Pre-Owned Kilt Score!

**MinusHD** · 22nd October 15, 01:17 PM

Having been an occasional tartan kilt wearer for about a year and a half, today I’ve taken delivery of my fifth kilt, and my first utility kilt. I found a Craigslist deal that seemed too good to pass up for a Utilikilt “Original” and a Soviet style belt/buckle. I’d been watching the post for a while and the price kept dropping to the point where I just had to go for it.

The seller purchased it new in 2005 and says it was worn only once to attend a concert, then relegated it to the closet. The most obvious risk was the sizing: supposedly a 33” waist with only an “M” on the tag, and I’ve gained a little weight. I did a quick fitting in a restroom stall here at work and thankfully it fits fairly well.

Interesting things to mention:

It was advertised as Brown/Dark Khaki and it was hard to tell from the photos, so I was thinking it was the old Utilikilts “Chocolate” color. However, in person my eyes see it as Olive. Chocolate would have been totally fine with me but I actually prefer the Olive, so this error actually made the deal little sweeter! The kilt is in fantastic shape – it really does appear* to be in “like new” condition as described by the seller.

The belt was advertised as leather. It is not, which is a little disappointing. It’s that plastic/rubber laminated canvas webbing… you know, like an old Soviet belt (which is what I was really expecting to begin with based on the photos). Perhaps it looks enough like leather that he didn’t know? Some might be upset about this error, but I’m not going to. It is still a cool belt that I will definitely wear. I already have the same kind of buckle on a belt that looks similar from a distance but this new belt is superior by far, so I’m getting an upgrade... and it was still a good deal for both items.

* At the seller’s request we had a telephone conversation before agreeing on the deal and before I PayPal’d him. He wanted to go over the items (based on his limited understanding... and poor color recognition) and make sure I was aware that a smoker had been living in the home and the items might have a slight smoke odor. Well, they have a pretty strong smoke odor. I suppose this is subjective. A quick wash should take care of the kilt, and I’m taking suggestions for deodorizing the belt. I do appreciate the seller letting me know ahead of time in case it would have changed my mind.

At the end of the day I believe the guy was being pretty honest, though I believe he was honestly a bit uninformed about the goods he had. Ultimately I think this worked to my advantage, as did his attempt at selling a Utilikilt on the “open market”. Overall I’m very happy with the two items I received for the price I paid, even with the belt not being leather and the smoke odor - and also considering I like the color better. I’ll get the kilt in the wash tonight and post a photo or two once it dries.

**LANCER1562** · 22nd October 15, 08:29 PM

Pictures, please.

**MinusHD** · 23rd October 15, 07:42 AM

After a quick wash and air dry to remove the smoke odor I wore the kilt around the house for a few hours last night. I must report that is turns out to be a little snug, which I had anticipated, so I'll use that as extra motivation to get back to my healthier diet and some exercise... maybe tomorrow (I've been lazy about both, and my physician isn't happy about it either). Even being a little tight, the kilt was still rather comfortable. I like it. The belt got a good dose of Febreze and is currently airing out in the garage. Sorry for the lack of pics thus far. I'll post some of the kilt later tonight, but probably not any of me wearing it yet.

**MinusHD** · 23rd October 15, 10:05 PM

Here are some pics...

Sorry for any orientation issues... I'm uploading from my phone.

**tundramanq** · 24th October 15, 04:04 AM

Looks great!
I have acquired quite a few of my Utilikilts off EBay. Worn once or twice and never washed is quite common and these hold their value quite well at auction.

This one was made in the "floating waist" era with no snaps on the waist band. I usually add the waist snaps just for convenience in donning them and the option of beltless wearing. If it is snug now just leave the waist "floating" and adjust with your belt.
Your kilt is missing the waist tag and the M is the length which denotes 23 inch hem. S = 21.5, M = 23, L = 24.5 in that era. Now days, the length tag is in inches. At te time your kilt was made the tags only had a single stitch line hold them on and quite a few fell off. But I is easy to get the sellers to open it, lay it out flat and actually measure waist and total length - I do if in doubt when the actual sizing tag isn't shown. The newer tags list both pants and true waist sizes.

This year, 2015, the new design Utilikilts went from true waist sizing to pants waist sizing with a Velcro adjustable waist and lacing at the back center pleats.

**MinusHD** · 24th October 15, 02:04 PM

Thanks for responding. I got this one at a steal knowing it may be a little too small. For now I'll enjoy the "floating waist" which allows me to still wear it. Hopefully waist snaps will be an option for me in the future (gotta get back to a healthier lifeststyle). But if the "floating waist" continues to work I will leave it as is.

A long time ago, I can't remember when, I considered ordering a Utilikilt but never had the balls to do it. Years later, when considering a kilt after marrying my new wife (of Irish descent), I also considered Utilikilt because I had no family tartan. After a lot of research and browsing this forum I decided to go with an inexpensive tartan Sport Kilt, which ended up getting me into a wool kilt & casual kilt from USAK. The deal on this Utilikilt was just too good to pass up. Like anyone who has owned one before, I can say it is well constructed and a quality garment. I'm really happy about my purchase because a Utilikilt was the first kilt I ever seriously considered purchasing. At this point I've come full circle and ready to see where I can squeeze a kilt into a more broad spectrum of my wardrobe... This will be a long journey for me.

**mikepalmer** · 2nd November 15, 11:28 AM

I got an eBay utilikilt last week like new. 2004 vintage. All my kilts seem to have things I like and do not like. This kilt is very light and has the open waist and is the best for modest sitting as the apron is light and covers eaisly. My stumptown has the best waist and my UT has the best pockets. I love the USA made that wrinkle less.

**RectaPete** · 16th November 15, 09:18 PM

That is one sweet kilt. Wear with pride!

**jthk** · 19th November 15, 07:25 PM

Originally Posted by MinusHD

Here are some pics...

Sorry for any orientation issues... I'm uploading from my phone.

That's exactly what I have as well -- except mine is a 35 which is too big! I would prefer a 34. Mine, also, was purchased (off of eBay) for a deal and I love it ... just wish it was a 34-ish. Hey, want to do a trade?

Jonathan

**MinusHD** · 19th November 15, 11:16 PM

Originally Posted by jthk

That's exactly what I have as well -- except mine is a 35 which is too big! I would prefer a 34. Mine, also, was purchased (off of eBay) for a deal and I love it ... just wish it was a 34-ish. Hey, want to do a trade?

Jonathan

That would have been a good idea a few weeks ago, but I've been able to slim down since I got this kilt and the waist is fitting pretty well tonight.