I want to wear a skirt!

[jeanfor]

I can't stand when men do not want to recognize that a kilt is a type of skirted garment and is in fact a skirt! I think it is important to use the word skirt and men should have all freedom to wear a skirt. Pushing for the skirt terminology shows that we are not afraid and are not hiding behind semantic. Using the kilt terminology shows that we are still ashamed and try to give an excuse to wear this type of garment.

[crfriend]

I beg to differ with the stated opinion. True enough, the kilt is a form of skirt, but it is a very specialised type of skirt, and its got a "brand recognition" second to none. I feel it only proper to accord the brand the recognition it has built up over time. Calling a kilt a skirt is akin to calling a bottle of "Arrogant Bastard Ale" "beer": yes, technically it's true, but it fails to capture the things that make that such a special brew and differentiates it from, say, Schlitz or Budweiser.

I also don't agree with the notion that men who wear kilts are "hiding behind" the terminology; everybody knows that a kilt is a specialised form of skirt, and some folks relish in taking jabs based on that. So, it's not a good "hiding" technique.

Personally, I don't get off much on the whole semantics thing, and find the rules that govern formal kilt-wearing restrictive; I also find the hyper-casual kilt-wearing approach that seems to be gaining traction now as borderline slovenly. So, my skirts are skirts -- outright -- and I wear them with pride and, I hope, distinction: even the ones with a hint of lace on them.

In short, all calling a kilt a skirt in public does is try to point ridicule at the guys who wear kilts, and that -- rightfully -- tends to tick them off.

[jeanfor]

In fact the kilt is a military outfit. I do agree with you about the name. But some men skirts are also called kilts and are not kilts at all. I have no problem with the term skirt as it is more generic.

[cessna152towser]

As I see it, at least in Scotland and in England, the percepton of a man wearing a skirt is that any type of knee length skirt will be perceived as a kilt and referred to as such by most people. I can say this from experience of living close to the England/Scotland border and wearing formal Scottish kilts, modern cargo kilts, box pleated skirts and jeans skirts on both sides of the border. The only people likely to call your denim skirt a skirt are the seriously formal kilt wearing types who frequent highland games and pipe bands. I've once had abuse from two kilted guys at a highland games for wearing a black kilt rather than a tartan one, yet everywhere else I have worn a black kilt it has either produced a positive reaction, or more usually none at all.
Conversely, wearing the full formal Scottish outfit in England can be more hassle. When wearing my Scottish kilts in England, I have heard a few shouts of "nice skirt" from drive by vehicles, yet nobody ever seems to notice when I wear a Utilikilt or a jeans skirt on the English side of the border.

[Big and Bashful]

Cessna, just take the "nice skirt" comment at face value, after all, it is a skirt after all!
Got a couple of cross border journeys before the end of the month, be passing next to Penrith. On way back North sometime around the 28th of this month.

[jeanfor]

I hope I did not make any of you upset if you are Scottish! I am french and live in the USA, Milford Pennsylvania. By the way there is a Tartan for Brittany, France now see link http://www.your-kilt.com/brittany-has-i ... and-2.html

[cessna152towser]

Yes I am Scottish, but no problem I am not upset. Kilts and skirts are perceived differently in different places. When I visited Los Angeles last year I wore a kilt and I also wore a box pleated skirt. Neither the kilt nor the skirt drew much attention though one or two people assumed I was Scottish and began friendly conversations with me.

[jeanfor]

I visited Edinburgh when I was a teenager, so that's a while back. I was staying in England in the Lake District. There were not too many people in this area in the 70's. I would love to go back and visit. I had some very good times especially after soccer and rugby games at the clubs. I am not sure if this is still like that, but when games was over everybody was getting together at the receiving team club to talk, drink and eat for hours.... That is real social life, not like watching sports on TV. I miss all UK pubs. Good food, good drinks and good friendly atmosphere, at least when I was there.....

[Since1982]

Jeanfor said: In fact the kilt is a military outfit

There are military kilts, but as a garment, a kilt is simply a garment for general wear. A combination leg covering, blanket, hat, chest covering et al. The early kilt, as in the movies RobRoy and BraveHeart known as the Breacan or Great Kilt was used as a general use garment, and only incidentally as a military garment.

Refer to http://albanach.org/kilt.html for a true history of the kilt.

[poshroger]

I like to wear a kilt as often as possible, in my area of the U.K. it is possible to wear one in the University City of Cambridge with no attention drawn to it because it is a cosmopolitan city. However I would not wear one in my home town which is very homophobic and although bi and not ashamed do not wish to shout it from the roof tops.
As for other types of skirts around the house I am happy and comfortable in a grey pleated schoolgirl skirt, that can be worn with stockings and also a very short lycra mini skirt, deffo tights only.
I look ridiculous in both skirts but they please me and nobody ever sees me.
Two years ago my then g/f and I rented a cottage in the Highlands of Scotland and I was told only to pack my two kilts and one pair of shorts. I flew from Luton wearing a kilt and returned the same way, the shorts remained in my bag, best holiday ever

[jeanfor]

As for other types of skirts around the house I am happy and comfortable in a grey pleated schoolgirl skirt,....

How short is the pleated grey skirt? If just above the knee or 2 to 3 inches above, I think you could wear it with black boots, black socks and a black T shirt around town... It the outfit looks great the skirt will not be a problem

[JRMILLER]

This Spring, I have been wearing my El Kommando, Mountain kilt (olive -- plain, cargo pockets) around everywhere. I wear it into our little town and also in the big city. Generally get at least one comment per day, almost always positive. Since it's plain olive drab color and not tartan, I think it leaves people scratching their heads a bit more.

Now, realize that Ohio is about as backwater as you can get and I have yet to even sniff the boiling tar. As others have said here, just go for it...

[jeanfor]

Now, realize that Ohio is about as backwater as you can get and I have yet to even sniff the boiling tar. As others have said here, just go for it...

That is very encouraging. This is the way to do it. One man at a time showing that men can wear skirts...

[rick401r]

JR, I live in Yellow Springs, Ohio where it's not uncommon to see a man in a dress or woman's skirt so my kilt draws very little attention. I've gone to concerts in Dayton, Cincinati, and Columbus and have had nothing but positive comments.

[jeanfor]

JR, I live in Yellow Springs, Ohio where it's not uncommon to see a man in a dress or woman's skirt so my kilt draws very little attention. I've gone to concerts in Dayton, Cincinati, and Columbus and have had nothing but positive comments.

I guess Ohio is more progressive than Pennsylvania. I live Pike county in the Northeasthern corner of PA.