I think an important part of this whole discussion is what defines a kilt? I think everyone is in agreement that a kilt is a man's garment. But I think what really makes it a man's garment is that it is made for a man. Likewise, what makes a kilted skirt a skirt, as opposed to a kilt, is that it is made for a woman. As kilts are typically made to measure for the individual wearer, then this is not a problem (some of the less-expensive off the rack kilts being an exception).

A few comments:
Clovis, the styles of kilt you describe are completely outside the realm of "traditional Scottish kilt" and so a whole different sort of rules and conventions apply. Not that there is anything wrong with you wearing them, it's just that when people discuss women wearing "a man's kilt" they usually have in mind a traditional man's Scottish kilt.

Someone (I can't find who now) mentioned that his grandmother always spoke of wearing her "kilt." In my experience, I talk to a lot of older women who speak of wearing "kilts" either in their youth or currently. Inevitably what they describe is what we'd call a kilt-skirt or kilted skirt.

Which brings up a point -- what is the essential difference between a man's kilt and a lady's kilted skirt?

TYPICALLY (and I emphasize that word), a lady's kilted skirt is made from about 4 yards of light weight wool, machine stitched, and knife pleated to no particular pattern. It fastens on the left.

TYPICALLY, a man's kilt is made from heavier wool, 8 yards, hand stitched, and knife pleated to either sett or stripe. It fastens on the right.

But none of these rules are hard and fast. As Nanook mentioned, some lady's skirts are made to fasten on the right. This doesn't make them any less a lady's skirt.

What about fabric weight. Well, some men's kilts are made from light kilting weight. And who is to say a lady's skirt cannot be made from medium, or even heavy weight. I've made lady's skirts from 10, 11, 13, and 16 oz cloth.

And when I make them, I hand stitch them, just like I do a man's kilt. Who is to say a lady cannot have hand-stitched quality in her garment? And I always give the lady the option of knife or box pleating. And if she wants it pleated to the stripe, she can have it that way. Why not?

And what about yardage? Though a typical man's kilt today has 8 yards, it was not always so. 200 years ago a typical man's kilt only had 4 yards, and this is how I make my box pleated kilts today.

So if yardage, fabric weight, pleating style, and the rest don't really matter in the distinction between a man's kilt and a lady's tartan skirt, then what does?

Some suggest length. Certainly men have a much more narrow range of what is considered appropriate. A man's kilt is usually worn anywhere from mid-knee to an inch above the top of the kneecap. A lady's skirt, however, can run the gambit from full-length hostess skirt to an ultra short mini-kilt. But, it can also be knee length, just like a man's kilt.

So, what is the real difference, then? Let's say Joe calls me up and orders a four yard box pleated kilt in the MacDonald tartan, 13 oz weight, pleated to stripe. And then Jane calls up and wants me to make a knee length skirt for her, MacDonald tartan, 13 oz, with box pleats, to the stripe. Oh, and please make it close on the right.

What is the difference between these two garments? One thing and one thing only. Joe's will be made to his measurements, to fit his *male* body, and Jane's will be made to her measurements, to fit her *female* body. Joe's kilt won't be any less a kilt and Jane's skirt won't be any less a skirt.

Joe will probably wear his with a heavy leather belt, sporran, kilt hose, and boots. Jane might wear hers with a nice blouse, pantyhose, and pumps. And they will both probably look stunning!

Aye,
Matt