5.11 - Back in the kilt business!

[California Highlander]

What I do not understand with these kilts, is why? oh why? do they make such a narrow front apron? I was semi interested until I saw the narrowness of the front apron. This is why I ordered my camo kilt from Robert Pel in his off the rack line (for not a huge jump in price). Robert makes his kilts
with traditional style aprons.

Am I alone in thinking this way, or do you like the 5.11 kilt enough to overlook the apron?

Totally agree on the aprons. While the RKilts are very nice looking, and the Mach V is tempting with it's traditional aprons and straps, I think the price point between $69 and $295 is a pretty big jump. http://rkilts.com/Price.aspx

[Skiballa]

What I do not understand with these kilts, is why? oh why? do they make such a narrow front apron? I was semi interested until I saw the narrowness of the front apron. This is why I ordered my camo kilt from Robert Pel in his off the rack line (for not a huge jump in price). Robert makes his kilts
with traditional style aprons.

Am I alone in thinking this way, or do you like the 5.11 kilt enough to overlook the apron?

I agree, the narrow apron takes some time to get used to. I think that like the Utilikilt, the TDK needs a narrow apron because the cotton/poly blend they use doesn't drape like wool. The narrow apron allows for it to fall between your legs while seated. In my opinion, they really are worth the price 5.11 asks, I now own 5, and if they are going to be an item that's kept in stock, I may pick up some of the other available colors.

If we have another hot humid summer here in New England, I'll be wearing these TDKs as my go-to, they are lighter than any of my Utilikilts. The pleating is a bit unconventional, but the side slash pockets and removable cargo pockets make up for it. I'll keep the traditional kilts safely in my closet, away from sweat and sunblock, and only break them out for special occasions.

[ratspike]

What I do not understand with these kilts, is why? oh why? do they make such a narrow front apron? I was semi interested until I saw the narrowness of the front apron. This is why I ordered my camo kilt from Robert Pel in his off the rack line (for not a huge jump in price). Robert makes his kilts
with traditional style aprons.

Am I alone in thinking this way, or do you like the 5.11 kilt enough to overlook the apron?

My guess is that it's somewhat a style thing, because it's what Utilikilts does and they're manly and non-traditional and all that, so that's the way 5.11 designed theirs. Pocket placement might have had something to do with it too, as 5.11 says it's in the same place on the leg as with their pants for familiarity in training. A wide front apron can push the pockets a little too far around the back for some. Could be that during product testing 5.11 found a narrow apron to be more practical, with less fabric bunching or getting in the way, but that's just a guess.

For you guys who have them, do the aprons curl? Being narrow and straight I'd think that they would. How deep are the pleats. and do they go all the way 'round the back? Just curious.

I've made kilts for guys who kick down doors and jump out of airplanes and catch bad guys for a living, so definitely 5.11's target audience, and all opted for a wider front apron because they thought it looked better. Go figure.

[Skiballa]

My guess is that it's somewhat a style thing, because it's what Utilikilts does and they're manly and non-traditional and all that, so that's the way 5.11 designed theirs. Pocket placement might have had something to do with it too, as 5.11 says it's in the same place on the leg as with their pants for familiarity in training. A wide front apron can push the pockets a little too far around the back for some. Could be that during product testing 5.11 found a narrow apron to be more practical, with less fabric bunching or getting in the way, but that's just a guess.

For you guys who have them, do the aprons curl? Being narrow and straight I'd think that they would. How deep are the pleats. and do they go all the way 'round the back? Just curious.

I've made kilts for guys who kick down doors and jump out of airplanes and catch bad guys for a living, so definitely 5.11's target audience, and all opted for a wider front apron because they thought it looked better. Go figure.

They use the same material as their pants, so it tends to be a little too light weight to drape naturally on it's own, probably part of their reasoning for the included "modesty snaps". They may have taken the design cue from Utilikilts, or they may, because they got stuck as a result of the initial April fool"s joke, have tried to minimize material costs. As far as the pleats, there are not a whole lot, and they aren't particularly deep, and the center rear pleat is about as wide as the apron. I haven't had much apron curl, but the potential is there, it might be more prominent in folks with different sizes/builds. Again, in my opinion, they are a great knock around, mass-produced modern kilt, and worth the price. 5.11 found a niche, basically an entry level modern kilt, made by a respected name. I'd imagine that it'll turn some people on to kilts as a clothing option, and eventually those folks will branch out into other styles and makers.

That said, I still like variety, narrow apron, wide apron, all are welcome in my closet. Ratspike, I've definitely been following your kilt making with interest, and I think I may have to set aside some funds for a few different camo patterns from you at some point.

[ratspike]

Oh yeah, I definitely agree that it's a great option for a utility kilt at a nice price. I haven't handled one but based on 5.11's reputation I'd say that the quality of materials and construction is going to be worlds away from anything else at that price point. I'm guessing 5.11 haven't put a ton of resources into product development since it was originally a joke, and it still seems to be a pretty niche item for them. Plus, there seems to be a lot more "dude that's a f*#@ing skirt" in the black rifle crowd. In general attitudes seem to be love it or hate it, and not a lot of in between.

[Mael Coluim]

Thanks for the heads up MM! I thought it began tomorrow. I ordered a multi-cam and charcoal and black duty belt. Great kilts! Was hoping to get a Navy but already out in my size.

Woohoo! Just got noticed my order has been shipped!

[Skiballa]

@ Ratspike

Very true, though it seems, from reading the FB comments, that it tilts a little more towards towards the love it side. I've seen some interesting exchanges in defense of the kilt on their page, nothing that bears repeating here. I'm just glad to see kilts debuting in another market, like Sportkilt did with the highland games crowd, or Utilikilt with the counterculture crowd. Most of us here would be wearing a kilt regardless, but it's nice to be approached about the TDK (or any kilt really) by folks that may have seen them online and are expressing a genuine interest in it.

I harbor no illusions about kilts becoming the norm, but it's nice to see them become infinitesimally more mainstream.

[Mael Coluim]

Wearing a TDK at my part-time job at the sporting goods department at a Walmart I've received a much greater interest in the kilt when I was wearing the Realtree Camo versus the khaki one. Now mind you I get a lot of favorable comments about the khaki but so MUCH more with the Realtree camo. And from those who know about the company, 5.11 Tactical a nod of approval that they are offering this kilt.

Bad vibes from anyone - not really.

[ratspike]

Holy double post!

Anyway, it's good to see some of the hugely positive responses. When a couple of my kilts made the rounds on industry blogs and gun forums I was surprised at the negative reactions. I don't care of course, since it's mostly small minded spouting off, but it's been an interesting bit of research. 5.11 definitely gets mad props for bringing an alternative to Utilikilts into their market.

[Skiballa]

Holy double post!

Anyway, it's good to see some of the hugely positive responses. When a couple of my kilts made the rounds on industry blogs and gun forums I was surprised at the negative reactions. I don't care of course, since it's mostly small minded spouting off, but it's been an interesting bit of research. 5.11 definitely gets mad props for bringing an alternative to Utilikilts into their market.

I have seen some of those negative reactions, it amazes me that some people can be so affected by a piece of clothing. Oh well, can't please everyone, and I don't lend much credence to anonymous internet crap talkers either. More important to you, would be the folks that saw your kilts, and then say to themselves, "Hey, that's pretty cool, I want one!", without feeding into the crap spewing. As I said earlier, the TDK is a gateway kilt, some may get one as a novelty, but others may find their way to you or any number of other makers for something a little more substantial.