My new Desert Camo Freedom Kilt.

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Today I received my first made to order kilt from Freedom Kilts. Upon opening my parcel I was immediately struck by the quality from packaging in foam to arrow straight stitching everywhere. Built to last too, significantly bar tacked at stress points and riveted buttons.

Originally I was going to order Freedom Kilts casual model which had narrower pleats but decided to go with the Cargo model and spend on the optional pockets. I also figured that since I was going with a camouflage pattern that the wider pleats would best display the disruptive pattern that was my initial attraction to this kilt.

My camera does not work so with Steve's forgiveness I swiped pictures from his website. I will get action pictures at our next kilt night.



I ordered the Cargo model in Desert camouflage shown above. Although not shown (except one pocket aft) I ordered mine with optional 2 front slash pockets ($40 CDN) 2 side cargo pockets ($24 CDN) and 2 rear double welt pockets ($40 CDN).

Being so new to kilting (Jan '07) the thing I missed most where where to put my hands. The slash pockets were the answer and worth every penny, in my opinion. All my future kilts, if they have this option, will come with these pockets. They are placed in a very natural position and are hidden in the pleats well. They are ample in size too, with fingers extended I can bury my hands well past my wrists (3" or so) and have my fingers touch under the apron.

My pleated side cargo pockets are about 7" wide and 8" deep and are attached only at the top. I can cram a lot of stuff into these pockets (think 2 beer bottles) and because of the unique attachment doesn't misalign or pull on the pleats. They are situated about 1" below the fell and the pleat of the pocket matches the pleat of the kilt helping hide the pockets. they just don't appear like an after thought.

The rear pocket are where I really had to think. I could have opted for cargo pockets ($24 CDN) but went for the more hidden double welt pockets as the big feature of a kilt is the pleats, why hide them? The only indication of pockets are the flaps. Although situated underneath the pleats, as advertised one can put their wallet in this pocket and not be sitting on it when seated. The right rear flap is also a convenient place for the Freedom Kilts logo. For this I chose the no cost option of brown stitching to blend with the camouflage, yet still be visible for the inquisitive. Steve offers four colour options; black, brown, gold and silver. I do not know if other colours are available. I found that they were further apart than I imagined as compared to jeans but this is an advantage as they are easier to access and to button up.

The kilt attaches with rivet buttons (think Levi's jeans). Four buttons on the right hip and one on the left, for balance three more non-functioning buttons are added on the left. You also have a choice for buttons and no cost. they are; star, maltese cross, celtic cross and filigree (my final choice).

Measuring for this kilt is certainly painstaking as one must measure just about everything except inseam (whew!). Freedom Kilt's website explains all measurements as well Steve has also produced a video on how to measure yourself. With all this I still managed to mess up my measurements. Fortunately Steve caught this and contacted me immediately to ensure that my measurements were indeed correct. His professionalism caught a costly mistake on my part as I measured 3" too short on my hem length. Another measurement Steve adds is slope. I was sceptically about this measurement but now find that even with my moderate slope my kilt fits perfectly. This is a testament to having a kilt engineered to fit.

Even with all the options this is still a decently priced custom-made kilt. Almost assuredly it will fast become my favourite kilt. Until, of course my next Freedom Kilt that I almost ordered five minutes after putting on this one. No joke, I'm torn about replacing my digital camera or a digital camouflage MAR-PAT FK.

Included with my new kilt was five Freedom Kilt business cards. No doubt these won't last long as I'm sure just the site of this kilt will get many interested. There's also the little Canadian flag sewn onto the kilt...

No review can be complete or of any use without being completely honest. With all the communication passed between us through this order and of our witty banter on XMarks I'm fortunate to value Steve as a friend so twist the knife ever so slightly .

I went with pockets everywhere, as stated above for me, the front slash pockets are a must. Also on a camo kilt the side cargo pockets just add to the ruggedness of the garment. Time will tell if I order my next kilt with the rear pockets, perhaps four pockets will be enough for me. If I do without the rear pockets I'll still allow the one rear flap for logo placement, I'm proud of my FK after all. One thing I've noticed with the left side pocket is it getting caught up and lifting one pleat. I'm sure this will diminish as the kilt is washed and the stiffness of the fabric diminishes.

Another concern is my little Canadian flag, a nice touch indeed but I'm concerned that it may lose the colouring after a few washes. time will tell if I'm incorrect it this matter. This is in complete contrast to the quality of the poly-cotton fabric of the kilt.

There is no adjustment with this kilt unlike straps. To be honest though, Steve and I did discuss adjustment as an option. I chose to stay with the button closure and hope I don't gain weight too significantly in the future. Since joining XMarks and partaking in the kilt nights it's not going to be easy. Catch-22 anyone?

And now my biggest grumble and it's back to those buttons. It's actually a pet peeve of mine and it goes back to double breasted jackets and well anything with ornamental buttons. Buttons are meant for button holes, they need to be seated and not sit proud like a metallic mushroom. The three non functioning buttons on my left hip need to be through a button hole, as they are they sit proud by a quarter of an inch. My next FK will have these button attached to the under apron or even inner pleat and protrude through button hole. I will gladly pay extra for this and I'm sure that Steve could accommodate my peculiarities in stride.

I do whole-heartedly recommend that you add a Freedom Kilt to your (k)collection. As well, I think all should have at least one camouflage kilt as well, they're just so cool! I will definitely buy from Steve again, there was excellent communication (including a phone call) and constant updates. I think he also delivered ahead of the stated six weeks. The quality of stitching is first rate and strengthened where needed. Precise fit and innovative touches.

I love my Freedom Kilt!

Thank you Steve.

P.S. The fabric is Desert camouflage and not Dessert Camouflask, Steve chided me for that.