[The Wizard of BC]

MUG Style Kilts

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. Most people agree that the answer to the question 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”. They also now use aprons but at first they had a fly front with a zipper.
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? 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.

Conclusion

Kilts have been with us for quite a while now. Designers have always, and always will, 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 women 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 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 costume.
Regardless of whether you spend a thousand dollars for a Tank or you make it yourself and join the “Clan of MacTablecloth”, there is a power in The Kilt. Enjoy and revel in the power of the kilt.

[Big Mikey]

Steve, on this subject at least, you are a Master Wordsmith!

[cessna152towser]

A great series of articles, Steve. I can claim ownership of kilts of the types described by you in parts 1, 3, 4 and 5 but as yet I have not invested in a historic kilt. I hope your articles will be widely read by potential new kilt wearers and that you won't only be preaching to the converted.

[Kid Cossack]

Steve:

I read the whole thing, and find it a great summary of the current "SOTA" (state of the art) of kiltmaking. The only issue I might raise would be the inclusion of SWK with USAK and Bear Kilts as "custom" makers. While I have tremendous respect for SWK and Jerry, and while I've got a number of SWKs myself, they are made "off the peg" and to a standard length, while you can get USAKs and Bear Kilts made to your measurements.

I really liked the whole article.

Best,

KC

[Fedgunner]

Bravo sir!

[The Wizard of BC]

KC, you are correct, but I included Jerry and Stillwater as an example of Casual Style Kilts knowing full well they are "off the rack". I will correct the final copy.

[Woodsheal]

Steve,

Well done, and valuable...!

[Hamish]

Congratulations, Steve. You really have just about covered it all - thank you.

[BEEDEE]

Great series - how do we request the Moderators to put them all together as a sticky?

Worth five smilies!!




Brian

[ccga3359]

Excellent article Steve.