If someone asks 'Why do you wear that?', what do you reply?

[Pro. Millbore Grosling]

because now days the attire is so boring, I wish to look a tad intresting every now an the. Have a nice day that's all I have

[Lucius Baxter]

I always say "That's just the way I am." Most people leave it at that.
Other one's I use: "It's comfy." "Why not?" Or pick something odd about their clothes and comment on them.

I've tried that... only thing is I use it too much. I'll try the "isn't this what muggles wear these days?" quote. I get hollered at quite a lot by people, especially at pubs, where people automatically assume I'm Indiana Jones.

[Cubinoid]

"Because otherwise I would be naked..."

[Jedediah Solomon]

I simply ask them if they would prefer me to remove them, which may not work for you, you may have some offers to help. This is not a likely alternative for me, being Middle-aged, slightly overweight, and a greying dude. Not a pretty picture

When asked 'why are you wearing...' questions I tend to settle for a devious toothy grin whilst asking salaciously in return "Would you rather I were naked?"  It either sends them running or results in an invitation to coffee. I'm not particular.

I am quite particular, and would probably not accept such an offer, but I like the way you think.  Let's get together for coffee somewhere 

[The Corsair]

Edited the thread title. Something stickied should probably have proper spelling at the very least.

[Voltin]

A few times I had been asked why I wear this Bridge coat.



My response has been "Well I walk to work even in the winter".  I live in fridgid Minnesota.

Or I will simple say "Because I like the look of it".

[qui est in literis]

Had occasion the other day to tell off an obnoxious mundie.
"Why are you dressed like that?"
"I'm not."

I didn't think it was an especially witty comeback, but his reaction was marvelous. He rolled his eyes and started to go about his business, then jumped like a startled cat, turned back to me, stared hard, and started "But..."
He must have decided then that I was some sort of dangerous lunatic, because he fled like a bat out of hell.

[GabrielCrimson]

look confused and then look at your torso and proceed to freak out becoming more wide eyed and shocked then start screaming ''get them off ,get them off'' followed by running off arms flailing around you.

I wish i could do this lol

[frances]

I've done exactly this when someone has pointed out that I have a dragonfly on my jacket.  (I have a few dragonfly brooches which I happen to like very much.  They are quite life-like in an art nouveau way.  I am quite good at brushing myself down and shouting 'get-off', 'go away!! uurgg!!! ')

[Lucy Lockhart]

In the middle of our great Glasgow heatwave last week a drunken gentleman (At half past nine in the morning) enquired if I was not "F@$*!~# roasting?" when he spotted me in my frock coat.

I could only reply with a simple nod of the head and the comment "Indeed I am."

It was, however, entirely worth it.

This is indeed the best reply ever, after all, temperatures may rise, but standards must never be allowed to fall.

Am I to assume from reading all these replies, that there is a vast number of Steampunks wandering around in their Victorian attire on a regular, if not daily basis, going about your everyday business,but dressed impeccably?!

L.L

[Marasi]

Just got asked this question for the first time on Saturday night by a group of lads who on first glance seemed a bit dodgy. Wish I'd remembered some of the responses on here, but just came out with a rather lame "err, it's called Steampunk". I was admittedly a bit nervous, but all credit to them, they seemed quite politely interested.

[Marasi]

I've done exactly this when someone has pointed out that I have a dragonfly on my jacket.  (I have a few dragonfly brooches which I happen to like very much.  They are quite life-like in an art nouveau way.  I am quite good at brushing myself down and shouting 'get-off', 'go away!! uurgg!!! ')

Ooh, art nouveau dragonflies sound lovely!

[kidkunjer]

Had occasion the other day to tell off an obnoxious mundie.
"Why are you dressed like that?"
"I'm not."

I didn't think it was an especially witty comeback, but his reaction was marvelous. He rolled his eyes and started to go about his business, then jumped like a startled cat, turned back to me, stared hard, and started "But..."
He must have decided then that I was some sort of dangerous lunatic, because he fled like a bat out of hell.

this is my favourite one so far! very victor hart

[Major Wolfram Quicksilver]

Whenever I'm asked "Aren't you warm in that?" I reply:

"I think cool thoughts."

[Kieranfoy]

I reply "I'm too awesome for t-shirts."

But I intend to steal the "Would you rather I be naked" line.

I also point out that my duster billows. What would life be without billow factor?

[Unsubtle Pete]

In the middle of our great Glasgow heatwave last week a drunken gentleman (At half past nine in the morning) enquired if I was not "F@$*!~# roasting?" when he spotted me in my frock coat.

I could only reply with a simple nod of the head and the comment "Indeed I am."

It was, however, entirely worth it.

This is indeed the best reply ever, after all, temperatures may rise, but standards must never be allowed to fall.

Am I to assume from reading all these replies, that there is a vast number of Steampunks wandering around in their Victorian attire on a regular, if not daily basis, going about your everyday business,but dressed impeccably?!

L.L

Not so sure about vast numbers, but there's certainly some of us.

[CaptainMurra]

Had occasion the other day to tell off an obnoxious mundie.
"Why are you dressed like that?"
"I'm not."

I didn't think it was an especially witty comeback, but his reaction was marvelous. He rolled his eyes and started to go about his business, then jumped like a startled cat, turned back to me, stared hard, and started "But..."
He must have decided then that I was some sort of dangerous lunatic, because he fled like a bat out of hell.

i love this!
i must use it!

[Cubinoid]

In the middle of our great Glasgow heatwave last week a drunken gentleman (At half past nine in the morning) enquired if I was not "F@$*!~# roasting?" when he spotted me in my frock coat.

I could only reply with a simple nod of the head and the comment "Indeed I am."

It was, however, entirely worth it.

This is indeed the best reply ever, after all, temperatures may rise, but standards must never be allowed to fall.

Am I to assume from reading all these replies, that there is a vast number of Steampunks wandering around in their Victorian attire on a regular, if not daily basis, going about your everyday business,but dressed impeccably?!

L.L

Not so sure about vast numbers, but there's certainly some of us.

Indeed there are!

[CaptainMurra]

A few times I had been asked why I wear this Bridge coat.



My response has been "Well I walk to work even in the winter".  I live in fridgid Minnesota.

Or I will simple say "Because I like the look of it".

also, that coat is beautiful!

[Frey]

Ha! I was asked this tie after time after time after time after... Well, you get it! The first few times were rather awesome and I did try to explain as best as I could but it quickly grew tiresome when people who were stood right next to me while explaining wanted an answer for themselves. I think I'm going to start carrying cards to pass out.

[Screaming Lord Pea Green]

"...because the last time I didn't wear something, I was put on a list."

[Capt. Dirigible]

My stock reply to 'Why are you wearing that?' or 'What are you dressed like that for?' is:
"I could ask you the same question"

The enquirer's usual response is 'Wot?' but pretty most any other reply they give ( 'because it keeps me warm'..'because I like  dressing like this'..'because I'm normal'...'because I look cool'...'because I have to'...'because I want to'..) can be answered with  "Well, me too."

[Marco]

I usually growl and smile maniacally.....

or I say "because I can", "I'm Batman" (this really throws them off)"or "oh yes, I could dress like I did when I was a small boy in my jeans and t-shirt... oh sorry, I didn't mean that, oh yes I did..."

[Herr Döktor]

If someone asks 'Why do you wear that?', what do you reply?

"Ahh! You can SEE me?!?"

Then run away.

[Ezra Hogbin]

If asked why I am wearing that (whatever that may be), I merely look surprised and say "Because it's Saturday!" (or whatever the day of the week), and stroll on.

This one saved me a lot of explaning today - being my first day of wearing a waistcoat and pocket watch at work

I didn't even get to explain.
The only comment I got was from our retired MD who informed me that his grandfather used to have a watch like that.
The rest already think I'm weird anyway.

I did have quite a nice comment last weekend. A guy who, on the surface, would appear like your everyday type of chav called over to me, "Nice Fedora! It is a Fedora isn't it?". I mentally moved him out of the chav list and into the "maybe civilised" list! Everyone else calls it a cowboy hat