New use for 5.11 Tactical

**MNlad** · 23rd March 16, 07:04 AM

Had a little day surgery yesterday south of the waistline (hernia). Among the long list of instructions prior to the operation was the advice to wear loose fitting clothing—no jeans—to the surgery center. I got more than a few double takes when I showed up kilted.

I've learned from prior experience that when they say, "there may be some swelling," they really mean there WILL be swelling. The surgical nurse took one look at my 5.11 and said it was about the most practical attire she had ever seen at the center for that particular operation.

All went well, and I was on my way home four hours later; the kilt waistband snapped and belted well above the incisions. Yet another occasion where a kilt is the appropriate attire.

Sorry, but no pix. My mind was elsewhere at the time.

**MinusHD** · 23rd March 16, 07:22 AM

I will definitely keep this option in mind for the future (knock on wood). Too bad you didn't get a picture for the current challenge in our Kilted Photo Challenge Game.

**Tarheel** · 23rd March 16, 03:49 PM

I think besides your mind being preoccupied, photos are not necessary after the type of treatment you had. I'll take your word on the outcome knowing the kilt was preventing the discomfort tightly fitting clothes would have. Glad to hear all is well.

**Benning Boy** · 24th March 16, 03:14 PM

Thirteen years ago I developed prostate cancer -- attributed to much agent orange exposure. I opted to have it treated with a combination of external beam radiation and radioactive seeding, which worked quite well. During the external beam phase I was required to lay quite still while an x-ray like machine did it's work. I was tattooed wiith dots in three places so lasers could be used to help position me exactly the same each day. To keep things simple, I wore a kilt, which was fine for driving to treatment, waiting in the waiting room and being zapped. When it came time for the treatments, I walked into the radiation room, lay on the table, and flipped my kilt up so I could be aligned with the lasers and zapped by the big machine. When done, I just reversed the process. The treatment team thought the kilt a very good idea. Others had to go into little changing rooms and get into a hospital gown before their treatments. I was able to avoid that nuisance.

**okiwen** · 24th March 16, 08:03 PM

I have photos somewhere of me with the surgeon just as I was released with the kilt and the leg in a locked brace. He mentioned how very practical and loved it. Wore kilts to work while braced out too.

**mikepalmer** · 26th April 16, 02:42 PM

lLooking at the 511 and wanted to know how the sizing is. Utilikilt is dead on at 40. the TDK looks a bit longer so I might wear it higher than the UK or my stump town. Seem like great folks when I called but could not measure on for me. Your help is appreciated. conquedal@Hotmail.com

**Steve Ashton** · 26th April 16, 03:46 PM

Mike,

It took a while but here are the instructions directly from the 5.11 site.

"Men: Utilize your chest, arm length and neck measurements to determine the proper size for tops, outerwear or jumpsuits; utilize your waist measurement (where you wear your pants) for bottoms."

We always encourage guys to follow the measuring instructions provided by the person who will actually make your kilt. We warn to NEVER use one manufacturers measurements, fit, or instructions to order from a different manufacturer.

A 5.11 is not, and is not intended to be, a traditional kilt. How and where you would wear the waist or hem of a traditional kilt does not apply here. The whole idea with the non-traditional kilt like garments is that they should be comfortable given your personal body shape and sense of style.

**mikepalmer** · 26th April 16, 06:13 PM

Originally Posted by Steve Ashton

Mike,

It took a while but here are the instructions directly from the 5.11 site.

"Men: Utilize your chest, arm length and neck measurements to determine the proper size for tops, outerwear or jumpsuits; utilize your waist measurement (where you wear your pants) for bottoms."

We always encourage guys to follow the measuring instructions provided by the person who will actually make your kilt. We warn to NEVER use one manufacturers measurements, fit, or instructions to order from a different manufacturer.

A 5.11 is not, and is not intended to be, a traditional kilt. How and where you would wear the waist or hem of a traditional kilt does not apply here. The whole idea with the non-traditional kilt like garments is that they should be comfortable given your personal body shape and sense of style.

Thanks Steve, it would be so much easier if they put the measurement of the garment rather than a phantom size. I think most people can read a tape measure. On your site you make it easy to understand the kilt and measurements and I think you have done a great job! Others should follow. I should be thankful we are not dealing with woman's sizes.

**MNlad** · 27th April 16, 05:21 PM

While not having ordered one this year, TDKs in past years have had a tendency to run generous for the size marked, just like jeans. While my waist measures 35.5", the 34" waist fits me a lot better than the 36". Your mileage may vary. Good luck; they're great hot weather wear.

**trebor** · 15th July 16, 05:20 PM

Originally Posted by mikepalmer

Thanks Steve, it would be so much easier if they put the measurement of the garment rather than a phantom size. I think most people can read a tape measure.

I agree but I saw one kilt company change to "pants size" rather than actual size because too many people ignored their sizing instructions and ordered their vanity pants size.

I would love for all clothes to switch to a tape measure size. But people don't want to heard the truth about how large they are.