Published: March 19, 2008 11:08 am         

Kilts are ‘in’ with the Midwest Kilt Society

AVON, Ind. — It’s not a skirt, it’s a kilt.

One local organization is taking a page from the history books of fashion and is hoping to start a new trend by reintroducing the kilt into modern society.

Jim Webb of Pittsboro said he stared wearing a tartan kilt when he attended a Renaissance fair. He explained that he found the kilt to be so comfortable to wear that he went out and bought more.

“I own five different kilts now,” he said. “I wear mine quite often.”

Although Webb is not allowed to wear his kilt to work, he says he wears it just about everywhere else, including to church and family functions.

And he’s not alone. There are several men from Greenfield, Greenwood, Avon, Plainfield, Brownsburg, and other towns who are also donning kilts.

In effort to get these people together, Webb said he started hosting “kilt nights” last January. So far, he said, 17 people are attending. The group calls themselves the Midwest Kilt Society and meets at various locations.

“We are trying to attract more members and to make the kilts look like a functional item you can wear at any time,” Webb said.

Webb said kilt styles differ. There is the traditional tartan one and also a utility kilt, which is more modern.

Regardless of which they’re wearing, Webb said they do attract attention when they go out in public. He said women seem to appreciate what they’re doing, while men tend to question them.

The fellas, he said, will come right and ask why they’re wearing “skirts,” or even tease them about it, but he doesn’t mind. They’ve converted a few after explaining the history behind the kilt, he said.

“It’s a way to stand out,” Webb said. “Besides, my wife thinks I look sexy in it.”

Although the society is mostly for men wearing kilts, Webb said they have no problem with women joining the group. He explained that kilts for women are just slightly different from men’s.

And it doesn’t matter what nationality the person is either, he said.

“You don’t have to be Scottish or Irish to wear them,” Webb said. “But you have to be secure enough with yourself to wear them.”

For those interested in joining the society or in learning more about the group, call Webb at 696-6261 or visit the website at midwestkiltsociety@yahoogroups.com.



Amanda Roach writes for the Hendricks County Flyer in Avon, Ind.