Quote Originally Posted by ggibby
Weight, expense, and the tartan vs. solid issues aside, I wear the MK because I climb ladders in view of co-workers and customers, squat, sit, and generally move a lot.

I'm hesitant to get into any of the pleated styles because of the, uh, exposure the pleats will allow. Also, in my traditional, I can always feel all the fabric when I sit, and 'the sweep' is still a conscious effort for me.

SO, to you wearers of USA-, Ameri-, Bear-, Utili- and other kilts- tell me about the differences between the lighter cousins and the traditional.

When I hunker down, will the back hit the floor around my feet?
Will I yank it when I stand up, kilt underfoot?
When I climb a ladder, will the drape give the audience a peek?
When I drop quickly into the desk chair to answer the phone, how lumpy is the seat?
How do they handle rough use?

I'm not looking to decide on one kilt here- just explore pleats & swish in my workplace.

Thanks!


-G
I'm a kiltbuilder, and I wear a kilt everyday. I also work in the theatre as a Stage Manager, and I have to do some of the same things you do. I build contemporary kilts out of denim and leather.
I find that the length of the kilt is important. I aim to have my kilts touch or at the centre of the kneecap. I tend to sew down the pleats to 1/3rd the length of the garment so it's a little tighter around the butt, and still give a good swish.
It takes some practise but it will become second nature either swiping the pleats before sitting or giving a rocking motion forward as you sit down so the pleats lie flat. Sometimes I will push the apron down between my legs when I sit to minimize exposure.
As for materials, the leather is the nicest, and weighs about the same as a medium weight 8yd wool kilt. The pleats hang well, and don't wrinkle and still give a good swish.
I do admit that when squatting or kneeling the kilt can brush the floor. depending on the kilt it may be a concern. I haven't stepped on mine yet.
The great thing about a kilt is the swish, it gives a movement of air around your legs, that one doesn't get with a skirt. This I find is a bonus and is one of the reasons a wool kilt isn't too hot in the summer or too cool in the winter.
I haven't work with nylon yet so I'm not sure of the properties of that material and how it holds the pleats or does the swish movement.
It's a learning curve but once you have it into your brain you can wear a kilt almost anywhere.
Cheers
Robert