Maroon Cargo Model with all the bells and whistles!

[Racer96]

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.

Steve was the first kiltmaker that I contacted after my Utilikilt introduction. I spoke with him over the phone while he was in the middle of moving his shop. He was great to talk with, and helped me make my decision quite easily about which model to go with. Chatting with him also put my mind at ease about placing the order. He just came across as an extremely genuine person.

I watched the measuring video a few times, and then made my wife watch the video as well (since she was the one that would be taking the measurements.) Steve's system of measuring is quite different from anyone else's. It's also provided me with the best fitting kilt to date.

As I mentioned earlier, I tend to like to go with a longer length. Steve accomodated me on this, and while it will probably take away style points from others, for me, it is exactly what I wanted. Steve also went with a black top stitch on this for me, to contrast the maroon. As Mr Ashton put it, it gives the kilt a bit of a "smoking jacket" type look to it. It doesn't glare at you, but I do really like the look.

I went with all the bells and whistles on this kilt, slash pockets, detachable cargo pockets, rear pockets and the hidden apron pocket. I figured I might as well go with everything on the first one, and then I'll know which I can't live without on future orders.

The slash pockets are an absolute must. They are perfectly located, and are a great size. As ccga has stated in the past, I wish I could have those pockets on every single kilt.

The detachable pockets are a bit of a mixed opinion for me. They look great, they're a nice size, and I like that I can detach them to give the kilt a cleaner look if necessary. The downside is that sometimes they catch on things, and the brief tug unsnaps one of the buttons. So far it only happens on the front button of the right side, and the back button on the left side, but it's something that I will keep an eye on. Please note, that I don't view it as a defect or anything of that sort, it's just the nature of the besat when dealing with metal snaps.

The rear pockets are great. Although, it seems like my experience is that I don't really need them. I do think on future orders that have the cargo pockets I would skip them, or possibly just go with one. I do like the appearance of the back flaps though.

The hidden apron pocket has not gotten much use as of yet. When standing, the pocket is a bit lower than comfortable for me to easily reach in and put in/pull out things. When sitting in my vehicle, it's placed perfectly. It's a neat accessory, and for the cost, I think I would get it on every order, even if I hardly ever use it.

Now, here's the pictures:






I'm extremely happy with this kilt, and even before I received it, I placed my order for my first!! tartan kilt. I loved the HBC tartan that Steve has, and my wife and I agreed that it has enough significance to me that I could proudly wear that "clans" colours. I went with a box pleat, no cargo pockets, but all the other pocket options. Also, I went with a shorter length on it, to be more traditional. ;)

Mike