Overcoming the Challenges of Wearing a Kilt

Sporrans are the pouch or panel that is suspended from the belt and is worn in the front of the kilt. While it serves several functions, it is less necessary with most modern kilts than in yesteryear. However, if one is worn, there are additional considerations that need to be taken into account. Size, material, etc. For now, I am sporranless.

Most kilt wearers choose to wear tall socks or hose with them. While this is a classic look, it is absolutely not required with casual kilt wear. When wearing the more traditional tartan, it is more likely that hose will be worn. With flashes (sock garters) of course.

The most traditional wearers will saying going "commando" or "regimental" is the correct choice. But in practice, I believe that very few modern kilt wearers do. Now that we've decided that some form of undergarment is likely necessary, what to choose. Tighty Whities are not your best choice. Your Scooby-Do boxers are likewise a bad idea for most. Black or dark colored boxer briefs are a popular choice. Likewise, compression shorts are also fairly popular. But just like wearing trousers, dresses, or most other outfits, your choice of underwear should remain a mystery.

Some would answer anytime is appropriate. And they would not be wrong. But not every kilt is appropriate for every occasion. Just like other modes of dress, match the clothing to the planned activity. For me, the kilt will be worn almost exclusively when I plan to spend the majority of the day outdoors and on the go. Hiking, doing yard work, or similar.

While most everyone at least knows of the kilt and its wearing by men, this will still come up. It is not a common choice outside of a small group of peoples and occasions. While most comments in this area will be good humored teasing, there is always the possibility of it turning mean or nasty. Thin skinned or hot-headed guys may want to reconsider the kilt. Personally I hope to improve both my temper and tolerance.

In most societies, the wearing of a kilt is a bold choice. Like dyeing your hair purple or any other non-mainstream style choice. You have to be comfortable with the choice. If you're not, no one else will either. I do not consider my legs one of my better features. Likewise my height /weight ratio is not the best. Adding uncommon style choices only heightens the otherness.

Similar to the original concept that created NotePD; many, if not most ideas are bad. My kilt wearing may be another example. But for now, the experiment continues. For how long, too soon to tell.