UTK Kilts

[LPF]

Good day all,

Has anybody had experience (good or bad) with these guys? They seem to have some nice utility kilts listed on Ebay.

[Knight]

Hi--If you mean the UT Kilts company, I have some experience with them. My friend and I both have one kilt a piece from them; I have the Standard Dark Gray modern kilt: this bad boy in particular. Over the winter, during a D&D game when I was wearing a Sport Kilt, my friend asked if he could try one on. He liked it so much that he went out and bought his own: this one, the olive green Standard 2. We've had pretty different experiences, so I can give you two opposing views on their utility kilt models.

They're cost-effective, which is great, and they ship incredibly fast, which is also great. The canvas, or whatever that fabric for the modern kilts is made of, is tough and keeps you warm, and the overall product looks pretty stinkin' good. The proprietor is also very fast to respond and personable. However, in exchange for cheap and fast, you get a product that does, ultimately, feel cheaply made and fast produced. The quality of the sewing is so-so--the pleats are fine, but I noticed a lot of rogue strings around the belt loops and strappings. The rigidity of the fabric also leaves something to be desired; where a normal kilt has a bit of drape and swish, these suckers sit and sit still. Perhaps most importantly, they run just a bit small on their sizing, and with no way to adjust tightness, because there aren't buckles but snaps that hold it on, I'm much more apt to throw on my SportKilts than I am my UT Kilt. I'm also prefer the tartans much more than I do the flat colors of the UT Kilt, and I'm used to wearing a sporran for a pocket. For all of those reasons, I probably will not purchase another UT Kilt--at least not any time soon. If I do, I'll go brown or black, and I'll definitely go Standard II, or Deluxe, at the very least.

Now, the opposite is true for my friend. He loves the utility of the saddlebag pockets, and likes the heavier material and doesn't seem to have an issue with the sewing. His is a little big on him, and he just cinches it tight with a kilt belt and smoothes it when necessary. He also likes the snaps on the front, and the flat olive coloring. Overall, I think the UT Kilt is a bit closer to jeans for him, I think, but with the freedom (and manliness) of a kilt. He was sold immediately, and plans to buy more.

Additionally, I've noticed that his Standard II is longer than mine, and so it hangs just below the knees, whereas mine, the Standard I falls just about mid-kneecap. For reference, we're within an inch height and ten pounds of one another, so it's a solid point of comparison. The Standard II is a bit longer and better made than the Standard I. Note, one more time, that UT Kilts' sizes run a bit small: if you're a 37 waist, buy a 38.

Long story short: they look pretty good, they're really cheap, they ship fast, and they're stiff, but comfortable. They lack adjustability in sizing, which is an issue for me, as someone who loses and against a fair bit of weight seasonally, but if you're stable at your weight it won't be an issue. Good starter kilts.

[Marine2141]

I have a Standard II from UTK. It's my only utility kilt at the moment, but I like it for what it is. They ship fast..I ordered my kilt on a Saturday and got it Monday afternoon.UTKIdyllwild.jpg

[LPF]

Thanks for the input guys, I think I'll hold off for now.

[Evestay53]

Thanks for all your input gentlemen, I needed this, especially since I do fluctuate in my weight quite a bit.

[Jock the Scot]

You may notice that UT kilts are not among the other fine advertisers on this forum. I understand that there is a very good reason for this.

What you may not have noticed is that the products re-sold by UT kilts are not made by the guy selling them but are made in Pakistan.
In fact you can often find the exact same product on EBay for even less than through the UT kilt company site.

[ratspike]

You may notice that UT kilts are not among the other fine advertisers on this forum. I understand that there is a very good reason for this.

What you may not have noticed is that the products re-sold by UT kilts are not made by the guy selling them but are made in Pakistan.
In fact you can often find the exact same product on EBay for even less than through the UT kilt company site.

This is all absolutely correct. Thing is, if you're going to go with one of the Pakistani kilts then at least with UT Kilts you're dealing with a retailer here in the US, and it's someone you can actually get in touch with if you have issues or need a return or refund. If you go the ebay route you could very well end up buying from a seller overseas who will happily jerk you around if there's a problem, send the wrong size, or never send anything at all. Generally speaking, UT Kilts seems to have extremely happy and enthusiastic customers who rave about shipping speed and overall customer service. Just a little something to think about.

[Evestay53]

You may notice that UT kilts are not among the other fine advertisers on this forum. I understand that there is a very good reason for this.

What you may not have noticed is that the products re-sold by UT kilts are not made by the guy selling them but are made in Pakistan.
In fact you can often find the exact same product on EBay for even less than through the UT kilt company site.

Thanks Jock, I had my suspicions that they might be Pakistan made kilts. They were recommended to me by my daughter's friend who has several. I think I will stick to the traditional when I get my first kilt.