Wearing a kilt as a tourist – tacky or tasteful?

As Rick might say: Be a cultural chameleon! Enjoy wearing a kilt.

I visited Scotland in 1999 -- Edinburgh, the Borderlands and the Highlands. I saw people wearing kilts.

I think it would be very appropriate, it would be a keepsake (pictures) that would bring back many memories over the years. Go for it!

Rick would approve, no one will bat an eyelid in Scotland, and if anyone minds about your colour, then they have a bigger problem than your wearing a kilt.
Treat such people as you would at home.
You don't need to explain your reasons to bystanders unless you choose to.
I think most Scottish people would be pleased that you are dressing suitably.

You have married into your husband's clan and thereby it is now your tartan. Wear it with pride.

the new First Minister of Scotland and new leader of the SNP party (I know it is repetitive) is the first Muslim and first man of colour in those roles. All through the campaign he had plenty of tartan on. And when he was sworn in he was in in his kilt. It was appropriate.

Nobody will be upset that you are in proper dress.

(well there are always a few idiots in every country who can find stupid things to rail against - but you probably know that.... Scotland is lower on that scale than many other countries... just be careful which football team you are rooting for in different neighbourhoods)

Hi, rubychai,

Good on ya, girl! Traditionally, the bottom of the kilt should be level with the center of the kneecap, So as long as you don't wear it too short or too long, you'll be fine.

Hubby is a lucky man!

Very best wishes,

Mike (Auchterless)

As for wearing the kilt most of the reaction will be 'ah, someone is wearing a kilt' on a man and then moving on. On a woman a tartan skirt will not be even noted by most.

I assumed this was going to be a man posting. It would a bit weird for a man to walk around sightseeing in a kilt. However, on a woman I doubt anyone will even notice.

I disagree with Helen. I would admire a man who was travelling around Scotland wearing a kilt, American or otherwise. I would assume he was being respectful towards his ancestry, part of the great Scottish diaspora.
If as Nigel says, it is good enough for the new FM (I hadn't been keeping up with that news) then it's good enough for anyone.

it is sort of like of wearing a Dirndl in Bavaria. Just make sure it isn't one of those 22€ fast fashion flimsies from C&A ( other selllers are available).

Respect is everything...

Going commando
This is perhaps today the most common option, as many Scots believe that wearing nothing under the kilt is the proper way to honour their heritage. It's said that a true Scotsman wears nothing beneath his kilt, and this practice is often referred to as "going regimental" or "going native."

https://clan.com/help/kilts-wearing-matching-garments-accessories/what-is-worn-under-the-kilt#:~:text=or%20wearing%20underwear.-,Going%20commando,%22%20or%20%22going%20native.%22

YouGov did a survey back in 2016, and it is about two thirds of men here wear something under the kilt.

I believe that the correct response to "Is there anything worn under the kilt?" is "No, it's all in excellent condition."

Mike (Auchterless)

Loud groans about the pun!

The OP must be bemused about the unexpected and fun turn this thread has taken!

You never know where a thread will end up.

Mike wins the internet today!

If it was a hot day I could understand going commando, but if it's chilly at all I'd think you would at least need to wear underwear.

I saw the poll where 38% of men go commando, but that's still a large percentage. There's plenty of comedic potential here.

For example Kramer from "Seinfeld." I guarantee he would go commando.

It would be little awkward for ladies?

Remember there are places where you are meant to wear something beneath the kilt, and hire companies will require it in the contract.

I don't remember women wearing kilts. I thought it was a male thing. I have seen young girl dancers wearing their kilts. This is very interesting. BUT the color of your skin should not make a difference. Would love to learn of your experience wearing your kilt. DO IT! Please post your experiences in Scotland.

So if someone wore a kilt with nothing underneath, and it was a very windy day, they should be prepared with some Scotch tape!

… Any groans heard now will be perceived as bagpipes warming up, and not anyone’s reaction to my post. BTW, I’m referring to the original cellophane tape, and not the “invisible” tape.