First off, I have several apologies to make to our fine kiltmakers. I am extremely late in posting pictures and/or reviews of kilts from Union Kilts, Freedom Kilts and R Kilts. I have also not posted a review before, as I am relatively new to the kilted life

A little bit of background, I started off with a Utilikilt (survival) and rather quickly picked up several more. After finding this website, I became very intrigued in the many other modern/contemporary kilts that are out there. I currently have kilts from Utilikilts, Union Kilts, Freedom Kilts, R Kilts, and Amerikilts.

Also, as you'll soon see, I am of japanese ancestry, and one of the things that I find intriguing about wearing the kilt, is that if it were to be full length, it would bear a striking resemblance (in my opinion) to that of a hakama. That is the reason that many of my kilts are what would not be considered proper length. I like the look of it below my knee. It works for me. And yes, I know that my pictures would fit in the kilt don't area. It's just my personal sense of style. I'm sorry if it offends you, but I like it.

Now that that is over with (and I apologize for those of you reading my three reviews, as I will be cutting and pasting the above into each of the three), on with the show.

I contacted Robert initially about a chocolate brown denim kilt. (Yes, I love that chocolate brown colour!) He told me that his supplier was currently having trouble sourcing more material and then gave me a list of the colours he had available. He also offered to send me fabric samples (which of course included those wonderful leathers!!!) I already knew that I would at some point be ordering a leather RKilt from him, but it's an investment that I wanted to make sure would be fitted exactly right for me. That was the reason for going with a denim first.

After seeing the samples, I decided on going with a hemp kilt. Robert told me that his first choice in kilts is leather, but the hemps are a very good second choice. Who knows better than the kiltmaker himself, so the order was put in.

When it came time that the kilt was to go into production, Robert contacted me, and I made my payments. At that time I opted not to go with a black top stitch, and instead went with two extra pairs of pleats. It adds a bit to the weight of the kilt, but just gives it that much nicer of an appearance.

I'm really glad that I did order this kilt first (before the leather) as the fit is a bit different than I had anticipated. Because of my somewhat odd measurements, the pockets are placed a little farther back than what I would find optimal, but they are still easily reached. I will be adding an inch or so to my waist measurement, and possibly more than that to the hips measurement to see about avoiding the appearance of the front apron pulling in tighter under my belly.

The hemp material has an excellent feel to it. It's not rough, but it feels very strong. It also has a really nice weight to it. The hemp does wrinkle somewhat similar to cotton.

Please note, on the following pictures, the kilt had been worn while driving for a good 5+ hours the day before, and was then layed on my dresser overnight, and put back on for the picture taking:





I have a very hard time choosing a favourite kilt, but this one and my freedom kilt probably tie for that position. My wife also likes these two the most. (I think it's partly how they both look, combined with the fact that both have excellent "swish" motions)

I can't wait to get the bronze RKilt next!

Mike