"That's not a real kilt"

[Sylvain]

I'd say Utilikilts etc. qualify as kilts by virtue of having pleats at the back and overlapping front aprons.

The first Utilikilts didn't all had overlapping aprons. There were those with the «standard» closure, with a fly. Have a look:
http://web.archive.org/web/200104042...om/Catalog.htm

[Nick]

He wanted an "actual kilt" made in Scotland and of wool.

This doesn't relate directly to UKs or the like, but his statement does raise a question. My best kilt was made by Barb T. It wasn't made in Scotland, but I don't think I could get a better kilt. The definition of whisky may be enshrined in statute, but not being made in Scotland does not make a kilt not a kilt. If your friend really feels that only in Scotland can kilts be made, then he can buy a Scottish one. But he should consider kiltmakers like Barb T. and Kathy Lare as well.

[Scotus]

I personally agree with your friend, so don't be so hard on him.

[Rex_Tremende]

We looked at utilitkilts, practikilts, sportkilts, etc....and my friend said he had no interest as "That's not a real kilt"

The utilikilts and such he called fancy skirts. He wanted an "actual kilt" made in Scotland and of wool. Not denim or acrylic made by some Pakistani or "back bedroom home made job".
[...]
My question is...what do you think? Is a utilikilt or practikilt a kilt? Or is it just a tag placed on something people want to sell that is like a kilt?

This debate rarely ends well here. You can bet that by the end of it, someone in one camp or the other will decide XMTS is too [narrow-minded|iconoclast], and will never return. This forum is littered with dead threads on this subject locked down because all they generated after two or three cycles was all heat and no light.

In my opinion, the only thing that matters here is that now you know what his requirements are, and if he's serious about getting a kilt, you can use the wisdom found here to guide him to a kiltmaker who will satisfy.

Regards,
Rex.

[Scotus]

To clarify... I think posting this question and being "a bit taken aback" is being just a little to harsh; that is, people are going to have different points of view on this subject. Some feel very strongly in their opinions on both sides. Some of us feel very strongly about what a "real kilt" is (I'm a hardened traditionalist), while others are much broader in their views. In a forum such as this one, you're going to find many views, so what I'm trying to say about not being too hard on the guy is that you have to be understanding to his views about kilts if you want to remain friends.

[KFCarter]

In my opinion, the only thing that matters here is that now you know what his requirements are, and if he's serious about getting a kilt, you can use the wisdom found here to guide him to a kiltmaker who will satisfy.

Regards,
Rex.

I think Rex's advice is spot on.

As for the definition of "kilt", my own attitude has evolved over time. I started with a very traditional view, became more "open minded" and have come back around to being a bit more "narrow minded". That "narrowness" comes in part from a belief that a word's application can become so broad that it can eventually lose its meaning. This is happening a lot in our language and "Kilt" is certainly not the only word exposed to this sort of "meaning-erosion".

Having said that, I think some of those contemporary garments are great and I think it's appropriate that their name, like "utilikilt" indicates their "kiltish" roots. I'm glad to see these garments appear in wider application and I do think that their presence has had a role in freeing traditional kilts from their "weddings-and-special-occasions-only" prison.

By the way, I'm very glad we have such great kiltmakers on this side of the pond. I've got one in the Wizard's queue and have my sights on a Tewksbury and Kathy Lare. But the two tartan tanks that I'll own, that are connected to my family roots... yes, I wanted them made in Scotland. That may seem silly to some, but it mattered to me so that's what I did.

[BroosterB1]

The other day I was wearing my Canvas Buzz Kidder and a woman (who turned out to be from the Isle of Sky area) came up to me and stated "that's a fine practical workman's kilt". Not sure what this all means, but at least one native Scot didn't think it was anything other than a kilt. (this despite the fishnet hose and the leather bustier )

[Splash_4]

This debate rarely ends well here. You can bet that by the end of it, someone in one camp or the other will decide XMTS is too [narrow-minded|iconoclast], and will never return. This forum is littered with dead threads on this subject locked down because all they generated after two or three cycles was all heat and no light.

Rex is unfortunately correct here. These conversation never end well on this board and we should move on.

In my opinion, the only thing that matters here is that now you know what his requirements are, and if he's serious about getting a kilt, you can use the wisdom found here to guide him to a kiltmaker who will satisfy.

Regards,
Rex.

And this is the best advice I can think to give to the original OP.

[Nighthawk]

this debate rarely ends well here. You can bet that by the end of it, someone in one camp or the other will decide xmts is too [narrow-minded|iconoclast], and will never return. This forum is littered with dead threads on this subject locked down because all they generated after two or three cycles was all heat and no light.

In my opinion, the only thing that matters here is that now you know what his requirements are, and if he's serious about getting a kilt, you can use the wisdom found here to guide him to a kiltmaker who will satisfy.

Regards,
rex.

ssdd

[Bob C]

I'm with the crowd that says Utilikilts and the like are not kilts. I don't begrudge anyone the decision to wear one, though. To each, his own.

Box pleated kilts always remind me of my daughter's cheerleading skirt.