Help me understand utilikilts

[arrogcow]

Thanks Adam, just to clarify, here is one of the pictures I refer to (stolen from their site).

Yeah, when they took those, it should have been ironed.

Adam ;)

[Jimmy Carbomb]

There are ways to "correct" the look so that it actually looks more like the hang and drape that you speak of... but I'm NOT ABOUT to go into THAT AGAIN. I've been shot-down before, and it was not pretty.

Therefore... UtiliKilts are meant to be worn more as a "pants alternative". I guess if it was called a "UtiliGarment", it might just appease the kilt-afficionados.

I absolutely adore mine, and wear them often. They have a usefullness that kilts just can't match, and they're very modern in their look. I just add an empty sporran and other "celtic" accessories to make it look more like a "kilt".

As for the models' pictures: that's called "truth in advertising". There are other makers that have wonderful pictures and websites, only to send a product that hangs and fits like a table cloth with duct tape.

"Always exceed the customer's expectations with their purchase".

[Eujeankilt]

Second, as Rigged pointed out, UK's are basically jeans/kakhis, not dress items. While I have known guys that iron jeans, most do not. They are meant to be worked in, played in, hung out in. As a result they can be a little rumpled at times. The first UK was created while Steve was working on his motercycle, I don't think he was worried about being unironed at the time.

Adam

A few points -

A Utilikilt booth was the only place around I could try on a kilt and see how it felt.

I think that to the bifurcated and uninitiated, tartan kilts are traditional scottish kilts and to the first time kilt wearer, a UK doesn't stand out so much, especially if they have no Scots heritage. They don't necessarily want to identify with a culture, but try something different. Since they are denim and twill, they aren't that different than jeans or dockers.

The UK may be one of the better ways to get men out of their trousers, to see what kilted life is like. Now that I have several, I am looking into more kilts and not necessarily plain kilts. I actually have my eye on a Nova Scotia tartan Grizzly from Bear. I just need to decide if I can wait a year. (Good things come to those who wait).

The UK may be the gateway into kilting, but it's not for everyone.


Dale in Eugene

[Brasilikilt]

Hey all
A years ago before I knew about Utilikilts, I was unaware of all the kilt options out there! I thought my only choice was that of a hand-made woolen tank for several hundred dollars, which for me was WAY too expensive!
I figured my best bet was to find a woolen plaid tartan-ish blanket at a garage sale or on E-bay and do what I could from there.

When I discovered Utilikilts I was so excited because all of a sudden, a hand made kilt was finally available in my price range! It wasn't wool, or made of tartan fabric, but it was still a kilt and it was made with a clever idea which seemed to represent a character and attitude very prevalent here in the Northwest US.
My kilt was actually made for me by my mother in law in Brasil. I have compared my kilt to actual Utilikilts and her abilities made it as good, if not better than a UK!

[Dreadbelly]

My view on UKs has been changed, largely due to this site.

I see them as a logical starting point for many kilt wearers, and I can see the value in that.

While I think they look skirty, everybody needs a good starting place. And UK does that, at a reasonable price.

Infact, someday, I may even be tempted to buy one, just one, simply to support the kilted cause. Anybody trying to bring men in to the kilted fold deserves my business.

[The Wizard of BC]

Graham,

If I can add a couple of words from my side of the fence. (And in Utilikilts defense)

As I understand it, the Utilikilt was never intended to look like a traditional Kilt. The Original Utilikilt didn't have aprons, it had a zipper fly front closure. It was designed to be worn with a belt, and to be an alternative to jeans and shorts.

The design of the symetrical pleats is a wonderful departure from the Traditional. An Engineers answer to how to get front pockets in a pleated garment.

I don't believe Steve was trying to make his product look anything like a Traditional Kilt. His product does not take it's inspiration from the Traditional. He was going in a totally new and different direction.

As for sizing, Utilikilts are designed and manufatured to be sold "off the rack". They concentrate on what they believe will be the most popular and all around sizes.
With the current fashion of wearing shorts below the knee, a utilikilt worn below the knee is perfect for the customer they are marketing to.

Don't lump Utilikilts in with the other Traditional Kilt and Custom Kilt manufacturers. And don't expect them to look like something they don't purport to be. Apples and Oranges here Graham.

I don't iron my Utilikilt. I never will. I don't want it to look "neat and proper".
It's different and Funky.

My Freedom Kilts are supposed to be modeled on the Traditional. The pleats are supposed to hang straight and true. The aprons are supposed to be wide and tapered. If they don't, then you can paint me with the traditional brush.
But don't look at Utilikilts that way.

Rejoice in the Utilikilt, Macabi, Pringle, Mannerrock, and all the variety. If all we had was one "Traditional" pattern Kilt, just in different colors, the world would be a poorer place.

My two cents worth.

[GMan]

Think of a battered well-worn pair of jeans -- without the crotch.

Well said! However this has been an exceptionally warm summer here, and I found that my Utilikilt was rather warm to wear. Of course remembering back to the days I thing that jeans (when I wore them) were also warm.

I have noticed that many people who first try on and wear a Utilikilt also end up in the other types of kilts here, so they do bring people to kilts.