Out and About -- In the World at Large

[BobM]

Another nice thing about kilts/skirts is that service tends to be a quite a bit better. This morning I needed an old work box for a single receptacle so back to Lowe's I went (for the benefit of the brethren in more obscure parts of the world, Lowe's is a chain of large home improvement stores). Just about every employee I passed wanted to know if I needed help. As a matter of fact, having just had my second surgery for a detached retina, I did need help. The associate in the electrical department was most anxious to see to it that I got all the small bits I needed. The same in the Lawn and Garden department with some parts for my lawn mower (I can't trust the goats to mow for me any more because they wait till I'm not looking and raid the vegetable garden and raspberry bushes). My Black Watch kilt may have had something to do with the excellent service.

[skirtingtoday]

I too find that when I wear a skirt (usually a khaki cargo skirt) to my own local DIY store (B&Q) that I am almost invariably asked if I need assistance to find what I am looking for, occasionally several times!
When I do need help to find domething unusual, they take me to the appropriate section - all very helpful indeed. No comments from them on what I was wearing at all and no downward looks either.
Whenever I wear trousers or shorts (that is short trousers - not just underwear! ), there is never an assistant in sight!

[skirtyscot]

Have either of you wondered why you get the extra attention? Maybe the assistants want to spend extra time goggling at you, trying to take the concept in fully!

I've been to my local B&Q in a skirt as well, and I can't say I've noticed that the service is any different. That is, it's a struggle to find any staff at all, except at the checkout. THough when you do manage to collar one of them, they are invariably very helpful.

[BobM]

Have either of you wondered why you get the extra attention? Maybe the assistants want to spend extra time goggling at you, trying to take the concept in fully!

That may well be, but if it results in better service I'm not about to complain.

[Big and Bashful]

I have been in my local B&Q amongst many other places, in my ankle length cargo denim. Never see anyone looking. I have found one downside to ankle length skirts though, they are good at loosening or undoing shoelaces!
The knee length version doesn't seem to attract attention either, it also leaves my laces alone!, I find I can't relax as much as there is the need to keep knees close together when seated.

[Sarongman]

I went to church yesterday wearing my ankle length olive skirt with khaki shirt. There was the smallest turnout I've seen for a long time (4 parishioners plus the priest) I other man, two ladies, all trousered. Fr. Rod trousered under working gear. I did the first reading as well as playing for the service. I had to have a small chuckle to myself at being the only skirted one there.

[couyalair]

One person in five wearing a skirt. If that were the proportion everywhere, how happy we should be!

Martin

[Lawrence de Grande]

Another nice thing about kilts/skirts is that service tends to be a quite a bit better. This morning I needed an old work box for a single receptacle so back to Lowe's I went (for the benefit of the brethren in more obscure parts of the world, Lowe's is a chain of large home improvement stores). Just about every employee I passed wanted to know if I needed help. As a matter of fact, having just had my second surgery for a detached retina, I did need help. The associate in the electrical department was most anxious to see to it that I got all the small bits I needed. The same in the Lawn and Garden department with some parts for my lawn mower (I can't trust the goats to mow for me any more because they wait till I'm not looking and raid the vegetable garden and raspberry bushes). My Black Watch kilt may have had something to do with the excellent service.

I couldn't help but notice yesterday at Home depot in my utility kilt it seemed I couldn't round a corner without getting help from some staff member. Usually I get totally ignored there. Makes me wonder if they want to stare at the kilt or if they think that any guy wearing a skirt simply must need their "expert" help on whatever project he's doing.

[Caultron]

I couldn't help but notice yesterday at Home depot in my utility kilt it seemed I couldn't round a corner without getting help from some staff member. Usually I get totally ignored there. Makes me wonder if they want to stare at the kilt or if they think that any guy wearing a skirt simply must need their "expert" help on whatever project he's doing.

I think it's curiosity. People see you in your skirt or kilt and wonder, "Wow, what kind of a guy would do that," or, "Wow, this guy is certainly different," and so they want to interact with you and learn a bit more about you.

Or maybe it's just that you stand out from the crowd.

In any case, these are your opportunities to be an ambassador for the skirted way of life. Enjoy them. If the other person seems at all interested or intrigued, suggest that they try it!

[couyalair]

Anyone seeing a weirdo in a skirt would love to know why, but most can't find a valid excuse to engage conversation. Shop assistants, on the other hand, have not only a perfect excuse to speak up, they have a duty to do so.
End result is better service -- so enjoy it!

This morning, however, it was not shop assistants, but a man in the street who asked me "What family are those colours ?" I was wearing an old faded tartan kilt, and could not remember the clan (it was the only one available in cotton when I ordered it years ago). He went on "It's like mine, black, white and red (tartan trousers). Mine is the punk family!"

Martin

[Lawrence de Grande]

Was out in a brown corduroy knee length skirt all day yesterday and the only person who seemed to notice was a cabby waiting at WalMart. He gave me the old "look at that weirdo hairy eyeball stare" as I walked by. He didn't say anything though. The only remark I got was about the sporran I was wearing with the skirt. I'm beginning to think most Americans can't even tell a short skirt from a kilt.

[Caultron]

Anyone seeing a weirdo in a skirt would love to know why, but most can't find a valid excuse to engage conversation. Shop assistants, on the other hand, have not only a perfect excuse to speak up, they have a duty to do so.
End result is better service -- so enjoy it!

This morning, however, it was not shop assistants, but a man in the street who asked me "What family are those colours ?" I was wearing an old faded tartan kilt, and could not remember the clan (it was the only one available in cotton when I ordered it years ago). He went on "It's like mine, black, white and red (tartan trousers). Mine is the punk family!"

Priceless. For me, at least, this sort of incident is one of the best parts.

I was in a liquor store Sunday, wearing an olive-green slightly punkish kilt, and some guy rushed up to me all excited and asked breathlessly where he could buy one for himself.

So there's hope.

[STEVIE]

Don't recall where, but I posted that I'd had amazing service in the bank while dressed in a mini-kilt.
I reckoned that they thought I was a "mystery shopper".
Still enjoyed it.
Retail, being what it is in so many sectors, the people live in fear of any adverse reports.
A guy in a skirt is just unusual enough to be seen as a "test", and they sure as hell don't want to "fail".
That and, yes, you added a bit of variety to their day.
If it works, don't try to fix it.
Steve.

[Milfmog]

It was pretty warm here last Saturday so I was wearing a lightweight wrap skirt (Jdez Men's Mock Cargo Sarong - see here) when I strolled down the hill into town to visit a cash point (ATM). Having drawn some cash I popped into the bike shop to see if he'd had a chance to look at the bicycle I dropped in for an overhaul last weekend. Although he'd told me it was likely to be a fortnight before it was done it was ready and waiting for me.

I paid the bill and wheeled it out of the shop before the thought occurred to me that I was wearing a long wrap skirt, which would almost certainly unwrap (in a less than flattering way) if I attempted to ride the bike... I elected to walk the bike home. No one reacted noticeably to the skirt anywhere in the High street apart from one young woman (25ish) who looked at me, smiled and then commented that it was far too hot for trousers and it was good to see at least one man with the sense to realise there are better ways to dress in hot weather.

Once away from the high street, I decided to try riding slowly and hope I could keep enough fabric in place to avoid unnecessary displays of next week's laundry. As expected, the modesty snap was useless for cycling, so the skirt wanted to unwrap to waist level, one hand was therefore engaged in keeping the fabric together at mid thigh height and, even at a very gentle pace, the fabric all tended to fly away behind me, making for a leggier display than usual, but no problem. I passed a few folks (several of who I know) and got a couple of cheery waves and one "that looks cooler than lycra". I was actually surprised how easy it was to cycle like that and may press my Cargo Mock Kilt/Short into service for cycling short distances in future; its' shorter length will remove the fear I have of fabric getting caught in the back wheel.

Have fun,


Ian.

[couyalair]

When Indians that wear long skirts/lungis need extra leg-room, they simply raise the hem and tuck it into the belt, transforming a long skirt into a knee-length one - perfect for cycling. Try that next time, Ian.
Martin