Supposing you are really interested in starting to wear kilts; nevertheless, you are in two minds about it. How come? What should keep you from just ordering a kilt and wear it in pubic? Well, probably you are afraid of the possible reactions from your environment. Also, you are wondering which should be the best way for you to act. Let's deal with whoever's worries, whether real or imagined.

How could you, being not Scottish wear a kilt?

Like said already, in recent years more and more men in a lot of countries, with and without a kilt tradition, and no matter their nationality, colour and heritage, do wear kilts. And, no doubt, even more men should like to, had they the courage to do so. The movie Braveheart (1995) and the Internet - since 2nd half of the nineties - have probably started this development by convincing men with a (secret) preference for kilt wearing that they were not alone and could, in fact, wear a kilt, should they feel like it.
Once blue jeans were something American cow-boys were wearing. Now everyone wears them. Once, especially German boys would all over Germany wear short “Lederhosen”, not just boys living in Bavaria.

What should Scotsmen think?

Some traditionalists might be against non-Scots wearing a kilt, as they are sometimes against fellow-Scotsmen wearing a kilt as daily attire or outside Scotland. These seem to be few, however. Highland wear is something unique and makes a living for a lot of Scotsmen. Thus, men wearing kilts are looked positively upon.
Over time I have met several Scotsmen being happy to see the kilt being worn and regretting that they were not wearing one themselves.

Do other people believe you are Scottish when seeing you in a kilt?

It depends on where you are living, I suppose. In Scandinavian countries you are always addressed in the local languages, indicating that you are regarded just a country fellowman wearing a kilt. Almost the same is the case in Germany and Holland. In Southern Europe it is probably more expected that you have at least some connection to Scotland. But who in the world - except people within your own close environment - could tell that you have not?

Should you try to "play" Scottish?

No. To non-Scots the kilt is just a comfortable, versatile, and innovative garment. Accordingly you should, to my opinion, also avoid accessories too much connected with Scottish national dress like the bonnet.

Should you aim at eventually giving up trousers?

No. Variety is the spice of life.

How about predudices?

That you must be gay, a crossdresser, a tranvestite or otherwise somehow queer? For wearing a kilt? Neglect those people. They are not worth giving any thoughts at all. Besides, time is with you. The world is becoming more and more tolerent. It is ok to be gay, and it is becoming ok for men (and women) to be gender-fluid, andregoneous and transgender. The fact that these groups overall in the civilized part of the world are being well accepted, means that it is no problem for a man to wear a kilt.

How do you start wearing a kilt in public?

The answer should be, open the door and out you go. But for most men it is not as simple as that. If a man wants a tattoo, he'll get it. If he wants his hairs to grow long he will have them to. If he wants his tongue, nose, lip, ear or any other part of his body pierced, he will have it done. But if he wants to wear a kilt, which is definitely considered a man's garment, he might not dare to wear it out, because of a slight resemblance with a woman's skirt or just because it is different. It is ridiculous, don't you agree?


 

Should you tell people you know that you consider wearing kilts or already do?

Yes, it might be a good idea. No rumours, then. No secrets. But how?
You might simply tell them up front that you have got a kilt and have been out wearing it. Or you could have them see pictures on your phone, showing your new car or whatever and in some of them you are accidently wearing a kilt as the most natural thing in the world. Then they shall ask and you shall answer their questions.

But you can also just start wearing it in public and take it step by step. People, with whom you are acquainted, will ask, of course, and you must tell them about your reasons why (comfort, variety, difference or simply that you like wearing it) and how you got the idea in the first place. You might have seen a man in a kilt in a street or on tv and found it looking good or comfortable, then given it a second thought, googled kilts and inspired by websites you have bought one and have started wearing it.

A holiday in Scotland might also be a good and credible reason. You have tried on a kilt, you liked it, you bought it, and now you wear it. Tell about your trip on social media and show pictures.

By all means, social media, like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram are great. Post pictures of you in your kilt and explicitely tell about the advantages. Or don't mention it at all, just pictures showing you in a kilt when taking the dog out or sitting at a cafe, having a coffee. The kilt only has to be implied in the picture. Social media might be the most efficient way to communicate the news. With that step behind you, everything is much easier.