The Costumer

Ah, the kilt check. This is one of The Costumer’s favorite topics. A kilt check is when one person (typically a lady) checks to see if a man is wearing his kilt properly (and by that I mean without anything underneath). There are a few rules for wearing kilts in preparation for such a check, and men should expect to be asked about a kilt check before they attend a convention or faire in a kilt.

Kilt etiquette: Kilts can be appropriately worn at different types of events. They can be worn for formal occasions, conventions, renaissance faires and festivals, and business casual style events. Generally, it is not appropriate to perform a kilt check at a formal, semi-formal, or business related event. It is, however, considered “faire game” at a faire or convention. Etiquette dictates that a lady always ask a gentleman (and his lady, if she is present) if it is okay for her to perform a kilt check; she should also describe the type of kilt check she would prefer to perform.

Men have their own etiquette for kilts as well. While kilts are nice and airy, men do sweat beneath them. To ensure a pleasant smell in general and for a kilt check (or if the man has a chance of getting ‘closer’ to his lady), he should consider using baby powder to keep things fresh and clean beneath the kilt. This also prevents thigh chafing when the kilt is worn properly.

Two Types of Kilt Checks: Kilt checks have two ratings: R and PG. The R rated kilt check is much like you’d imagine. The woman acquires permission, stoops down, and runs her hand right up the kilt–usually up the front or the rear to ensure there’s no undergarments. The PG rated kilt check, which is the variety that should be performed in public places and in front of children, involves the woman taking a knee, looking to the side, and running her hand modestly up the gentleman’s outer thigh. Once a kilt check is complete, the lady announces whether the fellow is wearing the kilt properly.

So long as etiquette is followed, kilt checks can be rather enjoyable for a gentleman as well as the kilt checker. The blogger over at Convention Fans told me that there are a group of ladies out there utilizing leaf blowers in kilt checks–a very unique idea. Men–be prepared!

Image credit: Artifex

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