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There have always been garments that defy categorization. A MUG or Male Un-bifurcated Garment is one of those garments. Is it a kilt or is it a skirt? Well, strictly speaking, a kilt is a skirt. But oh what a lot of emotion is involved in that one little word. Throughout history there have been eras when you could tell instantly, and from a distance, the gender, social status, sexual preference, and even political affiliation of a person by what they wore. There have also been eras of change or flux in fashion that confuse the previous generation. In just my lifetime we have had a fairly stable period of the ‘50’s when “Men dressed like men and women dressed like women.” Then along came the ‘60’s, long hair and women in jeans. Then the ‘70’s with the “Man Purse” and professional women in slacks and ties. Kilts are the current fashion trend that, to some, blur the boundaries. Today most people will agree that the answer to the question “Is it a Kilt or is it a skirt?” will be up to the individual designer and individual kilt wearer The one company, that has put more men into MUG’s than anyone else, is Utilikilts, of Seattle. Steven Villegas, the designer, states very clearly that his garment has no Celtic or Scottish inspiration. Steven had to coin the word MUG just to describe his garment. Yes, a Utilikilt has pleats, although they use an old style of pleating known a “Reverse Kingussie” where the pleats go around the wearer in two directions and meet in the back in a reverse box pleat. They also now use aprons but at first they had a fly front with a zipper. Steven is very rooted in the “Seattle Grung” movement and his garment mirrors that thinking. In addition to Utilikilts there are quite a few very new garments being designed known as “Goth” or “Fetish” MUGs. Some have zippers, chains, and enough studs and metal to frighten an airport security guard. Are these kilts? Well, if the designer calls it a kilt to gain greater acceptance of his product and the wearer calls it a kilt to prevent confusion with cross-dressing, then I guess it is a kilt. If you pay any attention to the current fashion industry you will quite often see on the runways, MUGs made from anything and everything. Fur, Silver Lamme, and wet-look PVC are some of the few that I have seen. Some of these MUGs are from design houses that are attempting to create a new acceptance of Male-Unbifurcated-Garments and some who are just cashing in on the current renaissance. Is it a kilt if it is pleated like a kilt, and made from Scottish Tartan, but is long enough that the hem touches the floor? Is it a kilt if it is made of Tartan but has no pleats at all? The definition of kilt is undergoing a major change. That is why I’m writing this article. The terms we are using are new. The perceptions of the public are new. The most important question you need to ask yourself is, “What image do I want to project in my clothing?” If that image is one that is on the leading edge of the most current fashion trends or if you are looking for a more costume look to wear at the next festival then perhaps a MUG is just what you are looking for.
Conclusion
Kilts have been with us for quite a while now. Designers have always, and will always, try to come up with something different that will catch the eye of prospective customers. Those of us who wear kilts do so for a variety of reasons. One reason that stands out above the others is that The Kilt is perhaps the most masculine of all garments, and people seem to instantly recognize the confidence you begin to exude the moment you put one on. Whenever you step outside in the Kilt you will be noticed. People will stop you and ask questions. They will want to take your picture. Today, the kilt is becoming more accepted on the street than ever before. It is becoming daily wear for more men, and has finally come out of the realm of formal wear or costume. Yes, the kilt is evolving. Our understanding of the kilt will also evolve and hopefully mature as more men wear it. Regardless of whether you spend a thousand dollars for a Tank or you make something of your own from fabric you picked up for $3.00 and join the “Clan of MacTablecloth”, there is a power in The Kilt. Enjoy and revel in the power!
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