Underkilt Report.

[James]

As stated here is a fuller report upon the underkilt-which I tried so as to be able to offer an objective rather than an emotive view.

Here I must repeat my view that it is the wearer rather than this or that garment which defines such things as masculinity, cross dressing and the like. Citing such off topic attire as the colourful prints of the Masai, the white fustanella of the Greek miltary or even the full skirts of the Whirling Dervish.

Too if it is possible to accept such variants as the Utilikilt-leather kilts and all the many others appearing upon this board, the concept of adhering to some inviolate tradition has been breached.

So my thinking is based quite simply upon the one criterion-could such a garment enhance kilt wearing: here my views are limited by reason of wearing only traditional style kilts and the hill-walker?

My first question was: would it alter the appearance of the kilt-according to the lady it did not.

Then would it show: she told me that she might have got a glimpse twice [in over a week], but only because at my request she'd been paying attention. Once when I sat in a slightly flamboyant manner, and the second time when I was loading the car and as I leant forward a breeze was playing with the pleats and there was a momentary flash.

Next was the feel/comfort etc: after a moments panic on first donning such an alien garment, I was entirely unaware of it.

Experience: wearing it with my heaviest and roughest wool kilt, I'd never before thought of the material as rough-but withouit doubt it was more comfortable-a softer feel. Not enough to warrant wearing an underkilt on a day to day basis-but certainly if say attending the theatre-a lecture when one will be sitting. Then it is of a very real benefit.

Then on a cold day I wore my lightest kilt, one I'd not normally wear on a chilly day: without doubt it was quite a bit warmer, and I did not have that feeling of having put on the wrong kilt.

A personal benefit-I sit and type at a bench rather than a chair-I could sit on the underkilt with the pleats draped over the bench, this protecting the kilt and pleats which otherwise would be sat upon.

Hygiene-certainly the amount of dirt collected upon the underkilt would otherwise have ended up on the kilt-and the underkilt is easier to wash.

As for long term durability, time alone will tell.

Disadvantages: there were no obvious disadvantages.

Summing up: as some of you will know I'm nearly seventy and have worn the kilt since childhood-being brought up in the traditional mould and to think of myself as a clansman, to whom the kilt is linked with my heritage and culture. Too I find such things as cross dressing and 'alternative life styles' as being personally abhorent.

Having said that I can say there are certain benefits from such a garment, and possibly those wearing leather and say canvas kilts might find greater benefit. Certainly I'd not think more or less of a kilt wearer who decided to wear one, and I'd not associate it with cross dressing or a feminisation of the kilt.

Now the crux question: would I wear one again?

I would if I know I was going to be sitting/driving for a long period, for experience has shown that that under such conditions it can increase my comfort. Too for cold weather when I might be standing about, then I'd wear one. So the answer must be yes, for certain circumstances. But I'd not bother when going about my day to day activites.

James

[Blu (Ontario)]

Excellent post, James. (Your fine analytical skills are quite apparent.)
I would, however, be interested to know if the added inside layer of such a different fabric interfere with the natural movement of the kilt while walking. (This issue may not be significant with canvas or leather.) To my knowledge, the traditional "slip" is made of fabric that allows the over layers to move easily.

cheers,

blu

[James]

Thanks Blu,

Actually I did not notice it when walking, and it did not appear to interfere with the movement/swing of the kilt in any way.

Of course the effect might be different if worn with say a leather or canvas kilt, as opposed to my more traditional materials.

James

[Big Paul]

That is one of the best reviews I have ever had the pleasure of reading!

[Riverkilt]

Great post James,

Thanks for risking the field testing and posting.

Your comment about not noticing it once its on is true for me also.

I'm still sold on the garment too. Haven't noticed any affect on the swing of my kilts, regardless of material.

I now have three options when wearing my kilts. Full regimental, underkilted, but still regimental, tartan boxer shorts.

The later is reserved for the office and if I expect to be around little children who might be overly curious.

Ron

[Sherry]

Great review, James. Thanks for posting.

Blu, regardless of the name, a lady's slip tends to move with the skirt, not slip around under it. For a woman, a slip often serves the purpose of a smoother & more modest look (to avoid light shining through thin material).

Sherry