UT Kilts: A Review

[Emills]

To all who shall see the presents, greetings!

I've been milling about smartly here on the forums for some time now, and finally took the plunge on my first kilt, a UT Kilts Standard. While I'd love to put a little coin in the pockets of Rocky or Steve, or one of the other fine kiltmakers here, and I'm sure in time I will, I figured UT would be a good route to go to dip my toes in the pool, so to speak. What follows is a (probably log winded) review about the kilt, geared toward the those of us new to the kilt world, or those on the fence about what kilt may be their first. I've seen some reviews elsewhere that were mixed, so I'll do my best to be as objective as possible.

ORDERING

Easy peasy, $65 through Amazon with Prime shipping. Arrived on time and without incident.

INITIAL "UNBOXING"

I'm not sure what I was expecting exactly, but it was heavier than I initially expected. The material was a 10 oz cotton drill, in dark khaki. It wasn't as dark as the photos depicted, it's the Carhartt brown with which we are all familiar. The fabric was a little stiff, a heavier duty version of a "Dockers-style" business casual trouser.

Workmanship appeared to be good, the reverse Kingussie style pleats are bartacked at their junction with the fell, and the knife edge of the pleats are sewn down along both the visible and hidden edges. Snaps and straps are sturdy and securely attached. Being new, the snaps a fairly stiff, requiring both hands to open the attached pockets. I'm wagering that will relieve itself over time. The only item of note I've found so far, is the grommets on the straps are backed by plastic as opposed to metal. I'll be keeping and eye on them for excessive wear or failure.

INITIAL FIT

A touch on the big side, but that was expected, I ordered the size just larger than my true waist size. Just a little pucker with a belt on. (Note to fellow newbies: It is important to use an actual physical measurement as opposed to your trouser size.) The 23" drop ended up being just right for me, putting the top edge of the waistband right at the navel.

The kilt went through a quick wash cycle in cold water, then about 10 minutes in the dryer on low heat. I became a little concerned when I pulled it out of the dryer and it was nearly dry, damp only where the pockets attach, and along the waistband. the fabric softened up some, and I expect it will continue to do so throughout its life.

After a press (no easy feat for a new guy like me), and removing the Irish pennants, I tried it on again. While it had indeed shrunk a little, there's still plenty of room for a thick henley in the winter, plus whatever else I may carry in my waistband day to day.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

I haven't had occasion to speak with Brice at UT, or avail myself of his customer service skills, so I can not speak either way on the topic. Amazon, as usual, provided prompt shipping, and

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Overall, I am satisfied with my purchase. This is a mass-produced garment manufactured overseas, not a North American or UK-produced custom item. Much like any other item of clothing, some stuff you buy for good use, and others you buy for casual wear, and are not especially concerned if you end up wearing it in an environment in which it may not come out the other side in pristine condition. This kilt would fall into the latter category. This is a good kilt to introduce yourself to the world of the pants with one leg hole, much like a pair of cargo shorts, or some other garment for casual wear. For more formal/dressier/stuffier occasions, your best bet would be something else, in my opinion.

PROS

Comfortable
Sturdily built
Affordable

CONS

Until the fabric is broken in, keeping it wrinkle-free will take some effort.
Probably not the kilt to wear in the Regimental fashion until the fabric softens up some.
The potential exists for a failure of the one or more of the grommets in the waist/hip straps because of the plastic grommet back.

I hope this helps those of you that may have been considering a UT Kilt. If anyone has questions about anything I didn't cover, please feel free to ask.