I think there have been a lot of good points on this thread. I am very impressed that is has remained civil.
Quote Originally Posted by GTRMAN
Without change, there can be no progress...


Are bluejeans trousers?
Why wouldn't a UK or AK be a kilt? Because it's not tartan?
This is just my personal opinion. I don't think of Utilikilts as kilt (by the Scottish definition) simply because they don't share any characteristics other than they are worn by men. The pleating is not a one way deal like almost every other kiltmaker, nor is it box pleated. The only other time I have seen pleats that switch direction at the back is on a women's skirt. I have not seen this on any other style of kilt. Solid colour kilts have been around for ages, so tartan is not always a defining characteristic.

Having said that I do think of them as an American style kilt. The kilt has been made to suit the American market in Utilikilts. Does that make them a product everyone should like....no. If someone likes the feel and look of a Utilikilt...all the power to them. I am way more of a traditionalist and prefer the look of a Freedom Kilt to a UK. I think the cargo pockets, etc are a great idea, and one that has increased the number of people in a kilt or interested kilts.

Now as for Jeff's comment of would I have a beer with a guy in a gold and black kilt...you bet I would. It takes guts to wear a kilt in the celeb/ fashion obsessed "don't rock the boat" society these days. As an interesting side note though, I have sometimes found that the UK guys don't often want to have a beer with the guys in 8 yard wool traditionals or tartan PV kilts.

Again, this is just my preference. You have yours, I have mine. We can agree to disagree.