I have started wearing kilts at my home desk, as I work from home. They are very comfortable for work. It's like sitting with a blanket over my lap. I think that I worked in an office, I would wear the kilt there as well. I also wear the kilt out. I was at the Detroit Institute of Arts Museum recently as well, wearing the E Pluribus Unum tartan, and I was stopped a couple of times to be asked about why I was dressed up. From the people that stopped me, the expectation was that I was celebrating some formal event, but in fact, I was just out on a Saturday with my lady. When I am stopped, I try to downplay my Scottish ancestry, since that is what is expected, and I try to leave my interlocutors with the notion that anyone can wear the kilt, and that it is a great garment for daily wear. I am working my way towards being a serial kilter. I have 2 8-yard kilts (E Pluribus Unum, and Texas Bluebonnet), and I am waiting for a 4-yard wool Steward Hunting Modern at the moment to see if I like the look of a 4-yard kilt. I think my future capsule wardrobe will incorporate 2-3 5-yard kilts, 2 or so 4-yard kilts, and 2-3 8-yard kilts, as well as 3-4 kilt jackets and waistcoats. I have seen 2 kilts in the wild in my town, and I hope to see more.
My Kansas Farm-boy, USMC Pilot, Woodworker husband wore kilts everywhere on the farm except on the riding mower and when walking through the tall grass; both activities that require ‘protection from below’. It wasn’t any kind of ‘cultural kilt’ either; no sporran, etc.. Just an everyday, comfortable, work outfit, with a heavy duty leather one for the woodworking workshop. And LOTS of pockets! Picture a ‘cargo-kilt’.
😅 I’m probably the wrong person to give you a comment, female and live in the Highlands. I see kilts a lot BUT they ceased being everyday wear a long time ago (still blaming the English) 😂 Although, obviously kilts are more common here than in other parts of Scotland most, as you say, are reserved for weddings also the guys that work in the tartan shops but that’s compulsory. The one section that I would say wears a kilt with total confidence are musicians, not just pipe bands but folk and modern music too. If someone in the band has the confidence to wear a kilt it can spur on guys to do the same, I feel it’s confidence to wear one that a lot of men lack. Let’s face it, it was a certain tv programme that was popular in America that encouraged a lot of guys to wear a kilt for the first time.
You talk about the changes in kilt wearing among Scots and younger men in particular. I wonder what effect if any may occur when King Charles passes and William assumes the throne. He seems to have an aversion to wearing the kilt. To answer your question as to when/how I wear my kilt. I reserve it for special occasions but rather wear it for both dress and casual occasions.
I have started wearing kilts at my home desk, as I work from home. They are very comfortable for work. It's like sitting with a blanket over my lap. I think that I worked in an office, I would wear the kilt there as well. I also wear the kilt out.
I was at the Detroit Institute of Arts Museum recently as well, wearing the E Pluribus Unum tartan, and I was stopped a couple of times to be asked about why I was dressed up. From the people that stopped me, the expectation was that I was celebrating some formal event, but in fact, I was just out on a Saturday with my lady. When I am stopped, I try to downplay my Scottish ancestry, since that is what is expected, and I try to leave my interlocutors with the notion that anyone can wear the kilt, and that it is a great garment for daily wear. I am working my way towards being a serial kilter. I have 2 8-yard kilts (E Pluribus Unum, and Texas Bluebonnet), and I am waiting for a 4-yard wool Steward Hunting Modern at the moment to see if I like the look of a 4-yard kilt.
I think my future capsule wardrobe will incorporate 2-3 5-yard kilts, 2 or so 4-yard kilts, and 2-3 8-yard kilts, as well as 3-4 kilt jackets and waistcoats. I have seen 2 kilts in the wild in my town, and I hope to see more.
Fascinating to hear your viewpoint, thank you for sharing!
I know quite a few folks wearing them here in Texas. I’ve always had great comments when I wear one of mine in public.
My Kansas Farm-boy, USMC Pilot, Woodworker husband wore kilts everywhere on the farm except on the riding mower and when walking through the tall grass; both activities that require ‘protection from below’.
It wasn’t any kind of ‘cultural kilt’ either; no sporran, etc.. Just an everyday, comfortable, work outfit, with a heavy duty leather one for the woodworking workshop.
And LOTS of pockets! Picture a ‘cargo-kilt’.
My husband has one and he loves it.
Sounds like a stylish guy ;)
😅 I’m probably the wrong person to give you a comment, female and live in the Highlands. I see kilts a lot BUT they ceased being everyday wear a long time ago (still blaming the English) 😂
Although, obviously kilts are more common here than in other parts of Scotland most, as you say, are reserved for weddings also the guys that work in the tartan shops but that’s compulsory.
The one section that I would say wears a kilt with total confidence are musicians, not just pipe bands but folk and modern music too. If someone in the band has the confidence to wear a kilt it can spur on guys to do the same, I feel it’s confidence to wear one that a lot of men lack.
Let’s face it, it was a certain tv programme that was popular in America that encouraged a lot of guys to wear a kilt for the first time.
In the US. A man who works at my local bookstore often wears a kilt. Other than that, I usually only see them at Scottish or Celtic events.
A bookstore definitely feels like a "good" place to find a kilt wearer for some reason...
The only times I have seen any man wearing a kilt here in the USA is at a Scotish cultural event. Don't know about Scotland.
You talk about the changes in kilt wearing among Scots and younger men in particular. I wonder what effect if any may occur when King Charles passes and William assumes the throne. He seems to have an aversion to wearing the kilt.
To answer your question as to when/how I wear my kilt. I reserve it for special occasions but rather wear it for both dress and casual occasions.
Hmm that's an interesting point! We will have to see what the future holds.
Kilts and fanny packs... I'm in!