I actually convinced him to get his first kilt.

[@williamcrites1431]

Wore my kilt the first time last week to work.

[@lddulcimer]

Last weekend I attended a daytime Masonic event wearing not only my kilt but my Prince Charlie as well. On the way home, I needed to stop by and pick up a purchase I phoned in the day before. I was really nervous as I have never worn my PC to anything but private events. I figured what the heck, and went into the store, told the lady what I was there for, then stood waiting for about five minutes while she retrieved it. I was looking around the whole time to see what the reaction might be, and honestly, not one person gave me a second glance. I was a bit surprised to be honest, as I was quite out of place around all the t-shirts, shorts, and sandals. When she returned with my purchase she asked if I was going someplace special and told me I looked very nice. Was a nicely surprising outcome to my first time wearing a PC in public.

[@bbcustomoutdoors]

Definitely a wall flower, but I’ve had no issues. I have had stares, but no negative comments. I enjoy kilting up for dates with my wife, sales events (I have a small business making hand made fishing rods and other things) and other special occasions. The kilt actually helps me out of my shell, to the extent I need that help.

[@brucestoker2130]

The last time I wore my kilt in public was for our youngest son's high school graduation. As I walked to the building from the parking lot, some punk kid yelled, "Look at that freak!" I was irritated but, meh. As I caught up to my family, a woman asked me to go speak to her elderly mother or grandmother who turned out to be from Scotland. The lady was sweet and genuinely excited to see someone wearing a kilt, which she said is not as common even in Scotland as she would have liked. It certainly made my day and boosted my confidence. If I hadn't lost about 100 pounds and about 12 inches around the middle, I'd still wear it. Another 50 pounds and it will be time to replace it!

[@ivanheffner2587]

I think I’ve gotten one negative comment that _may_ have been directed at me wearing a kilt: I was walking across a parking lot and a car was headed in the other direction. I vaguely heard something that may have been, “Take that $h!t off!” It could have been directed at my kilt or at the fact that I was wearing a face mask during a pandemic. Either way, they fall into the “cowards” that don’t matter. Dozens upon dozens of other interactions have been positive with more than a handful asking “the question.” I don’t consider those “negative,” since they are expressing a genuine curiosity (which isn’t really any of their business). How do you gain the confidence to wear a kilt? Here’s the three easy steps: obtain a kilt; put the kilt on; go outside.

[@oatseawong6664]

dramatic for political reasons again.

[@ronsalmons6638]

I even wore my kilt to Cars and Coffee more then once , it was a blast.

[@williamwhite-bh5vh]

my first time wearing a kilt was a positive experience. my first time wearing and i had an "elderly" lady ask what i was wearing underneath. she left with a smile on her face thanks to my retort.

[@dadainthip]

Only had one negative comment/interaction. As I passed by a woman, she said in a sneering tone "nice skirt". I smiled and said "thank you. It's actually called a kilt" To which she replied in a pretty nasty tone of voice "Yes, I know. My daughter made my son wear one at her wedding against my wishes." Ahhh. Not mad at me and not really at the kilt. Just was still processing some residual anger about her daughter's wedding. Oh well. But as the gents said, the positives have far outweighed any negative or even neutral comments. Here's a different story, though - about a month or so ago we had to go to a family funeral for the husband of one of my wife's cousins. I chose not to wear a kilt because I hadn't asked beforehand and didn't want to show up in a way that might draw attention. The family (including the widow) were upset (lightheartedly) that I did NOT wear a kilt. To the person who asked the question originally, I don't think you can get the confidence *before* you wear a kilt in public... you get that confidence by wearing it.

[@timothyhesskew7767]

I just started wearing a kilt today and I wish I would have gotten one a long time ago. Best thing I've ever worn.

[@kevinjohnston9700]

I have been interested in a kilt for decades but only started wearing them a year ago. Since then, it has become my daily attire. I have had hundreds of positive reactions with only a handful of negatives. I went to a Catholic high school, so that was a big hold up; kilts were "for girls." A year ago I decided to give a cheap utility kilt a chance. That got great reactions, which gave me the confidence to continue. I expanded to a total of 4 of those cheap things before going for a quality casual kilt a few months later (of which I now have 5, bringing me to 9 total options😅). I now wear a kilt to work almost every day. It's comfortable and a great ice breaker

[@0017Bulldog]

I think I need to try it.

[@JR-bj3uf]

I am going to Scotland with my sister. She persuaded me to go. She is a big traveler but me, not so much. I am planning to take my band uniform . It's pure police officer from the waste up and pure highland wear from the waste down. I was just hoping to find a picturesque spot for a few photos. I was also thinking of taking my pipes to play in the old country.

[@irish1108inf]

As to the question of how to start wearing the kilt; just start; 1st at home, around the yard, celtic/irish/scottish fests, next move to diners out, and/or music sessions, celtic holidays, and Burns' suppers... i recently took a kilt to Ireland for a "fancy" diner (that wasn't ) at Kinnity Castle, and ended up wearing it while playing the bones with a group of guys in an irish session, and when returning from ireland to the States, I wore my kilt... because of broken air conditioning (and I didn't have shorts) on the flights... everyone i met (and introduced themselves to me because I was wearing a kilt) on the airports and planes - loved it

[@CliffordKindred]

I was nervous wearing my kilt to work for the first time. I have never looked back. I've worn them for over 5 years daily. I get asked to have pictures with people. Women love it the most but it's men that ask me about where do you get one, do you like it, what about your clan. How do you measure them? etc. I've been wearing kilts 95 percent of the time. People at Costco, if I show up without one of my many kilts they ask me, "what, no Kilt today.?" (Yes, I have had on the exceedingly rare occasion when I've heard, "fag, girl, transfag from the random as..hole." I'm quick on the comeback. "There are Two types of people that make fun of my kilt. 1. Those that like their gay dreams and those that have gay dreams, which one are you?"

[@karlr750]

I've been surprised by the overall lack of response to my kilt. I think most people want to seem cosmopolitan, so they don't make a big deal about it. I've been further surprised at how little response I received at truck stops in the middle of Texas … and the few responses were positive. I have gotten teased occasionally by acquaintances … but they would have been making fun of something else if I wasn't wearing the kilt. I have thick skin, and I can dish it out in return. I get far more positive responses than negative. I mostly get no response. People sometimes stare, but even that happens so infrequently that it catches me (and my wife) by surprise. "Why are they staring?" (long puzzled pause) "Oh yeah … they must be staring at my kilt." The kilt makes a nice conversation starter at parties, where people are far more likely to comment. In a crowd of strangers, it designates me as one of the interesting people. And perhaps most relevant to this topic, if you're wearing a kilt, you're already telling people that you don't really care what people think or say.

[@nanoicdalflanlun]

Considering how many people in Texas go to ren faires, I'm not surprised at very few people responding to you.

[@marioq2759]

I really enjoy watching your videos. Thank you so much. I am a Unicorn 🦄 Stewart Sangrail Bloodline. I am also related to Royal Stewart's and descendents of the Merovingian Kings. Which Stewart Tartan am I ???

[@jasontheflyingfarrierhays]

I was lucky enough to be an Infantryman in combat. After that experience, I lost all shits for anyone’s opinion of me. What a blessing!

[@DANDIIDAY1111]

Great video folks

[@theologyman]

I have had mainly a positive response-like I don't have the confidence to wear one or hey I have one I just don't wear it often. I had a group of young ladies go by and actual compliment me on my kilt. I think if you have confidence it does not matter; you are expressing yourself and it is fine.

[@gunnyclaus8511]

Great phrase 🫡🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Luv2tickt]

As a capitalist...I LOVE that $50 got you to wear a kilt for the first time! For that...hell ya, I'd totally be down for that. My biggest concern is sometimes the venue. For example, tomorrow, my wife and I are headed to the art museum for their spring Art in Bloom show. It's where florists are challenged to create a design to compliment the masterpieces in the museum. Shameless plug, my wife and her old partner took 2nd a few years back. I digress, I'll usually wear a suit as that's what many gentlemen will wear. This year, I've decided to kilt it up a notch. My wife is a tad worried that it might be a distraction, but when I reminded her that some gentlemen even wear tuxedo's to this event, which is a bit much, I'll probably get a side glance and that'll be it.

[@ronaldmcrae4896]

God, how I wish I'd known how much the ladies' love a guy in a kilt when i was young! I wear one on weekends at a flea market. Reactions nearly 100% positive. Negative comments over the last year can be counted on one hand. Admittedly I may be getting a bit of a pass because people may not want to pick on "The Crazy Old Guy" but I get complements from women many years younger than myself.

[@gryffydd42]

My great great grandfather emigrated from Scotland to Texas and became an early landowner there. There are no family stories passed down, but I bet he was stubborn. Lol. I wore kilt for first time to SCA event, so it was pretty low stress. Wearing it to Highland Games was similar, and going to nearby stores durning games built confidence too. I’ve worn Highland Formal to a front dance night, and worn kilt with vest similar to Argyle at regular dance night (80s Wave), and no negativity at all.

[@davedove67]

I've had the random drive-bys, but generally it's been positive.

[@richardchavez9871]

I just got my first kilt yesterday and I had it on for church today and I was SO nervous! But he’s right I had everyone walking up and telling me they loved it and asking about it! It was the people I thought would say something negative, actually had nothing but good things to say about it!

[@cameronsmith6755]

I started nine years ago when going to Ren Faires, eventually became a performer where the kilt was part of my performance of Celtic songs, then one day I kept the kilt outfit on when taking my wife to dinner on the way home at a popular restaurant and was flabbergasted by the positive out flow of comments by other customers. I became a "serial kilter" and now have eight kilts, four sporrans, and an impressive collection of kilt pins and other accessories. I have two kilts with matching sashes that I wear at slightly formal gatherings (sorry Rocky, but they make an eye catching outfit and the ladies love it!).

[@jmatt56]

First time: golf club 6 AM Sunday morning. The Englishman was cool with it, the Americans a little snarky (like golf buddies are supposed to be). After that: full tilt wi' the kilt.

[@QuarionGalanodel]

I freaking LOVE that phrase

[@mrgato909]

I've been wanting to go to your shop and buy my wife's clan tartan for our wedding. I'm Mexican but as a sign of respect for my wife's culture I've decided to adopt it as my own. I'm just saving up since it can get pricey buying everything at once.

[@SkylerLinux]

On the let their anger ruin their day, I've found a a pedestrian that when bad drivers feel that my pedesting is offensive to them; just giving them a rude gesture has really helped me to not be miserable long after they've gone.

[@TheBlueWizardOfWestVirginia]

Buying my second great kilt next week, I am a peacock and I let folks get their look in. I also wear kimono regularly so confidence is key, also a light wind helps lol

[@Time_Lord_Council]

My mum doesn't seem to have a problem with wearing a kilt in and of itself, but she worries that someone is going to make fun of me for it. I don't care what other people think, but I'm learning to wear it with confidence, and it could be a brilliant conversation starter.

[@S0aR_Lee]

Should I wear my Kilt to school because I live in USA and I don’t know if I should wear it because some kids are going to make fun of me

[@Skangster76]

I'm still kinda closeted with my kilt... But to my defence most of the year it's cold in my parts of the woods. So i have been wearing it around the house and in the eavning walking our dog just to wear it outside. So far just one interaction with a neighbour who waved at me further away, and random people sitting on their balcony. :) But summer is here so let's see....

[@muffemod]

JUST DO IT!

[@MultiOhioman]

Just do it!

[@kevinhendryx665]

I noticed encountering far fewer bonehead remarks after Mel, Liam, and Sean made it "cool" again to be seen in a kilt, some decades ago! Plus as noted, the Fairer Sex almost always digs it, and that's where it's at!

[@scottishhellcat]

A man in kilt is a man and a half. And yes, I'm a female.

[@kiltedpatriotatheart]

I never needed a push. I just did it.

[@foreversingle1975]

My experience is People love it.

[@eileenfabri5497]

Being a Texan and Scott Irish descent, you made me laugh! Also, in Texas, if someone shouts: hey dude, nice skirt, or nice dress,... We find it best, (and funniest), if you answer back: Thanks! Yeah, your mom thought so, when I saw her last night. You might not recognize her though. I shaved her back when I was done with her! That should cure the problem... Or start a really good fight. Either way, should be great fun! Peace brothers.

[@DavidEllison-rv5dr]

I have never worn a kilt but I recently got my first one, I am over 70. I know I am going to feel different. I also am going to wear a tricorn hat with it. Don't know I I am going to feel.

[@SkylerLinux]

First Times are always the hardest

[@hatchetman2215]

I’m 54 and would like to start wearing a kilt. How do I get the courage.

[@rickmoore3730]

I was 62 when I started . I live in a very small tow as well . Just put the kilt on and step out to the store or a place of your choice .Don't look around a lot for reactions and walk like you are not wearing anything different from everyone else . Just walk like you have worn a kilt for a hundred years . The compliments will roll in . Just do it ! It's not jumping off a cliff !

[@kevinjohnston9700]

I am 35 and started wearing kilts within the last year. Honestly, I don't know how to tell you to get the courage. But once you do it, you will likely be pleased with the results. As they said, the positives far, FAR outweigh the negatives. I work in a public setting and wear my kilts to work daily. I have probably had hundreds of compliments, and only a handful of negative reactions (and these were in the "coward" response - people walking or driving by at some random store or fast food place). If you can manage to do it just once, I really believe that will give you the confidence to continue.

[@whiskeyvictor5703]

If Highland warriors were fine with dying in it in defence of clan and country, I think you can muster the courage to nip down to the green grocer in a kilt. 😉

[@rickmoore3730]

@@kevinjohnston9700 Totally agree . The longest journey starts with the first step .

[@Ld19701116]

I'll have to echo just do it you just have to do it. I have one negative experience if you will I was wearing a black utility kilt my first kilt that I had just recently got and it had cargo pockets on the so I was not wearing a sporran with it and I was wearing a web type of belt with it and it was a good combination I thought anyhow I had stopped in to get gas and there was this older guy in front of me, and after he was done with paying for whatever he was paying for, when he turned around and saw me he stared me down that kind of what the hell's wrong with you kind of thing. As he walked past me I just gave him a big smile and said hey how you doing sir and went on about what I had to do. So Rocky you're definitely very right in that last comment you made about you need to leave it with them I have to say that other than that time I've had a couple funny looks from time to time but by and large overall it's been more overwhelmingly positive. Thank you

[@tallakff7349]

I am tall, 6’-8” (over 2 meters) so I attract attention anyway.

[@henningbartels6245]

As a German I wonder what Americans want to express with "Gestalt" when they use it like in @5:12 ?

[@USAKiltsOfficial]

well, Rocky is being very casual here of course, but essentially the overriding patterns of culture and behavior. The "vibe". The macro mindset.

[@kendallgraysenthomson3311]

I more often than not wear a utility kilt, but do wear my dress for certain occassions, but never run into that many with negative remarks, but have the occcassional "Gatekeeper' comments, lol but what really bugs me is my 14 yr old neice, has taken to wearing my kilts, & being the tomboy she is refuses the women's kilt, in her words "It's just a girls skirt, not like yours" Awe man, how do I handle her?

[@blaiselukye2608]

I signed up for kilt walk charity. I have a great kilt which not one person in this part of Scotland knows of that i ran into. So i was like, i better get a casual standard kilt as i am canadian and dont want to be that guy. Went thru Edinburgh and the casual kiltts not only pricy,but i would never wear them again as they were crap. Poly cheap bla bla bla. The quality ones are wedding grade so thats fine, but the casual outdoor use? No chance. So i said f it. Wearing the great kilt. I actually sewed it up (taboo) so i wouldn't have any mishaps and it makes it so its not a procedure to put on. 18 miles and 5 hours for 300 ft elevation, no chafing, just super practical and a gorgeous garment. Its material from a mill, 5 yards, beautiful garment and wears excellent. Not one scotty new what it was but i think it was worn for a longer period of time in history than the current design! There's a war story for ya. Enjoy and put one on.

[@oatseawong6664]

look at me, I'don't have any Scottish heritage, not causcasian, 100% Asain, never set foot on any western countries. And in the country I living, kilt are super-foreing things, the opportunities to find LHD american muscle cars on public street is easier than seeing men in kilt. But I don't care, I just put on and go out.

[@dyinggaul8365]

Just wear it.

[@paul-davidalmond716]

I used to wear a religious habit. A kilt, not as radical.

[@MatthiasJRichter]

Rocky is overcomplicating it. You just gotta learn to play the bagpipes ;)

[@josephholland8996]

Confidence. Be a man!