Maybe a daft question from a newbie, but...

**possingk** · 2nd February 06, 06:20 AM

Tank is a disputed word in the forum, it is most often used to describe a traditional wool kilt. Some people in the form prefer not to use the word, others do just to save typing (I am guilty of that).

cessna152towser is correct on the jonesing thing, it is the waiting for a kilt that has been ordered or will be soon.

**Moosehead** · 2nd February 06, 06:32 AM

Although no expert, I'm assuming the term "tank" comes from "built like a tank".

**chasem** · 2nd February 06, 06:58 AM

A tank is a heavy wool kilt. I believe it was Jimmy Carbomb who coined that term here.

**Planopiper** · 2nd February 06, 07:06 AM

In other words a "tank" is a kilt. Anything else is a variation, i.e. casual kilt, utility kilt, Pittsburg kilt, Bear kilt, etc., etc.

**UmAnOnion** · 2nd February 06, 07:50 AM

Originally Posted by Planopiper

In other words a "tank" is a kilt. Anything else is a variation, i.e. casual kilt, utility kilt, Pittsburg kilt, Bear kilt, etc., etc.

so should the variations be called Tonkas/Jeeps/Hummers/SUVs depending on thier configuration??

;)

p.s. thanks for asking that Porrick as i had been scratching my head for a whiel over that term but just decided to go with the flow in the hopes of figuring it out eventually

**Planopiper** · 2nd February 06, 09:09 AM

If you're asking me, drop the "tank". There's a perfectly good word that already does the job. But don't do it for my sake. I don't care either way. But since this question keeps coming up, it seems that the term is more confusing than helpful, so why use it?

**The Wizard of BC** · 2nd February 06, 10:16 AM

We are still working on the prefered wording for some of the newer parts of this insanity we call kilts.

Some terms are becoming commonly used.

Types of kilts:

Traditional kilts are coming to have three sub catagories.

Historical - the type of kilt meant to be like those in use prior to the mid-1700's. The Great Kilt is in this catagory.

Tank or Just Traditional - a predominatly hand sewnkilt. Made from Approx 8 yards of 13oz. or heavier Worsted wool in a twill weave using a Tartan pattern. They have the features of a strap and buckle clouser and are designed to be worn with a rise of approx. 2" to 4" above the natural waist.
Any kilt made by Barb Tewksbury or from her book is a Tank.
The term Tank was coined by Jimmy Carbomb in 2005.

Casual - Usually agreed to be a traditional kilt but being made from less than 8 yards of Tartan fabric. Casuals can be predominatly machine sewn. They can also be made from a fabric other than medium, or heavy weight wool Tartan such Wool blends, Polyester and Viscous blends(PV), and Acetate. Casuals have the features of a Tank such as straps & buckles, and are to be worn with a rise above the natural waist.
USA Kilts Semi-Trads. Bear Kilts, and Stillwater Kilts are in the Casual catagory. The term Casual Kilt was coined by 21st Century Kilts in 1996.

Then there is the newer catagory of Contemporary Kilt.

Contemporary kilts are specifically designed to be traditional in styling. Most are designed to be worn lower than traditionals. (at the natural waist or lower). Most are made from a fabric other than Wool and usually do not have a Tartan pattern. Contemporaries can be made from Cotton, Poly/Cotton blends, Washable Wool blends, and leather. The fabric is usually machine washable.
The predominant feature of a Contemporary kilt is the incorporation of Pockets.
Contemporary kilts are usually machine sewn with the edges of the pleats having topstitching. They also usually have a tapered and sewn down Fell area between the hips and waist.
Contemporaries also may have a method other than straps and buckles to close them such as Velcro, hooks & eyes, and buttons.
Pittsburgh Kilts, R-Kilts, Amerikilts, and Freedom Kilts are in the Contemporary style.
The term Contemporary was coined by me in 2003.

There is another catagory now being used and that is MUG. This name and catagory was developed by Utilikilts. It has come to mean any "Un-Bifurcated Male Garment" that does not take it's inspiration from the traditional Scottish kilt.
Using pleating systems other than uni-directional knife or box pleats.
May not have a wrap around apron fastening system.
May be designed with a hem worn well below the knee.
These are the "rebel" and "fashion" men's skirts. In German they are known as "Mannerocken" or "Man-skirt".
MUG was coined by the Utilikilts Company in 2002.

The last catagory that seems to be catching on is Knockabout kilts.
Knockabouts are those which look at first glance to be Tartan kilts but are designed for lounging or sports activities. They are usually simple, wrap around garments, in a tartan like, or plaid, quick drying fabric.
Knockabouts usually have minimal tailoring and may be gathered below the waistband v.s. pleated.
They are usually cost effective enough that you can destroy it participating in Highland heavy event games, or fixing the car, and not feel guilty for ruining your Tank.

This tome posted in full respect to all the kiltmakers out there. It was not my intent to demean or denigrate anyone. But to clarify for our newer members some of the terms they see being used here and on other forums.

A word of caution to the newer members. Some of these terms are highly debated and are by no means set in concrete or universally accepted.