Quote Originally Posted by Iolaus
Hey Ron, how do you think the fabric would react (curling or fraying, etc.) if you were to run a slit up the front and back of each thigh, effectively turning it into four almost seperate peices?
Iolaus, we can make the underkilt concept with side cuts (as suggested by several folks on this forum). Since we are using 100% cotton, the edges may curl a bit if not ironed. We can possibly prevent the vertical edge curling by installing binding material. It would increase cost a bit, but would make a real quality finished garment. One possible configuration that is under consideration is the following:



Another option is to do what some have suggested in making a basic loincloth garment. Or even to do something modular as suggested by Cavscout. I found an interesting article on such a garment made in Japan. Interesting read - Gives some history and discusses current market growth: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/...20050603f1.htm

As for Bear's comments, I am in agreement with his position on the need to maintain a separation from the cross-dressing community. It would be more difficult to gain public acceptance of kilts, sarongs, and the like if they were associated with specific sub-cultures. We do not desire to cater to these markets either. And I have so much as stated so on the Tom's Cafe forum where I have suggested that there were other places on the Internet more appropriate for such things.

My wife and I have traveled to many parts of the world and have had the fortune to experience some foreign cultures that enjoy the same freedom as the Scots with their respective non-bifurcated garments. They are not cross-dressers or transvestites. (Although we have seen some amusing sights in our travels - but that's a story for another day) I would no further walk up to a burly Somoan and tell him he was wearing a girly skirt, than I would to a heavy fisted Scotsman. -I am sure that there is an unpleasant tropical translation for the Glasgow kiss.

My point is that my wife and I happen to enjoy warm tropical environments. This was the influence in developing some of our products. I also like learning about other cultures and time periods. The Scots were, of course, not the only culture to wear non-bifurcated garments. There are many cultures that now wear (or have historically worn) non-bifurcated garments. The middle east, Thailand, Polynesia, Africa, and even ancient Greece and Rome all have interesting and practical applications of clothing for men and women throughout the ages. I would like to join other forums too like "xMarkstheTahitian.com" or the "TogaCafe.com" but I cant seem to find them.

I also like to experiment with combining and modernizing ideas. Some will work, some will not. But I do want to state for the record: we are not about making products for cross-dressers. I do not have any interest in serving that market. We are about making comfortable clothing for normal people - predominately for warm weather and exercise/beach/spa/resort applications. I realize that our current product line does not necessarily relate to this forum. (and my interpretation of "normal" might be a bit skewed to the adventurous and non-intimidated types). But since others have often mention our products, I figured I better comment on what we are trying to do. The one thing that some of you traditional kilt wearers might appreciate about our products is that they might make traditional kilts seem a bit more acceptable to the average joe public.

-- Dave