Why Do Some People Reject the Kilt as a Man’s Garment?

We’ve talked before about how some individuals can be prejudiced against the kilt, especially in more conservative areas. We revisit this topic again, and also discuss it on more of a group level. That is, what sort of cultural patterns or beliefs might be in play when someone rejects the idea of men wearing the kilt. Can you convince people to go against cultural programming they have received from family, community, religion, etc.?
* Tartans in this video:
Rocky: Celtic Nations
www.usakilts.com/gallery/12-o...
Erik: Scruffy Wallace
--------------------------------------------------
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.
www.USAKilts.com
Find Your Tartan!: www.usakilts.com/galleries
KZbin: / usakiltsofficial
Facebook: / usakilts
Instagram: / usakilts
E-mail: [e-mail]

[@sherieffiong853]

My husband is from West Africa. His dad was a cheif, but wore several yards of material wrapped around and tied at the waist. They called it a wrapper. Women also wear the same style. My husband only wore shorts for school. When he was home or out in public, he wore a wrapper. People do wear tops with their wrappers. Modern traditional attire for guys is a shirt and pants in the same cloth. People who don't know anything about African clothing could mistake them for pajamas.

[@mikebergman8378]

My 11 year old son got his first kilt about two weeks ago, he volunteers at the Milwaukee Irish fest, and wanted to get a kilt, he wears it all the time hiking, on dog walks, and playing with friend's, and all he gets is compliments, like, oh dude cool kilt but he just loves wearing it.

[@douglasreagan4979]

Sounds like grooming.

[@teutonicorder3905]

@@douglasreagan4979how so?

[@randallhales9644]

For me it was simple. When I started wearing kilts I was in my mid 50's. That is the age that you don't give a s#@t what anyone else thinks. I can attest to the fact that I get many more compliments than I do snide remarks. The compliments come from both male and female, and all ages. When I get the positive reaction from the ladies it puts a smile on my face and I walk a little bit taller.

[@HubbaColo]

Same dilemma as the age old question: boxers or briefs! Don’t let anyone else’s opinion dictate your choice!

[@kevingauthier787]

Boxer briefs are the best!

[@sethzimmerman6346]

​@@kevingauthier787 the jockey spandex type with the pouch for you're boys👍

[@jassashton]

Briefs

[@phareswhite3710]

Last September I wore my American Heritage kilt on Honor Flight. I received many complements, in fact on e of the bus drivers liked it so much he said was going to get a kilt. I of course gave him a USA Kilts business card. Also, when we returned the Columbus Pipe and Drum band were playing at the airport and came out and got me because they wanted to take a picture of me with them. I have yet to have anybody make a snide remark about me wearing a kilt.

[@johnbonner4430]

Great life lesson tied in here. Other people's opinions don't matter. You, do you. My first time wearing a kilt was for a Pipe and Drum band gig. I remember stopping at a gas station to grab something to drink and someone, pretty sure they were trying to be a smartass, asked where my bagpipes were. The look on their face when I replied, they're in my truck, said everything.

[@scottishhellcat]

Good for you.

[@mauricehickson8412]

I wear Kilts from May until September (in VA it's warm enough). Last year, I had only 2 negative comments in all those months. Most everyone is quite complimentary and very positive and pleasant. For those few detractors (both men), I asked if they require validation from others in order to feel secure or are they able to stand on their own and alone. If their response is "I don't need anybody; I'm my own man.", I simply smile and respond: "Buy a couple of kilts and be that man who can stand alone."

[@gonefishingtoday]

That's a great comment. Just one small thing. You say you wear it when it's warm enough. I am a man in Ireland and I wear mine in cold weather to keep me warm. And on all special occasions like certain funerals and concerts etc.

[@mauricehickson8412]

@@gonefishingtoday I appreciate your reply! At 73 and being on blood thinners, I'm not quite comfortable in the cold temperatures. I've had several recommend that I wear tights but I am not quite ready for that yet. Thanks again!

[@mauricehickson8412]

​ @@gonefishingtoday You are a better man than I am. I'm in my mid-70';s and on blood thinning medications, I'll have to wait until it gets a wee bit warmer.

[@gonefishingtoday]

@@mauricehickson8412 well, you better dust them down soon. As it will be getting warm any day now. LOL 🤭

[@mauricehickson8412]

@@gonefishingtoday AMEN!!! Hoping and praying for the warmer weather!

[@ianm1894]

I really love the messages in this video, especially "Anger/Negativity is a gift you don't have to receive." This is a video that I hope and wish to share with a lot of people. While my family doesn't look down on me for wearing the kilt (at least, mostly), it is something they don't really get. I have to say that I greatly appreciate USA Kilts and the community they've built. What I've gained is not just tasteful attire, but a drive to better myself, and I will be eternally grateful for it. Thank you.

[@USAKiltsOfficial]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@chrissherer2047]

The first time I wore a kilt was at the ren fair where I bought my first kilt. So, there were no problems with conforming. I went shopping on the way home still in the kilt and had a little concern but all went well. I even had a few more women checking me out than usual at the grocery store. This all comes after a lifetime of not trying to fit in. In high school, I wore the same grey long sleeve sweatshirt with an iron on 42 on the chest and blue jeans nearly every single day. A girl asked me about it one day. I showed her that the 2 was a little crooked compared to the 4. The next day I showed her the 2 and 4 were much straighter. Then I told her Einstein wore identical suits every day and didn't waste his time deciding what to wear. Bonus points for thinking beyond fashion!

[@scottishhellcat]

I would have been one of those women checking you out at the grocery store. A man in a kilt is a man and a half.

[@jameshowat1396]

... and 42 is the universal answer according to Douglas Adams😉

[@isaacgodsey3791]

Same-ish. Wore a kilt home from the Renn Faire (I’m in a Scottish Guild) and took it to get pizza. But I’m 41 and don’t care what people I don’t know think about what I’m wearing.

[@edwardkreps3637]

The kilt is so far out of what most people consider NORMAL mens clothing that they automatically reject. In my case, when I bought my first kilt my spouse expressed true embarrassment because she didn't know how to answer her friends questions and she thought that my choice in fashion Was a direct reflection on her.

[@the-kilted-trucker59]

Mu 30 year old daughter loves my kilts. In public she likes to say a pace or 2 behind me to watch the reactions of others. As 4 me, I'm not from the cookie cutter society most people cherish.

[@darrellhendrix5502]

My favorite reaction was when I was kilted in a Walmart in the north Georgia mountains and a woman froze in her tracks, mouth open and turned to track me with a look that would have suited seeing a two headed calf. It took great control not to burst out laughing or do a dip to make my kilt swing. 🙂

[@scottishhellcat]

Women in North Georgia should be used to kilts. Shame on her.

[@ianthekiltmaker]

You should have done both. In that order too!

[@georgedouglas3456]

I’d think a kilt would rank way down on the list of unusual clothing to be seen in a Walmart if it even made the list.

[@jimt6151]

Gee, she must not get to Wal-Mart very much!

[@skywatergarage]

I’ve always wanted to wear the kilt but never got around to getting one. I plan to get married in my clan tartan next year and will be buying my first kilt. I’ll also wear it to our local Highland Games. I hope I wear it more afterward!

[@rickmoore3730]

You will wear it more afterward !

[@propyro85]

I did similar for my wedding, and I'm not even Scottish, I'm Italian. But I ended up with an absolutely beautiful Italian National Tartan kilt that I make a point of wearing about once a week now, because I just love it. And that kilt started multiplying in my closet ...

[@rickmoore3730]

@@propyro85 It's scary how kilts multiply on their own ! LOL . I am sure Skywater Garage will feel the same once he gets one on . Absolutely the most fantastic garment ever made . I only got into kilts four and a half years ago and they have multiplied like crazy in my closet.

[@toddsubjent7142]

Great "Box" analogy with various range of limits to broad minded people! Having various cultural exposure to "differences" is an asset in ones mind set. Whilst being Scottish American & my work travels, including living in London & Copenhagen all allow my "mind set" quite broad, just need to get a Kilt to complete my Scottish desires! Debating going to Scottland or visiting you guys.....hum? lol!

[@scottishhellcat]

Remember that if you wear underwear that kilt becomes a skirt lol.

[@ianthekiltmaker]

I have an opinion about that...

[@toddsubjent7142]

@@ianthekiltmaker I bet can guess...wish you all were closer to mid Missouri! Called once on waistcoat info, Cheers!

[@krispiper3104]

As a female bagpiper, I can tell you how aware I am that kilts are 100% a man's garment. Nothing about it feels feminine to me at all...love your minis for that very reason. 😊💕

[@maxwellfan55]

Disagree. My wife has always looked fabulous in a knee length kilt, the secret is having a slim waist and a nice bum!🤭

[@krispiper3104]

@maxwellfan55 that's awesome. I'm not saying it doesn't look good. And i wasnt really referring to the length so much as I'm saying that I am very aware that, as a piper, that it is menswear not ladies. Mens button-down, necktie, thick bulky hose, mens Grille brogues (I feel like my grandpa in those), mens glengarry, wide kilt belt and buckle and big Ole man's sporran. I change it up as often as I can to make it more feminine. But some situations require a piper to wear all men's...

[@maxwellfan55]

@@krispiper3104 Thanks for replying. Yes I appreciate what you're saying from a woman's perspective, especially when lined up against men wearing same outfit. It's also a woman's prerogative to wear what they feel suitably feminine and comfortable in. On that note, I've often thought certain women's army uniforms boxy and equally unfeminine. Especially the hats they're obliged to wear! The women in the pipe band I once played in also swopped out certain items, for example wore tights instead of the thick kilt hose, also Tam 'o Shanters instead of glengarries (far better). I also agree on the Ghillie brogues being unflattering for a woman. I refused to wear them as well, along with white kilt hose - a horrible combination IMO. I pipe solo now so it doesn't matter, it's dark (or diced) hose with plain, ordinary brogues, or parade shoes for me every time. I always go out feeling confident and that helps my playing too!

[@markchriestenson3257]

I asked my wife if she wants a kilt like mine do we can do the matchy match thing. She said no way! It's much to heavy and hot. I said ok then.

[@vixendoe6943]

I am female and studied the bagpipe for seven years. I loved wearing the kit, kilt, sporran, even though I was told by a female shop keeper, that I shouldn't be buying a sporran. My instructor was a man from the Isle of Skye and he told me to buy and wear it. So I did and loved everything about it. I never felt unfeminine, ever.

[@lloydaglasscock7384]

In my central Indiana area I've had many people ask about my kilt or inform me about their's and wish they were able to wear in public

[@whitecherokee73]

I'm an over the road flat bed truck driver out of Lynchburg, Virginia. I wear my kilts all over the country. I've had little to no issues from anyone, I've chalked it up to me looking like a highland games type which I've had to field a lot of questions on (yes, I've needed to learn more about that subject to be able to answer correctly, and not just say IDK) I know when I get fuel or just go in to get coffee I cause quite a stir. Men and women will watch me, some will say they like my kilt, others have had to start a conversation. I started wearing kilts because I thought it would make people avoid me (nope they didn't, I was not a people person until then). Kilts seem to have a magnetic draw, that says come talk to the large mammal. If I've ever felt nervous or intimidated about going any where wearing a kilt (where it is permissible) I tell myself noones opinion matters but my own and I look good in a kilt. Chin up, stand proud and fly your tartan. 🍻

[@user-yk3yf6jk2g]

Well for me, I think that there's so much narrow mindiness today as not to let people be who they want to be, as for me when I was growing up I was teased on a daily basis because I was born with a birthmark up the whole right side of my body and I had a disability, and I was always being attacked from both sides, but what really made me feel alive was learning about my Scottish and Irish heritage and how much pride I felt, knowing I could go all the way back to 732 in those countries, but to make a long story short, when I got my first kilt and put it on, I felt like I was 10ft. tall and bulletproof, and in some ways I have you guys to thank for that, just watching your videos and hearing a lot of the positives you bring makes me be able to have more self confidence in what I do, so thanks for everything, plus I did receive my sporran and I love it and Alley was a great help 👍

[@dennisglorie9503]

this went from ah yeah just get the kilt you like to, hey actually it's really cool to do something different and it's ok to be different. I was a goth kid in my last few years of school and seemingly had no sense of self consciousness to suddenly having crippling anxiety about my appearance in my twenties, and slowly coming out of it (I can even kiss my boyfriend in public now), this was a great talk!!

[@lonepiper4645]

The first time I wore a kilt in public, I was in a pipe band, Adelaide Highland Pipe Band, so I was in good company. I now occasionally wear my own kilt to kirk and the Croatian club. I get a few heckles, but the positive cooments are more than the negative.

[@lorduggae]

It's leftover prudishness from the Victorian Era. Before pants became "normal" lots of cultures wore some sort of un-bifurcated garment

[@Cowboyfunk]

Absolutely!

[@piratesting]

The thing that helped me get over the mental hurdle was to don the kilt, look sharp, and head out to Walmart. Afterwards it was wear it to our local bar , then grocery stores.

[@SlyFox19Delta]

Last year I wore two different kilts on three separate occasions to my public school. I did wear it “traditionally”. Now I did catch a lot of flack from peers each time but the teachers however LOVED it. I love wearing my kilt and I’m in the market for a great kilt. I’ll never stop wearing them.

[@ultraflt1]

Having come from a military background kilts to me are quite normal and I don’t care what people think but then I am old

[@rob3998]

People who don’t read; travel, or respect anything but their own selves are usually ( but not always) are predisposed to fearing anything new in their lives.

[@propyro85]

Hopping the mental hurdle to wear a kilt was a bit unusual for me, as I was living in one city and my soon to be wife in another smaller town. I had ordered a kilt in a exclusive tartan, so while I was waiting for it to be made I told myself 'I had better practice moving around and dancing in a kilt so I don't screw up on my wedding'. It's no really necessary, but it lead to me buying an off the rack PV kilt so I could do the said dancing and practicing just getting around in a kilt so I don't end up with an inopportune wardrobe malfunction on my wedding day. I was mostly out and about with my wife in the smaller town she was working in at the time, and there was a pretty decent Scottish and Irish population there to play minority to the Dutch majority in this town. So it helped that I mostly got complimented while walking around in my kilt. And the rest is pretty much history. I regularly wear both kilts and am adding to my collection.

[@mblaydoe]

Some people just take great joy in ridiculing others for whatever reason.

[@rickmoore3730]

A lot of time the ridicule is because the individual lacks their own confidence and it is a way to project strength . Unfortunately they don't realize that wiser people see through that and they are only broadcasting their inner weakness . I have seen it too many times and not just with kilts . I used to get the odd "nice skirt" from people but I countered with a very firm " If I was going to feel intimidated I wouldn't wear a kilt " . It ALWAYS shut them up . Always !

[@Cowboyfunk]

Yes, and the most important reason: jealousy!!

[@Cowboyfunk]

@@rickmoore3730 Good answer, I do it too here in France.

[@PhilipCrichton]

My first time was the MacLaren kilt for a Wood Badge course (Scouts), so I had the benefit of a reason and purpose. I experienced more genuine interest and questions than snide comments. I came to understand people are genuinely curious but often too afraid to ask. Having done my homework, I could engage them and tell them about it and once the gates were open, the questions flowed.

[@paulmarkmoffat4638]

So positively charged with a great attitude towards this subject. In the past i had a similar thing, people saying I can't do this. But now things have to the positive side. I have my own personal tartan.

[@isaacgodsey3791]

I love your videos, but this was just amazing. Wholesome, inclusive, thorough. Great video, guys. Keep being awesome.

[@GunnerTobacconist]

Thank you …both of you guys , for your encouragement and support of people being themselves and pursuing a life of happiness

[@AlphaRK]

My first day of kilt ware yielded the expected "nice skirt" from my golfing buddy. :) So I replied Thanks for noticing as he embraced a man in a skirt. Later while on the links just coming off the 8th tee box a grounds keeper mowing an adjacent fairway stopped mowing and stood up applauding, it wasn't because I had made a great drive.

[@jonathanking3497]

On the color and selection of tartan, I went through all of the questions raised. I had never known a friend or family wear a kilt. So, I chose the American Heritage tartan as my first kilt. Decision was based on generic tartan and not having to explain the tartan I am wearing. My next two Kilts were family tartans from my great grandparents (McGregor and Welsh Thomas). Then I got a dark tartan (Black Watch) to wear to church. Lastly, I chose Elliott tartan based on the bold/bright colors. I get the best comments on this tartan.

[@patrickleonard1410]

The kilt is a masculine garb,look at the male anatomy,it's less constraining to the male parts..it's more distinguished than wearing trousers,as I said separates the men from the boys....

[@derekmcgregor7459]

As a Scot who knows nothing about kilts your videos are extremely informative/helpful and give a good deep discussion to things. Love them.

[@williamstamper5395]

Thank you so much! I agree 100% on what you say, I like the Tartan, so I will wear the Tartan, So be as it may, Let others do what they like. AMEN.

[@travel734]

I worked for a UN Agency in Switzerland for a number of years. Generally, there was a lot of cultural acceptance. On my first St. Andrew's Day, I work my kilt and Argyle jacket with a day sporran. My boss who was from Morocco and wore his Djellabah on Fridays complained that I was dressed as a woman. I explained the tradition to no avail. Fortunately one of his colleagues, a Scot came to my defence. The Swiss on the other hand were very accepting and it was a great conversation starter. I now live in a part of Canada where there is a healthy Scottish heritage. I have not had any adverse reaction here. Equally, when I have worn it in Italy there has been curiosity, but nothing negative.

[@timothybryan5113]

I attended my niece’s wedding in my Navy tartan kilt and my Brian Borou. I also wore my Navy ribbons and medals. Kilted is the way to go. Love it.

[@julianparks8485]

Good question. I grew up in the Pinehurst, NC, area. Both of my families go back over two-hundred years in that area. But I never felt the need to wear a kilt. I do wear Scot flannel shirts. I don't give a sh.. what people think! I wear what I want to.

[@666kingdrummer]

Has anyone ever actually sat down and thought about how weird it is that guys wear pants in the first place? You'd think just going by the male anatomy itself, it would make more sense for guys to wear something less restrictive...down there 👇.

[@philipduthie6444]

Hi good point, Romans and Greeks for hundreds of years wore a toga is that not right

[@Cowboyfunk]

Yes, think anatomy!

[@djwilhoite]

I have been wearing kilts and lava lavas for several years now. I almost always get compliments. Last week I was in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida at a gas station. I was in the store walking towards the counter. I heard someone say, "Dude you are in the wrong town." I was not sure who was saying it or who it was meant for. A guy then passed me and went to the cash register. He said it again and looked at me. I said, "Excuse me." He looked at me again and said, " You just need to get in your car and get on out of town." I asked what he was talking about. His response was to ask if I realized I was in the south, to which I responded that I had lived here my whole life. I then asked what he was talking about. He said they did not like my kind. His last statement after I asked again what he meant was to say, "Let's just say we don't go to the same places." He then stormed out of the store.

[@joebaumgart1146]

I started wearing full highland regalia in Highschool. A lot of people thought it was really cool. And it was a tough school. There was a few kids who gave me shit, so I taught the class about Celtic culture and what everything means. They thought it was badass once they realized the meaning behind it all.

[@ShaunHopkinsAVFC]

People just have different reactions to any challenge of their conception of what is normal. As far as what I did to get over the hurdle that first time, I just put my kilt on and went to work. I have just enough arrogance in me to not really give a toss what anyone thinks about what I do. They can like it, they can dislike it, they can obsess over it, and I couldn’t care less. Nothing is gonna stop me from wearing what I want to wear when I want to wear it. It is my life after all. That said, every reaction I have gotten has been positive. I didn’t go into the world expecting negative reactions, but I already had that natural built-in buffer that I just didn’t care if they did come.

[@DANDIIDAY1111]

This was a great one Thanks guys

[@wanderer3591]

My answer as to why some people don’t want to accept the kilt as a man’s garment is jealousy. 😎 They are unhappy with themselves and you are both confident and getting positive attention that they’ll never get in your presence. These people probably can’t be happy for the good fortune of others. Smile and drive them nuts.

[@gamusicus]

That sermon will preach!

[@JMD1965]

I actually started wearing a kilt in my early teens as my family use to go to Grandfather Mountain games as a July vacation ... Then in my 20's I started wearing it again when I played drums in a Punk Rock band... Therefore I never really had an issue or mental curb to get over as I wore one with a lot of confidence with a "Yeah.. I'm wearing this!! What of it??" type attitude (still do).. If approached with a smile and hand extended (that's probably 99% of the time at least) I'm cool and chatty and willing to talk.... IF someone points, laughs, but doesn't get in my face.. Still cool with it, because it's their problem, not mine... Only ONE time did a person come close to laying hands on me and I defused that by saying "You DO realize that tomorrow when you're sober (yeah, they were drunk.. BIG surprise) you're going to have to tell all your friends, family & coworkers how you got handed your @$$ by a guy in a skirt??... Right??" ... aaaand their companions hustled them away... Too bad, I was really up for a Donnybrook that day as the Carolina Hurricanes had lost a game that afternoon.... and THEY were wearing the jersey of the other team!!

[@whiskeyvictor5703]

Wear what you want while you're breathing, because, at your funeral, you don't really get much of a say. 😁

[@scottmasson3336]

My late Father stipulated before he died that my brother and I were to wear our kilts to his funeral. I live in Scotland but this is not really the norm. Well done Dad.

[@Drogbeorn]

Expat in small town Argentina, they have no choice but to accept it. Ignore the taunts. If they get physical - get physical back, don't be a pushover and words do not hurt. In highschool, shredded jeans were in fashion (80's), my Scottish mother put me in kilts. Rowdy Roddy Piper kept me from getting into fights - and the girls loved it back then.

[@la_old_salt2241]

Yep, the ladies still like them.

[@angusdrummond6719]

For me there is no issue..the kilt is personal and cultural. its how you use it in your own fashion.

[@Chimzembque]

I live in the Pacific Northwest, just outside of Portland Oregon. From here up to Seattle Washington, kilts are everywhere. Infact Seattle has Utilikits. They are one of the first of the Hybrid Kilt makers. As far as people rejecting kilts as men's wear, Hybrid Kilts are sneered at by some Kilt "Pureist". But hey, kilts are functional clothing and as anything it evolves. You do see as many traditional kilts. I see them sometimes ans I say to myself, 'Why aren't I wearing my kilt today?'

[@redscale82]

My first and only is from when I went to Scotland bought a cheap acrylic one just feel wearing it fast as possible and loved it.

[@1981stonemonkey]

Dutchman living in Germany, here. I don´t wear a kilt yet, but my first time will be at work. There´s another guy who would like to have one as well. We´re all handicapped in some way, either physically or have depressions and such, so... much of that is already out in the open and we work as teams and adapt to each other while being true to ourselves anyway. What else do I do to brave the hurdle in the near future? Watch your videos on social aspects of kilt-wearing! Empowering!

[@erichouser1187]

BTW Eric ... the black shirt. Black vest. Blue tie is very sharp brother.

[@danielrickel8807]

Thanks for answering my question men. I personally don’t care what people think of me when I wear my kilts but I asked my question because my wife absolutely refuses to let me wear a kilt in her home country which is the Philippines. She has no problem however if I wear my kilt in America where I reside most of the time.

[@andrewwaughchez]

Thé kilt is a great symbol of Scotland culture and history,here in our Scottish dancing club in France we wear our kilts every week

[@Cowboyfunk]

Je suis en kilt tous les jours depuis 5 ans, j'habite le sud de la France, une expèrience humaine incroyable, du 99% positif. j'ai eu des discussions incroyables avec des femmes que je n'aurais eu auparavant. J'ai 12 kilts, tartans ou utily-kilts, portés y compris au travail, je ne mets plus de pantalons. Il existe aussi des réticences dans mon entourage, j'ai du un jour sermoner fermement ma grand-mère qui disait que je m'habillait en fille, la bétise et l'ignorance de certaines personnes est parfois consternante. Mais il ne faut pas s'en formaliser. La kilt est une alternative élégante et confortable au pantalon. Le pantalon, ce "tube torture fabric", nous a été imposé par la religion à la renaissance. Il n'y a aucune raison que celà continue, nous sommes au 21ème siècle et au deuxième millénaire, chacun doit avoir le droit de porter le style qu'il a envie.

[@kd0r]

Fractured Latin: Illigitimus noncaburundus (oh and I can't spell even US English either), or Don't let the bastards grind you down! Every time I hear a comment about a kilt being just a skirt, with the implication that it shows weakness, I think of the photo of the Scottish regiment going over the wall in WW1. Then I think about the many many cultures around the world where men traditionally did NOT wear pants, or as you so nicely put it bifurcated garments. I've been know the wear a sarong around here when it was hot and I'm lazy. Then again my nearest neighbor is both out of site and 1/2 mile away. I've also worn a sarong on the beach or in a pool area. Those who make a comment like that in a derisive since have likely not been exposed to much of the world beyond their neighborhood. Oh the value of travel! David

[@scottishhellcat]

During the First World War the Germans referred to the Scots as "the ladies from hell".

[@rickmoore3730]

Totally agree .

[@deansansburn3523]

We fear that which we do not know.

[@elizabethmcglothlin5406]

This is baffling, because 'draped' garments go way back beyond the Romans, and are still worn all over the world.

[@BCSchmerker]

+USAKiltsOfficial *Thanks for the fashion-critic perspective.* My elder nephew adopted a utility kilt (e.g. UTILIKILTSⓇ Original) first, for re-enactor events such as a Renaissance Faire. Considering a 16Z five-yard for myself, a 13Z eight-yard for a future wife - Tartan undecided as of 15 February 2023 - plus gender-appropriate short vests over BlauerⓇ 8421/W midshirts. Incidentally, have ye "girly" neckbows to complement your stock of Tartan Windsors? Useful accessories for her.

[@Luv2tickt]

People in general don't like things they don't understand. That's why some aren't accepting of the kilted. They really don't know how to process it, so they try to cover for their ignorance of the subject by lashing out simply to make themselves feel better. To react to those folks is to give that person power over you. There's only one person on this planet who has that...your MOM! Well...and your wife if married, who are we kidding here!!! My field of fuchs, as it were, when I cared what people thought of me had to be quite barren early in my career, or I'd have never survived the 27 years I've put on. So the first time I went out with a kilt, I really didn't give a rats glute what people were going to think. And most of the time, people are more curious, and it's a great way to be a teacher for a few minutes; to enrich a persons life with a bit of knowledge.

[@richardwhite3924]

I rarely get negative comments about my wearing a kilt, but possibly the reason is that I also wear a t-shirt or jacket or baseball cap that says "Vietnam Veteran" at the same time I am wearing a kilt. The "Vietnam Veteran card" tends to cancel any negative comments about my wearing a kilt.

[@IosuamacaMhadaidh]

In America, it's probably a combination of the modest puritan history and the fact that England has no kilt history (or it was lost during/after the Roman occupation) at least that I know of.

[@madisennicolekirkpatrick5964]

Anything outside the norm is not acceptable. We grow up in a very narrow-minded society. The kilt was prohibited after the battle of Culloden. And yet, tartans and plaid never go out of style

[@edwardpurcell2905]

Just eecemntly started wearing kilts. Found my ancestor clan and will ve getting the plaid to match. That daid i wore the black UT kilt at a country music festival and got pmenty of compliments. Also got asked if i was wearing ot trafitionally. Id just smile and tell em "Is there any other way" i can say it is a bit of a freeing experience breaking the norms.

[@susiesturman8180]

I've always said "As long as God loves me and I love me, I'm good!"

[@jimt6151]

When I first started wearing kilts, I was a little self-conscious about reactions I'd get in truck stops. (I'm a long-haul truck driver.) What I got was...NOTHING! That's when I started thinking about all the things I've seen people in truck stops, Wal-Mart, etc. wearing. Yeah! Gonna have to get a lot weirder than a kilt to stand out in those places! And at the end of the day...I simply don't give a rat's ass what anybody thinks! None of them are going to have any real impact on me, or my life.

[@skipfantry5059]

As often as gender specificity is orientation. It's amazing what is said when norms/sensitivities/biases are threatened.

[@sgtkabukiman9411]

First time I drove 30 minutes to the next town over to their major department store. Was about to get out of the car when I saw a woman walk out and head straight towards me. I hesitated to get out but thought "no, just do it" because otherwise what's the point? I got out and as I walked past her she turns and says, "I like your kilt". Then I walked inside, there was a female greeter and she says, "I like your outfit". I was 2 for 2 and walking on air and haven't looked back. I've only had one "nice skirt" and that was from a woman. I politely said "it's actually a kilt" and she replies, "I know". Trolled.

[@LoisoPondohva]

Replying to "nice skirt" with a genuine and somewhat over exaggerated "thanks!" is also a nice move. A lot of people that throw those comments want to elicit annoyance or shame from you, because it's "funny". Cheerful appreciation makes them feel either confused or like a jerk.

[@aridragonbeard745]

I wear Utilikilts daily, so my response is "thanks, it has pockets!" @@LoisoPondohva

[@jacobite1757]

It was much easier for me the first time that I wore the plaid. I was one of many in The Royal Highland Regiment of Canada, The Black Watch. The Black Watch of Canada, is Canada's oldest, longest serving highland regiments in Canada. I love the plaid, irrespective of the tartan worn, I've always worn it with pride. And I always will.

[@troyklinginsmith2523]

I'm going to get a kilt soon. I've seen the belt & buckle on some buckle left to right or some right to left. Does it matter. And one had the Velcro strap on the outside rather in the inside? I'm so ready to get my stuff.👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇲😊

[@ianthekiltmaker]

The direction of the buckle doesn't matter too much. I've heard people look for meaning in it or try to ascribe a "gender" to the directionality. We have them both ways. One manufacturer makes them one way. Another makes them the other. That's the only meaning! Haha. It just means we'll never sell belts that have to be worn one way.

[@troyklinginsmith2523]

@@ianthekiltmaker Awesome! Thanks for getting back to me. Will be ordering from ya soon as I get my measurements. 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇲

[@algauthier]

I find the American culture bewildering. In the one hand it’s all about freedom - freedom to do what you want, be who you want, and to defend that individualism fiercely. That seems to come bundled with men being validated as human beings by being seen as aggressive and fierce. When a man does something that is individual but this doesn’t fall into the category of the aggressive man stereotype, suddenly the right to be who you want as an individual is no longer valid for many and that person is rejected, presumably because masculinity is so fragile that other men think that this other way of being a man is contagious in some way. I think the American culture needs to focus on what matters. Be who you want to be, and celebrate others who are the way they want to be. Don’t worry about what those other people are doing - it won’t affect your ability to be yourself. And if masculinity is even a thing, Shirley the strength is deep and means that your inherent manliness is totally unaffected by other who don’t share the same view is what it means to be a man. Your strength is not fragile so it doesn’t need to be defended. Your valid it as a man is no more or less valid no matter what people do, and it would be foolish to show weakness by thinking other people’s authenticity would shake your own integrity. A couldn’t American culture that puts down other people individualism is not strength, it’s fear. A strong American culture is one where everyone is celebrated for who they want to be. Stop worrying about what other people do - it doesn’t affect you. Worry about who you are instead.

[@madisennicolekirkpatrick5964]

He should be a motivational speaker.

[@captaintimcurry1713]

Wholesome

[@lyndasguy8039]

1 was in my mid 50's when l started wearing a kilt l live in qls Australia. I get many compliments and a few insulting remarks, l feel great when l get a compliment, the insults l don't care about .

[@saxmansnyder]

I’ve attempted to get my principal to allow me to wear my kilts rather than dress/casual pants for work. I hate pants and I’m proud of my Scottish heritage (10 different clans in my ancestry). I teach high school and it’s frustrating.

[@ChrisVanMiddelkoop]

Yeah I dunno. I mean, everyone knows what a kilt is. Maybe they just only think of them as a novelty rather than actual clothing.

[@relicpathfinder2800]

The skirt was the second piece of clothing ever invented (before the dress), and was a hand-woven straw affair found in an Armenian cave in 3,000 BC. Skirts were worn by men and women back then

[@gonefishingtoday]

I think it not so much the size of their box, as much as it's about what's in the box. If testosterone levels are on the low along with their self confidence then they feel insecure. I like the advise on other people's opinions. Only one opinion matters. That's the person's own opinion of them selves. I only feel really dressed up when I am in formal kilt wear. Here in Ireland the general public accept kilts no problem, but they think you must be playing music. At one event, an older lady asked me where my bagpipes were and told me I should be in stage playing. I told here the bagpipes were out side in the car. That management wouldn't pay me my fee. She got very embarrassed, thinking she had hit on a can of worms. Don't wear the kilt, if you're not in form to play the kilt-game. It is real fun here in Ireland. And Never a negative reaction. Only you're reaction. Make it a fun for all reaction, life is better that way.

[@s-patryk]

Ive yet to wear a kilt, but I have worn a dress, skirt, gown and sarong while in a relationship with a woman more senior than myself. To some degree it was with a lack of better options, but another factor is dialing back from personal nudist qualities while out and about. In other words I'm not the biggest fan of the "leg torture tubes". I'm highly considering the kilt as it is the most accessible traditional "gown" that I'm aware of.

[@EmeraldVideosNL]

I'm stopped caring about what others think about my clothingstyle when I was 30. I'm comfortable in historically inspired clothing and ankle long skirts, if others can't deal with that, it's their problem, look away if you don't like it.

[@websdaspider8811]

I come here for kilt advice and i get A+ tier life advice

[@shadow-wulf]

If someone says nice skirt to me, I'd say you're just jealous that you don't have legs as nice as mine! I have worn it a couple of times only because I've only got a cheapie version. I have worn shorts all winter long, so swapping over would be an easy change. I simply couldn't afford the $1000 for a decent kilt, so I've held off.

[@rickmoore3730]

You can go for a five yard kilt .They are a good compromise between a four yard and an eight yard .They don't have the swing of an eight yard but almost there and they won't break the bank .

[@the-kilted-trucker59]

I have used a reply close to yours.. I tell the person " well at least I have the knees for it."

[@shadow-wulf]

@@rickmoore3730 thx, I'll have to look into it again.

[@janetsears6673]

Speaking to conformity, my Scottish mother put it to me this way "If your friends put their head into a bucket water three times and take it out twice, would you do it?" An eleven year old was given pause in the middle of her tantrum about not being able to conform to what her friends were doing/wearing - pierced ears/earings.

[@oldblackstock2499]

So, y'all are in the U.S , right ? Do you wear your kilts anywhere you go, often ? Or are you mainly talking about wearing them in Scotland? And, do most men in Scotland wear kilts often? Mainly looking for an answer from U.S. Kilts. I have Scottish anchestary. I think Kilts are interesting. But, most likely I would never wear one. Just curious. Thanks.

[@shadowjewel]

Objections can also be down to homophobia though how likely this is would be down the person, their culture, subculture, religion, and where they are from. If someone has it in their head that men ONLY wear trousers/shorts/ect, and for whatever reason doesn't want to move on that, then kilt=skirt=women's clothes, and more feminine men, and men who cross dress, are more likely to be perceived as gay weather they are or not, which could trip a person's homophobia. Homophobia can also be a reason why someone has very narrow classification of what qualifies as men clothes vs women clothes (this can be worse for people who are self hating).

[@susiesturman8180]

💯❤💯❤💯❤

[@lyndasguy8039]

As my other used to say if you can't say something nice then don't say anything at all😊

[@johnnyjet3.1412]

Burning Man! - everything is a costume! - the insult to my co-worker "Its obvious you'll never blow the crotch out on your jeans!' - and he responded with 'your probably right"

[@the-kilted-trucker59]

To address those with rude comments, I use a few replies. My favorite is " well thank God I have the knees for it". But I still think it funny when a woman ask what's under the kilt. Just lean in tword her and ask are your hands warm? Watched several lady's beat a fast retreat.

[@steelerbear]

I think much of society is still hung up on the whole "guy in a skirt, must be gay, I dOn'T LiKe tHe GaYs" thing. As a woman, I haven't gone through that, but I imagine it can be tough to get over that engrained thought process the first time you kilt up. But I'll also say, a man in a kilt is so incredibly attractive. I couldn't tell you why, but I love it. As you said though, just find your tribe -- your clan, if you will -- the people who accept and like you for you. They're the ones who matter. Don't try to fit in or to impress -- let your own personality and tastes shine, and Your People will find you.

[@hogzzy2669]

It's very different for us in America to see someone who does not fit traditional "gender roles" in their expression. This is to say that if for instance a man is seen wearing something that is more feminine in nature then some people will react badly because they are not hard wired to see it as "normal". This is unfortunate because people who would otherwise be getting a whole new outlook on life if they would open their minds lose out on that. It is also, as I have observed in my personal life due to my own gender expression being different, it is usually only an issue when a man decides to wear something more "feminine" and not the other way around. Just some observations. Regardless do you and to heck with anyone else who has a problem with you, as Rocky said they don't matter.

[@Nucksfan1]

My friend called me gay when I wore my band kilt when I played my pipes at school for Remembrance Day 😂😂😂😂

[@bj.roberts6410]

The first time I wore a kilt was for a fund raiser. Had to drop the car off and take the subway downtown. With my drum in my backpack. I had no idea the differences between man/women’s kilts. It was a woman’s kilt that I wore(not knowing) any question was what clan are you. I find ladies kilts nicer on them real hot days. Only killers know the difference. Most don’t care.

[@mibnsharpals]

The kilt was never questioned for me, and that in Germany. Of course it has to be worn correctly (except for punks). Some people wear it more like a skirt and then it really doesn't look good. Also, what do I wear on my upper body? And important !!! No (men's) handbag

[@Time_Lord_Council]

I imagine the vast majority of the attitude toward kilts not being menswear come from people ignorant of Celtic culture and tradition, particularly those who are highly opposed to cross-dressing and see it as a skirt. The irony to me is that it actually makes more sense anatomically for women to wear trousers and men to wear open-bottomed garments on their waists.

[@user-hi6dj2we1b]

I'm a serial kilter who owns more kilts than pants and in the hundreds of very positive comments I've gotten (often from extremely pretty ladies) I've got one semi-negative one from a young smart-ass twenty-year-old. He said in a snarky way, "Nice Skirt", to which I replied, "Kilt". He responded with "What's the difference?" Just because of his tone, I answered in my best Glaswegian accent, "In Scotland, you get to call it a skirt once... only once." His eyes got big and he turned and walked away rather quickly. Granted, it helps that I'm 6'2"/190, and bald with a goatee. The point is, in my experience wearing a kilt gives you an air of confidence and individuality that 99.99% of people are going to be attracted to. For this one goofball, I've had dozens of teens tell me how cool it was and ask where they could get one. So say it loud, "I wear kilts and I'm proud!" Alba gu bràth!!

[@fredoalvarez]

6:19 Put another way, “Unless they paying your bills, pay them b*****s no mind.”

[@doaknife9161]

As long as it doesn't go against your Christian value and not by what people say what it says in the Bible dress the way you want to because akhil is men's clothing and that nothing is going to change that

[@sethirwin1610]

They never read about the “Ladies From Hell”!!!

[@jonlilley2832]

Ignorant haters just can't help themselves! If the wise ass has been drinking, I just walk away. If the person wasn't to tell me about their family heritage, I give them a couple seconds, but I keep moving, and if someone's being a real jerk (it's usually the hater women) sometimes I respond with a comment of equal weight, but the company I keep, pipe bands, highland dancers, etc. there's usually no problem at all. Most people like them so it's cool here in NE Ohio. Also, with all the large universities, colleges, etc., the general mindset is a lot broader than you'd find up some hollar! There was one guy that just flat out asked, 'Funeral or Wedding?' and just smiled. I was so focused on my mission that I didn't ask if he was a piper, drummer, or highland dancer. Shame on me!