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

[McMurdo]

I like that colour Mike, the kilt looks great on you, and it is good to be able to put a face to your name. Congratulations on a fine kilt, wear it well.

[Racer96]

Thank you McMurdo,

I appreciate the kind words, especially considering how you're definitely not a fan of the longer lengths.

Mike

[McMurdo]

I may not be a fan of the longer length on me, but they work on you, because of your unique culture I think it's perfect.

[James MacMillan]

Now that's really is maroon and not PINK.

This one seems to fit you better than the other.

To my eye, still too long to be called a kilt. Maybe it should be called a Hakam-ilt?

Glad you like it!

[Racer96]

McMurdo,
It's funny that you say that. I've seen the pictures of some people wearing kilts that would be the equivalent length on them as this is on me, and sometimes I agree, it just doesn't look right. Other times, it works. I don't know if it's the person, the way they're wearing it, or just the mood that I'm in at the time.

For me, it feels fine. I think with most of my orders from now, they're going to be hitting at the kneecap. Which, as most would state, is a tad bit too long. I've tried above the kneecap, and for me, it just doesn't seem to work. (Again, just my opinion of it on me.)

James MacMillan,
Well, maybe if I had my wife use the flash, that would make it more, *ahem* maroon

The fit of this one is really the best that I have. It's actually a bit big in the waist, so my HBC tartan will be an inch smaller. Steve has really hit a homerun (or, scored a hat trick, I am Canadian afterall) with his measuring system.

I'm fine with whatever anyone wants to call it. I'm happy with how it looks. If it makes those in pants upset with me wearing it, tough on them. Same with if it makes those in kilts upset with me wearing it.

Thanks for commenting, sorry if I come off as snarky, I really do appreciate the comments.

Mike

[James MacMillan]

Thanks for commenting, sorry if I come off as snarky, I really do appreciate the comments.

Mike

What's snarky?

If it's what I think it is - honesty is never snarky!

Wear what you want! Do it proudly! -and so will I!

[RCallan]

Looks Great! It brings out the color in your eyes! I joke...get it??

How do all the pockets and pouches work? Always like the idea of more space to carry things, just wonder about the real use.

[Alaskan Kilted Guy]

Awesome... glad you like it!

[Arizona Scot]

It does look good and a fine kilt, if you like it longer than wear it that way. It wouldn't work for me but I think your right it does remind me of a hakama.