my mocker

[bigbaldhead]

while, as it is my first kilt, i can't really give a proper review, i can (and will) share some thoughts.

so, from order to arrival at my door, the wait was less than a week...phenomenal. i can attribute this to the fact that a) the order was placed over the phone, and b) i was open to a few different options (while i did have a favorite, both color and style were negotiable). it turned out that each of my options was in fact in stock. woohoo.

while, i can say that i have learned so much in my short time here, about what to look for when purchasing a kilt, my primary concern in the beginning was to find a look that i liked. i liked the 'mocker' straight off. though the 'workman's' model might have been a little more practical considering my job (i'm a scenic carpenter) the clean and sharp look of the 'mocker' won me over. i was willing to look at the 'original', but the cargo pockets never really thrilled me. i've had cargo pants over the years and i just don't use the pockets.

having read more and more around here, about sizing, about quality and especially about the outright superiority of a 'tank' i had gotten more and more nervous in the (albeit short) waiting period about what i was getting. would it fit right? would it look like a skirt? my answers came on monday morning and my fears were (almost)immediately relieved. the kilt arrived in a plastic envelope which had about a 3" tear in it; however, the envelope was layered and the kilt had no damage whatsoever.

i was, to say the least, bursting. my jeans almost flew off, and i wrapped and snapped myself in in a matter of moments. the fit was perfect. everything was exactly as i had hoped, the look, the feel, the freedom. the look was masculine and sharp. the feel was exhilerating. the freedom was real.

the freedom that i have received from this garment, in its truest sense i think, started seeping in with the decision to get a kilt, to wear a kilt, to not only be 'that guy in the kilt', but to love being that guy. woohoo.

thank you all so much. gotta go get packed for the holidays.


-danny

p.s. i've decided not to pack my kilt for the trip home...i'm wearing it the whole way!! -d

[Jimmy Carbomb]

Dig it Danny! 8)

I absolutely love my UtiliKilt Workman's... which is pretty much the same as the Mocker (atleast in quality and basic construction). The thing will take all sorts of abuse, and come out looking great after a wash and press.

Hey, many are partial to the "tanks" and that's just a preference in the look and feel. I am one of them. I also realize that there's a HUGE place in the wardrobe for modern kilts. Every kilt that I have has a purpose, look, and attitude. Let's face it, a "tank" at a barbecue looks a little like a Rolls Royce parked at a Thrift Store. A UtiliKilt at a formal occasion is a little like Jerry Springer at a State Dinner.

SportKilt, UtiliKilt, AmeriKilt, BearKilt, FreedomKilt, PittsburghKilt, USAKilt, CanadaKilt, SavannahKilt, Traditional Kilt, Casual Kilt, and the Scottish handsewns are all in the mix. I'm well on my way to owning atleast one of each, and there's a reason. They all have their qualities, looks, and place. As long as my life is diverse, so will my kilt collection be.

Welcome to the fold!

[dana]

Dig it Danny! 8)

I absolutely love my UtiliKilt Workman's... which is pretty much the same as the Mocker (atleast in quality and basic construction). The thing will take all sorts of abuse, and come out looking great after a wash and press.

Hey, many are partial to the "tanks" and that's just a preference in the look and feel. I am one of them. I also realize that there's a HUGE place in the wardrobe for modern kilts. Every kilt that I have has a purpose, look, and attitude. Let's face it, a "tank" at a barbecue looks a little like a Rolls Royce parked at a Thrift Store. A UtiliKilt at a formal occasion is a little like Jerry Springer at a State Dinner.

SportKilt, UtiliKilt, AmeriKilt, BearKilt, FreedomKilt, PittsburghKilt, USAKilt, CanadaKilt, SavannahKilt, Traditional Kilt, Casual Kilt, and the Scottish handsewns are all in the mix. I'm well on my way to owning atleast one of each, and there's a reason. They all have their qualities, looks, and place. As long as my life is diverse, so will my kilt collection be.

Welcome to the fold!

Hey Jimmy,

You being the kilt collector (and maker at one time, if I understand correctly) that you are, I highly value your advice and opinions about all things kilt.

It's good to hear you say that all the different sytles and brands of kilts have their place in the kilt kingdom. I'd hate to think I'd be ridiculed or made fun of because I owned a kilt that was percieved as less than a "traditional kilt". I hope this is making sense.

Just a bit of encouragement to kilt wearers of all styles and brands.

dana

[Ugly Bear]

It's good to hear you say that all the different sytles and brands of kilts have their place in the kilt kingdom. I'd hate to think I'd be ridiculed or made fun of because I owned a kilt that was percieved as less than a "traditional kilt".

He's right, and not just because of levels of formality. There are a few other things to consider.

Practicality is one thing. Sometimes you just need pockets, and, no, a sporran is not always the best alternative.

Matching is another thing. When dressing, just about the easiest thing to clash with is plaid. With an all-tartan kilt wardrobe, you're really limited in what you can wear with it. Having some solids in the mix is a big help.

Then there's the weather. A wool kilt of any weight is bound to be too much in the summer. And a wool tank might not be enough to deal with cold weather. Non-traditional kilts fill these niches.

Anything else?

I'd hate to think I'd be ridiculed or made fun of because I owned a kilt that was percieved as less than a "traditional kilt".

Oh, right, that. You use your judgement. Wear a traditional kilt to a barbecue, and it's like Jimmy says. Wear a Mocker to Burns' Night and you'll be coolly received. But there's all kinds of situations in-between. I went to a Highlands gathering once wearing my UK Workman's, and I got both ends of the spectrum: purists who scoffed, and others who marvelled at the Workman's practicality ("It holds a SIX PACK?! Awesome!").

There's just no end to the surprises when you ditch the pants.

[macwilkin]

Matching is another thing. When dressing, just about the easiest thing to clash with is plaid. With an all-tartan kilt wardrobe, you're really limited in what you can wear with it. Having some solids in the mix is a big help.

Not necessarily -- Bob Martin, in "All about your kilt", addresses this very issue, and the "American perspective" on matching patterns (tartan with tatersall, Prince of Wales Check/Glen Plaid, etc.) with the "UK" perspective. I don't have my copy wi' me here at work, but it gives some good insights and perspectives on matching patterns.

Cheers,

T.

[Ugly Bear]

...tartan with tatersall, Prince of Wales Check/Glen Plaid, etc.) ...

Are you saying the author recommends mixing check with plaid? That combination is known to cause blindness and insanity in lab animals.

Maybe the book was penned in the '70's. Maybe the author was in the plaid racket. Either way, forgive me for saying this, but the author's taste is suspect.

And, yes, some patterns will match with tartan. I can't think of any off the top of my head, but I'm sure they exist. But it's a difficult trick to pull off, and most of us dumb guys probably shouldn't risk it.

[bigbaldhead]

thank you jimmy!! as i said before, i was a little nervous about my choice at first, and then it arrived. i knew as soon as i put it on that i'd made the best choice for my first kilt. where it leads is anyone's guess at this point.

like dana pointed out it's so nice to have people like you and so many here who wear and are accepting of all different styles, as well as those here who, though they might never choose a contemporary or solid kilt for themselves, are still so supportive of everyone in their decision just to wear a kilt. just a great community!

woohoo.

-danny

[macwilkin]

Are you saying the author recommends mixing check with plaid? That combination is known to cause blindness and insanity in lab animals.

Maybe the book was penned in the '70's. Maybe the author was in the plaid racket. Either way, forgive me for saying this, but the author's taste is suspect.

And, yes, some patterns will match with tartan. I can't think of any off the top of my head, but I'm sure they exist. But it's a difficult trick to pull off, and most of us dumb guys probably shouldn't risk it.

Again, not necessairly. The book was written in 2001, and it can be done. It all depends on the colour and size of the pattern in question. Tatersall and Glen Plaid dress shirts work very well with kilts in day/hunting attire. I have a Glen Plaid/Prince of Wales Check dress shirt that goes quite nicely with my kilt. I personally prefer a coloured and/or patterned dress-shirt to the plain, white dress shirt that is always seen with Highland attire, but that's just my style. Doesn't mean that I'm "right".

And there is a historical precdent for "mixing" tartans and patterns; take a look at any print from the Jacobite Rebellion and you will see a wide variety of Scottish gentlemen wearing a kilt in one tartan, hose in another and a jacket in yet another! (I don't know if I would go that far!)

It's really all a matter of individual style. It may not look right to you, but that dosen't mean that it is not right.

Cheers,

T.

[Ugly Bear]

Take a look at any print from the Jacobite Rebellion and you will see a wide variety of Scottish gentlemen wearing a kilt in one tartan, hose in another and a jacket in yet another! (I don't know if I would go that far!)

Which is exactly the point.

Yes, it's possible to mix tartans and patterns, just not likely that it will work. Leaving it to individual tastes is to invite disaster. (And mixing three tartans, while it makes a political point, sounds like just such a disaster.)

If you have the means, please post a picture or two from the book. Maybe it'll work. But I'm really skeptical. No, I'm monumentally skeptical. No, I'm ... I'm ...

Oh, hell, I'll bring out the big guns. Hamish, what do you think: mix checks with plaids, yes or no?

[Raphael]

I really like Utilikilts' front apron design. When you sit down, it falls between your legs. It is good when you are in a sporting events or handing out. I don't have to worry about flashing people. It is my kilt of choice when I am hanging out with my son.