Utility Kilt Question

[Java]

If you already own several tartan kilts, and wear them regularly, then you're probably already thought of as "the kilt guy" in the places you frequent. If you throw a canvas one into the rotation, it would be thought of as just another one of your kilts. The worst comments you might get are "I like the plaid ones better" or that kind of thing.

It always amuses me that here in the one section in the one forum on the whole board that is set aside for conversation about contemporary kilts, the first half dozen comments in every thread are posted by men that wouldn't be caught dead in one. I UNDERSTAND that if your phone or browser is set up to just show all of the new threads, then that removes them from this context. I'm not calling them out or anything, I'm just saying, when you take these posts in the context of this forum, it's funny.

[CMcG]

I was thinking about a utility kilt as it seems a practical solution to hot weather where shorts and undies are uncomfortable and a traditional kilt not always possible.

However I'm a bit worried that they may appear kind of "gay?" No offence intended to anyone that happens to be that way inclined but I'm not comfortable with that possible perception and don't even know if they are looked on that way or not. No one here abouts wears one, then again there is only one other person I know who wears a kilt anyway. In other words it's am image question.

I'm also informed that they don't keep their shape and the pleats don't keep their sharpness.

My wife also thinks they look too much like a womans shirt.

I'd appreciate some feedback from those with experience of utility kilts.

I've just bought a Prince of Wales tartan kilt off ebay, I've decided against utility kilts, but may go for a sports kilt for next summer.

Well, I guess you have your answer, but I'll still chime in. I love my Utilikilt for wearing around the house in the warmer months. It's comfortable and has practical pockets. As others have mentioned, the edges of the pleats are sewn down, so they stay in place, although I'm not much bothered by them being a bit rumpled on a knockabout kilt.

I also have a tartan Sportkilt, which with its elastic waistband is the most comfortable thing I own. It is much lighter than my Utilikilt, so better for really hot days, and also for vigorous hiking. I don't tend to wear a kilt—traditional or modern—in my daily life outside the house, but rather for special or cultural occasions. That being said, I often wear a kilt at home, and when I do it's either a Sportkilt or Utilikilt.

Being in Spain, Mel1721L, I can imagine that local views on the kilt are quite different from places where people of Gaelic heritage are more common (i.e., Scotland, Canada, Australia, etc). Only you can tell what the reaction might be like to a Utilikilt with the folks you interact with in your particular location, but based on my experience visiting Spain a couple times, I'd bet it might generally be viewed as odd at best. I somehow think a tartan kilt might at least allow people to make a cultural connection... maybe a tartan utility kilt is in order for you!

[Mel1721L]

Win Spainll, I guess you have your answer, but I'll still chime in. I love my Utilikilt for wearing around the house in the warmer months. It's comfortable and has practical pockets. As others have mentioned, the edges of the pleats are sewn down, so they stay in place, although I'm not much bothered by them being a bit rumpled on a knockabout kilt.

I also have a tartan Sportkilt, which with its elastic wtband is the most comfortable thing I own. It is much lighter than my Utilikilt, so better for really hot days, and also for vigorous hiking. I don't tend to wear a kilt—traditional or modern—in my daily life outside the house, but rather for special or cultural occasions. That being said, I often wear a kilt at home, and when I do it's either a Sportkilt or Utilikilt.

Being in Spain, Mel1721L, I can imagine that local views on the kilt are quite different from places where people of Gaelic heritage are more common (i.e., Scotland, Canada, Australia, etc). Only you can tell what the reaction might be like to a Utilikilt with the folks you interact with in your particular location, but based on my experience visiting Spain a couple times, I'd bet it might generally be viewed as odd at best. I somehow think a tartan kilt might at least allow people to make a cultural connection... maybe a tartan utility kilt is in order for you!

You are right, being in Spain is very different. There is a real macho culture here. I think a utility kilt may be a step too far, they seem to accept a tartan kilt ok but they obviously associate it with Scotland. As I had wearing it around the home as it's main purpose, I think a sports kilt has the edge in comfort from what I've read.

[mac]

I have 3 Utilikilts - A tan survival, A black Workman and an Olive Survival
I don't think they all look great
I did get a mocker model - that did feel too skirt like and I returned it.

The Survival and Workman models are very HEAVY, not lightweight and suitable for winter wear.
The original is lighter.

[Alan H]

All I can say now is that clearly you are terrified of wearing a kilt.

Someone may think you are gay.
It's not part of the culture.
Your wife may not like it.
It costs too much.


I strongly suggest that you drop the whole idea and stick to pants. You'll be much happier.

[Mel1721L]

All I can say now is that clearly you are terrified of wearing a kilt.

Someone may think you are gay.
It's not part of the culture.
Your wife may not like it.
It costs too much.


I strongly suggest that you drop the whole idea and stick to pants. You'll be much happier.

Where did that come from? I have 5 kilts and have been wearing them every day for nearly a year, just not utility kilts. I suggest you check out other posts before making unwarrented assumptions.

[Priest]

Utilikilts are great for every day use. I have a black one right now and have ordered a Khaki one too. I even have an Army utili style kilt I made myself out of some of my unservicable uniforms for when I do competitions with my unit. It isn't the clothing, it's the presentation and if that is what you want then I say rock on. And believe me I don't come off or appear "feminine in nature", pretty much exactly the opposite. As far as the pleats, the ones I have, have the sewn in permacrease so you dont even have to iron them after washing but I couldnt go as far to say that all of them are like that.

[ljamieson]

You could do a lot worse than a few people thinking you appear "gay" because that normally means dressing with some style with stuff that actually matches, instead of boring drab "Straight" clothing. No offence to anyone that happens to be that way inclined. Your Wife's opinion well that's all on her.

Now to the Utility Kilts. I was closed minded about non clan kilts until recently. Having had researched price, functionality and pardon the pun but also something with some style and actually matches.
http://scottishkiltshop.com/en/50-ca...ctive-men.html

These are the best I have found so far for quality and price.

[Mel1721L]

You could do a lot worse than a few people thinking you appear "gay" because that normally means dressing with some style with stuff that actually matches, instead of boring drab "Straight" clothing. No offence to anyone that happens to be that way inclined. Your Wife's opinion well that's all on her.

Now to the Utility Kilts. I was closed minded about non clan kilts until recently. Having had researched price, functionality and pardon the pun but also something with some style and actually matches.
http://scottishkiltshop.com/en/50-ca...ctive-men.html

These are the best I have found so far for quality and price.

That's an old post! I got a 5.11 TDK in the end, it's perfect for our hot climate, though I don't wear it out, only for dog walking. I'll check out your compilation, but you need also bear in mind Spain has a very macho culture so it could be dangerous to be perceived as gay.

[ljamieson]

You've never been to Stiges have you?