Quote Originally Posted by Tobus View Post
I'm pretty sure that all of the modern utility kilt designs are meant to be worn down on the hips like trousers. That is actually one of the appeals to people who prefer them over traditional kilts. That said, there's no reason they can't be worn at the natural waist, and indeed when I used to wear mine (I haven't worn it in nearly 10 years) I would wear it higher up like a traditional kilt. I just find that more comfortable.


You may be taking that a bit too seriously. I'm pretty sure that term started out as a joke. The apparel company 5.11 Tactical that makes all sorts of psuedo-military/tactical gear did an April Fool's prank many years back where they featured a "tactical kilt" on their website on April 1st. There was such a positive reaction and high demand for it that they actually had to start making them and selling them. They still carry this item, labeling it a "commando kilt". No one in their right mind really believes that this is a suitable garment for actual military operations that would normally call for tactical gear.

But I have seen people wear them at the shooting range or other outdoor events where they might otherwise be wearing shorts. The pockets and attachment points are handy for holding gear that would normally go in cargo shorts or cargo pants pockets. And a traditional kilt would be way out of place, not only in terms of fashion choice at an American shooting event (you may not understand the nuances of our "gun culture"), but also in terms of appropriateness to the weather. Folks in Scotland may not fully appreciate why an 8-yard woollen garment wouldn't be comfortable in the hot, muggy climate of much of the USA. As an alternative to cargo shorts that provide utilitarian pockets, while also offering the ventilation of a kilt, these utility kilts or "tactical kilts" are actually not a bad choice for certain activities. Would one want to storm an enemy position wearing one? Well, no.
Thanks for all this - I'm beginning to understand...