Should I Pack My Kilt on My Trip to Asia?

Ask Rolf: Vagabonding traveler Rolf Potts answers your questions about travel

11.22.06 | 7:24 AM ET

Rolf Potts

Dear Rolf,

While in college I began to learn more about my Scottish family history. I bought a Utilikilt, and it goes everywhere I go. Soon I hope to travel to an Asian country that (in some parts) is known to be quite conservative. I will, no doubt, already stick out like a sore thumb in Asia. Should I bring the kilt and see how many laughs I get and just tell people I am from Scotland or should I play it safe and stick with swim trunks and pants?

—Jonathan

Dear Jonathan,

I can appreciate your enthusiasm for your kilt (I have a bit of Scottish heritage myself), but I might recommend you leave it at home. I say this less for reasons of conservatism than for the fact that I’m all about packing as light as possible—and your kilt is going to be bulkier, less functional and harder to wash than a pair of shorts or pants.

Moreover, while it’s nice to display your heritage, this is a fairly low priority when you’re in faraway lands seeking to learn about other cultures. At times, people will react to your kilt instead of your person, and—while this can occasionally be a conversation starter—this can get in the way of meaningful interaction. I might also point out that I’ve never known actual Scotsmen to wear kilts while vagabonding.

If you do choose to bring your kilt, remember to be culturally conscientious about where you wear it (i.e., never in temples or mosques). In more formal parts of Asia, bare legs are seen as an aberration, and wearing a kilt might feel uncomfortable outside of a beach setting. With this in mind, you might consider bringing a Velcro-action Sport Kilt to wear at the beach, which is lighter and more sarong-like than a more traditional kilt.

Speaking of which, I might point out that sarongs, lungis and similar “man-skirts” are fairly common in certain parts of Southeast Asia and India. If you miss the feel of your kilt while journeying through these areas, a couple dollars should be enough score you the local fashion equivalent.

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