Kilted Monday: a playful tradition with a serious origin

A piece of clothing can start a conversation. That is the whole idea behind Kilted Monday, and this is where it comes from.

Kilted Monday’s roots go deeper than just a playful style choice. It first took shape in 2015, when a group of tech professionals, tired of dismissive, gender-based remarks, chose to wear kilts at a conference. Their goal was straightforward but powerful: highlight that in tech (and beyond), respect should come from your contributions, not your gender, background, or any other label.

What began as a fun way to counter bias quickly evolved into a broader statement of inclusivity. Before long, more people embraced the idea, proving that even a light-hearted gesture can spark serious conversation. KiltedMonday is a reminder that what you do, and how you do it, is what earns respect.

3C Kilted1

Nobody expected it to become a tradition.

From one conference to many

Originally sparked at Cisco Live US, Kilted Monday has spread far beyond its Cisco roots. You’ll now see kilts proudly worn at VMware Explore (formerly VMworld), Microsoft Ignite, AWS re:Invent, and other tech gatherings. What started as an in-joke among friends has become a unifying celebration across competing platforms and vendor spaces.

The hashtag #KiltedMonday on social media highlights how far this movement has come, with tech pros around the world sharing photos, stories, and personal insights. A simple gesture, and it brings people together.

Kilts, community, and inclusion

The underlying message behind Kilted Monday is one of openness and unity. It unites people beyond organizational loyalties, technical specialty, and even conference location. When you wear a kilt on Monday at a tech event:

You’re making a statement of inclusivity. By wearing something that sparks conversation, you’re opening a door for newcomers, underrepresented groups, and industry veterans alike to connect in a positive, relaxed way.
You’re showing solidarity. Whether you’re championing women in tech or celebrating diversity in general, spotting a kilt says, “We’re all in this together.”
You’re having fun! Kilted Monday may have a serious backstory, but at its heart, it’s meant to be light, humorous, and welcoming.

While Kilted Monday is a powerful symbol, it’s important to remember that the message of inclusivity shouldn’t be confined to just one day. On Tuesday, we can all take off our kilts and more or less “blend in”. For many people it’s not that simple. They can’t simply remove what makes them different to change how others perceive them. KiltedMonday reminds us that inclusive thinking is something to carry throughout the week (and beyond).

How to get involved

It’s easy to participate in Kilted Monday:

Grab a kilt (or any wraparound garment, since the idea of kilts and skirts spans many cultures worldwide).
Wear it on Monday at your next tech conference.
Use the hashtag #KiltedMonday to share your photos, spark conversations, and find fellow kilt-wearers.

Although the name “KiltedMonday” points to the garment rooted in Scotland, usually in a tartan pattern, similar wraparound skirts are found worldwide, from the Indian dhoti to the Arab izar. We honour all these traditions, reminding everyone that our true aim is to spark conversations about inclusivity, unity, and celebrating contributions rather than relying on labels or stereotypes. Wear a kilt, or a similar garment from your own culture, and the conversations follow.

There are no rules, no uniform requirements, and absolutely no restrictions on who can join. Just the invitation to wear a kilt and celebrate the spirit of community.

Join the movement

As Kilted Monday marks its 10th anniversary in 2025, the tradition shows no signs of slowing down. From Cisco Live EMEA to local meetups, the kilt brigade continues to grow. In an industry built on competition, a simple show of solidarity still works.

So next time you’re heading to a tech event on a Monday, consider trading your usual slacks or skirt for a kilt. You’ll likely make new friends, spark great conversations, and become part of a tradition that’s both fun and meaningful. Tech is serious business. Traditions like KiltedMonday are what make it a good place to work.

Use the hashtag #KiltedMonday to share your photos, spark conversations, and find fellow kilt-wearers.

From one conference to many

Kilts, community, and inclusion

How to get involved

Join the movement

Further reading