Out and About -- In the World at Large

[Jock]

a guy asked if they made kneepads for kilts. Unfortunately no.
Charlie

Yes there are. They are called knee pads! e.g http://www.gardeningoncloud9.com/201004 ... -knee-pad/

I have a pair for gardening and DIY while skirted

[skirtyscot]

On Friday I was in Bremen, Germany. 'Twas a short trip, and the only clothes I had with me were a suit, and a denim skirt and polo shirt. A suit didn't seem quite the thing for a Friday night out, so I wore the casual gear to hit the town. I found the lively part of town, all bars and restaurants and an open-air music festival to boot. I did wonder if I was being altogether wise, given that Germans tend to get as drunk as Brits at the weekend. However I am happy to report that I survived utterly unscathed (and almost unnoticed) and the phrase "Dass Mann trägt einen Rock" never landed on my ears.

[Kirbstone]

I lived & worked not far North of Bremen for 8 years in the 80s-90s and paraded after dark skirted even then. I know that town well.

Their 'Umgangsprache' (colloquial) expression would have been 'der armer Kerl traegt bloess einen ROCK!' (That poor sod is wearing a blxxdy SKIRT!) My machine doesn't do umlauts.

Tom

[partlyscot]

Some experimentation, adaptation, and unexpected benefits.

So, this weekend myself and GF went about 4 hours North to participate in a cycling event. I thought it would be an excellent idea to drive in a skirt, it was. Noticeably, if not massively, more comfortable than pants or shorts, we stopped a couple of times for gas and supplies. No comments, and very few looks about the skirt were noticed. I believe that the vast majority didn't even realise it was a skirt, it's about knee length, has about 6" long inverted pleat in front, which gives it the appearance at a casual glance of being shorts. Stopped at a cycle store to pick up our registration package, being in closer contact, a few more glances were noted, but barely any reaction other than a change in expression something along the lines of "skirt? huh." then a continuation with conversation.

In the evening after setting up the tent, we walked the short distance into town for a meal. Most of the drivers who passed us could not have missed the skirt, but no honks, no speeding or slowing, non-event. first restaurant was a bust, not because of the skirt, but disorganized and unenthusiastic service. After being kept waiting 10 minutes because they didn't hand off greeting duties properly, we had had enough time to decided that the menu was pathetic and prices not that good. we left, and walked back to the fast food place and had cheaper and possibly better meal there.

I made several trips back and forth to the facilities on the campsite, without incident. On the day of the event, we were up early and wearing cycling gear. Skirts may be possible to cycle in, but for almost 100 miles in one day, good bike shorts are the only sensible option. As it turns, not quite good enough, which leads to the unforeseen benefit. The bike ride went fairly well, but the bike, being newly refurbished and modernized, doesn't quite, fit properly. Close, but after 75 miles, little issues start to matter. It was also realized, somewhat belatedly, that anti friction products do a better job when applied before activity. Anyway, we completed the event, after about 9 hours, 6.5 of that being in the saddle, had a very welcome shower, then I realized that I could forgo wearing anything but the skirt. i.e. "regimental" Not something I usually do, but most appreciated in this case. On the return trip, it was much more comfortable than wearing anything bifurcated would have been.

[ChrisM]

Today for the first time in my new job (only been here a couple of weeks) I wore a skirt to work.

Nobody cared.

As usual.


Chris

[dillon]

We spent half of Sunday at the beach. I wore a Prana Bliss skirt, a port wine color, with a black V-neck tee shirt, and Chaco sandals. I was really pleased with the color combination, especially good since my legs are moderately tanned now. For the ocean and tanning, I wore some UA short workout (women's) shorts. I managed to avoid sunburn, but somehow managed to reinflame my rotator cuff injury. I have been working ot in the gym to get it loosened up again, before it develops into shoulder lock. I also discovered that spray-on sunscreen stings like a mutha on freshly shaved legs, but I contined with it for the convenience of being able to swiftly reapply sun protection. It is not a product suited for you nautical wheelers, as it makes an oily mess wherever you spray it, so not good for a boat deck but fine for the beach. The temperatre hit 94F that day, so was a good day to do nothing but lie about and gently toast.

[melsav]

Yesterday my wife and I left home for a holiday, its a 600km trip in car 7 hrs driving. I told my wife the day before we left that
I was going wear a my denim skirt,,the one in my profile picture, she pulled a big disapproving grin but said nothing. About half way to our destination, Umhlanga. We stopped for breakfast at the Wimpy Harrismith, when we stopped she said she would prefer that
I put some shorts or something on as she did not want to walk with me dressed in a skirt, so she got my track pants from the boot and I put them on over the skirt. After breakfast I went to the bathroom and removed my track pants and walked across the car park in my skirt, did not notice anyone looking, but my wife gave me a funny look, anyway when we got to our hotel I parked the car got out, helped my wife out of the car and walked hand in hand to reception, she never said a word assuming she had excepted me and my skirt. We got to reception and she went to sit down while I booked in. When we got to our room she told me that all the people in reception looking and talking about me and my skirt most of it not complementary, did not think much of it. After about an hour we decided to go for a walk and a snack, so I went to get my bag to go and she stood there, Said what's wrong and she that she wanted me to change into shorts before we went out, so to keep the peace I did. So much for being accepted by the wife, the thinks morebof what other people think than I do. Anyway after 35 years of marrage I still love her.

[skirtyscot]

Her attitude sounds exactly the same as my wife's. Still, we are better off than a lot of members here.

Can you call that trip a small step forward? If so, don't bank on it being a sign of more acceptance by your Mrs. Mine occasionally goes out with me when I am skirted, but there is no pattern suggesting increased acceptance.

[Sinned]

mlsv & skrtysct,

My sympathies, I get similar form MOH and have been for a while so I know what you are both going through. All I can say from experience - treat the skirt as you would any other of your garments, show her how much your skirt wearing means to you and DON'T EVER, EVER GET UPSET about it. I have and it makes nae iota of difference except that you're the one with the high blood pressure. Keep a patient even tone of voice and eventually the message may get through especially if she sees that no-one particularly cares. As for the comments from others in reception - take theses with a pinch of salt as she may have been exaggerating the comments as she was in hypersensitivity mode. I agree about the acceptance - no idea if there's anything from MOH except like you an occasional hint that there may be. If I could get her to walk with me skirted then that would be a MAJOR advancement.

Anyway, MOH went off to work today and I donned my pale blue cotton short skirt to go shopping for a birthday card for her. I bought that and was walking to Tesco nearby when a guy stopped me. I forgot to mention that I was wearing my Leeds United T-shirt ( for my sins ) and he asked me what I thought of them now. We talked for about five minutes about what's been happening recently and what their prospects were for the next season ( not hopeful, owned now by an Italian fraudster and crook, sold their main striker and hired a Manager that no-one's really heard of ). No mention of my skirt at all - he appeared to just accept it as normal. After Tesco I went into Matalan ( clothes retailer ) to mooch and saw a nice simulated leather knee-length skater skirt and took a size 14 and 16 to the changing room. The assistant smiled and I said to her in a joking tone, "Don't smile, you're not allowed to smile." Tried the skirts on - 14, no way jose - 16 close but no cigar. So took them back to the shop floor and took an 18 and 20 to the changing room. Had a brief chat with the assistant about the unreliability of women's sizes. She asked me if the skirt was for me and I said that it was and explained briefly why I wear a skirt and she agreed with me and said that she liked skirts but that she mainly wore jeans but shorts in summer. After saying how much cooler skirts were for me I left for the checkout. So what can I conclude? No sense of disapproval and more acceptance than anything for what I was wearing.

[dillon]

The amount of tolerance I am accorded by the wife depends on the venue in which we are public. If there is a chance of meeting someone she knows, the resistance she gives to my apparel choice increases exponentially. Often it is not worth the fight. But, when the venue is neutral, I go skirted and ignore the grumbling. As I have told her, the day she gives me an ultimatum about my skirts, she should be prepared to dispose of her own pants, or to receive a response from me that she won't like. But such is marriage; a tightwire, a compromise, a balancing act. As long as I am not disrespected, I guess I can deal with it.

[partlyscot]

My SO is for the most part, fully approving, but the other day she asked me to change before going out. I am getting myself used to being out, and seen in a skirt, and all of my more extensive trips have been in a skirt that can be taken as a pair of shorts, if you don't actually look.

This time, it was a slightly shorter,(about 1-2 inches above the knee) solid, strong red, firm stretchy fabric, with white graphic t shirt. I feel it works, as a look, but it will get more attention, and is quite a bit more obviously a skirt. We were using transit to go across town to pick up a van from her Sister, and she said, "Do we have to do this now? It's bit conservative in that area" (It's what I would call an "ethnic" area, mostly Indian, Pakistani, Sikh, etc) I changed for her peace of mind. I put it down to her being stressed about other stuff, and not being able to deal with more stuff out of the ordinary, not so much as really fearing any significant clashes or belligerence.

When I returned the vehicle, I did so in my more shorts like skirt, and came back on the light rail by myself. Her Sister, who had briefly seen my skirt before said nothing, her kids didn't seem to notice, got a few looks on the train, including a faint smile from a lady seated opposite. At one point I was bracketed by 4 individual young guys, of the type I would have identified as being the biggest risk, slightly roughly dressed, early twenties. One at least noticed, and looked for a few seconds, but went back to his own thoughts, I find it difficult to believe the others didn't notice, but absolutely no comments, staring, or any negative expressions.

[Caultron]

...I find it difficult to believe the others didn't notice, but absolutely no comments, staring, or any negative expressions.

It's true, it's true, people really don't care what you wear. You're the one with all the drama, at least at first.

Congratulations on your experience.

[melsav]

Her attitude sounds exactly the same as my wife's. Still, we are better off than a lot of members here.

Can you call that trip a small step forward?

I think that I can call it a small step forward. This evening we went out for supper and I asked her if she would like me wear longer skirts, she said that my skirt was not too short, just dont like me in a skirt.

[Departed Member]

I've been doing some skirt shopping at the local thrift shops as of late, and I got some slips for liners for skirts and kilts (I like to cut the lace trim off, not a big fan of lace, and slips are the cheapest form of liner I can find; and quite frankly, they are comfortable) and a pair of black leggings at Walmart for my moving to Scotland. Women's black leggings are the cheapest; all the men's ones are either super expensive or made of a material that my skin doesn't agree with. Each time I was either kilted or skirted in a Lavalava (the "sulu" from 1WorldSarongs). Nary a comment or look (that I saw at least; I was too busy focusing on what to buy to really look at who was looking or care, really). It really gets easier each time. I also find that if I wear my headphones and listen to some good jams on my phone that this also helps take the nerves away while shopping for skirts in the women's section. I've also found that if one does do a double take at your skirt or kilt, that just simply smiling back at them solves any problems that might arise and makes you feel better. I agree with whoever said it earlier in this thread that how you present yourself really makes the difference over how you are dressed. Just being friendly and smiling a lot, not indicating that anything is abnormal does the trick most of the time. Pretty much everyone I've talked to when they ask why I'm wearing a kilt or other unbifurcated garment, after I explain that its much cooler for me, agrees that skirts are much cooler, both men and women. A lot of it really is in your head (or in the head of those close to you who oppose it).

I usually wear a kilt or Lavalava to work each day, and recently I acquired a tartan wrap skirt from the womens section at the local thrift store. It is rayon and long (ankle length, which is saying something cuz I'm 6'6"!), and had a fringe on the wrap side, which I cut off. Anyway, I decided to wear it to work the other day with my sporran since there are no pockets, and really it doesn't look any different from a formal lavalava, because they both wrap right over left, which is typically associated with women's wrap skirt garments. The other difference was the length and a buckle instead of a strap that wraps around like a lavalava. I had nothing but positive comments on it from my colleagues (mostly female.) Most of them mistook it for a "long kilt." After that, I went and jammed with some local bluegrass musicians (I was on upright bass) and changed into a shorter just below the knee khaki White-Stag skirt I found at the thrift store, with side pockets and a men's style zipper fly because it was hot inside the building. I wore my sporran over it, and everyone thought it was just another kilt. In fact, I had a little embarrassing flash moment when I went to take a seat on a chair which slipped off the stage and I fell backward, legs going up into the air and skirt flipping up a little for everyone to see up it. The fall was the more embarrassing part, though, not the flashing moment. Anyway, those are some of my recent skirting adventures.

[Caultron]

...Just being friendly and smiling a lot, not indicating that anything is abnormal does the trick most of the time...

This is certainly true. As in any other situation, people react positively to a kind word and a smiling face and negatively to distancing and fear.