So, I got my Blaklader kilt in the mail the other day from The New Worker here in NY state. I have some mixed feeling about it. I haven't taken a picture with is yet (I'll post one when I do), but here are my thoughts:

The first thing I noticed about it is that it's not as heavy as I expected. I thought it would make my Utilikilt feel like a dress, but it's about the same weight material as the workman, if not a bit lighter.

The second thing I noticed are the pockets. They're great. I love the two front pockets and underneath them? Two more pockets!

The buttons which close the kilt are a nice detail, but like most contemporary kilts they have no give at all. If I'm not exactly a Blaklader 36 then it won't fit. I have to button all four buttons in exactly one spot.

The thing that bothers me the most however is the pleats. They're sort of fake pleats actually. They're sown down on the top and the bottom so it's really more of a gusset than a pleat. It has no "swish" because of this and honestly feels a bit more like a skirt.

For all these reasons (plus the cold) I haven't worn it out of the house yet. I may have to cover it in concrete dust, paint, and beer stains before it has the manly appeal it was advertised to convey.

All that aside, I may end up loving it as I begin to wear it. I'll be sure to let you know.