511 Tactical kilt is back

**rmccool** · 1st April 17, 05:18 PM

Well, I only have six of them, so it was time to order another couple of TDKs... especially since a few of my existing TDKs have shrunk (or, at least, that's what I tell myself) and no longer fit comfortably.

They're certainly not for those who believe that the only "real" kilts are made from wool woven in a tartan pattern and worn at the natural waist, as they're about as "contemporary" as a kilt can get, but they're the most comfortable lower garments that I own - period. I'm just glad that I'm able to wear them to work on casual days.

**PerkinsJ7007** · 1st April 17, 07:58 PM

I was exited when I saw these back on the market, I had thought about buying one before but never got around it. For those of you who own these, how do they compare to other contemporary kilt companies like UT Kilts and Utility Kilts?

**kiltedcontractor** · 2nd April 17, 04:33 AM

Originally Posted by PerkinsJ7007

I was exited when I saw these back on the market, I had thought about buying one before but never got around it. For those of you who own these, how do they compare to other contemporary kilt companies like UT Kilts and Utility Kilts?

I have 2 and just ordered 3 more. That might tell you i like them. 5.11 are much lighter than utilikilts. There are no pleats in back. The lack of pleats makes them very comfortable to drive in (i do a lot of road trips and driving). They seem to be a little snug on hips likely do to lack of pleats. These kilts are very tough. I wear them to work everyday.....im a general contractor. Hope that helps.

**farraway** · 2nd April 17, 06:06 AM

I've looked at these before but can't find any information on a drop length so I'm not sure how measure my waist. Does anyone have one they could measure so I could get an idea on if I need to size at my jeans waist or my natural waist?

**kiltedcontractor** · 2nd April 17, 08:13 AM

Originally Posted by farraway

I've looked at these before but can't find any information on a drop length so I'm not sure how measure my waist. Does anyone have one they could measure so I could get an idea on if I need to size at my jeans waist or my natural waist?

I used pants waist last year and they are sligntly snug. I ordered larger size this year. If worn at pants waist....kilt hangs at bottom or below knee.

**farraway** · 2nd April 17, 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by kiltedcontractor

I used pants waist last year and they are sligntly snug. I ordered larger size this year. If worn at pants waist....kilt hangs at bottom or below knee.

For comparison sake, how tall are you?

**kiltedcontractor** · 2nd April 17, 08:20 AM

Originally Posted by farraway

For comparison sake, how tall are you?

Im 5' 10" ish but short legged and long torso for height. I just measured kilt ...it is 24" from top of belt loop to bottom. They are designed to be worn like jeans.

**BrianGinQC** · 24th April 17, 07:58 PM

Originally Posted by rmccool

Well, I only have six of them, so it was time to order another couple of TDKs... especially since a few of my existing TDKs have shrunk (or, at least, that's what I tell myself) and no longer fit comfortably.

They're certainly not for those who believe that the only "real" kilts are made from wool woven in a tartan pattern and worn at the natural waist, as they're about as "contemporary" as a kilt can get, but they're the most comfortable lower garments that I own - period. I'm just glad that I'm able to wear them to work on casual days.

So how "small" are those TDKs that have shrunk? Any chance you'll let go of them?

**tundramanq** · 26th April 17, 07:57 AM

Does anyone actually follow the instruction tag and close and snap all snaps for washing inside out and then tumble dry? Do you have to touch up iron?

I follow the Utilikilt routine of washing ( gentle, cool, in a front loader ), open, removable pockets removed. Then I tug the apron edges, double clip hanger dry with weighted clothes pinned pleats. I never need to press these kilts. Hanging and pinning for drying only takes about 5 minutes as there are only 12 pleat and apron edges to do. They dry quite fast on my kilt drying rack ( 4-5 hours ) with a pair of very quiet, low velocity fans blowing up from the bottom. Half the dry time of cotton denim Utilikilts. These are my recent replacement fans as I wore out the original ones - 8W X 2 fans = 16W. Ball bearing and I can't hear them running from 6 feet away.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Stitched pleat edge thread tends to try to shrink the edge length, making rumples at the edge if you don't tug and stretch them out while still damp. The TDKs aprons have a triple row of stitching around the apron edges and so they need a really good tug and one ounce weighted pins to prevent rumpling and causing the under apron pleats to want to splay from a shortened apron edge.

**Geoff Withnell** · 12th September 17, 09:16 AM

Originally Posted by tundramanq

Does anyone actually follow the instruction tag and close and snap all snaps for washing inside out and then tumble dry? Do you have to touch up iron?

Stitched pleat edge thread tends to try to shrink the edge length, making rumples at the edge if you don't tug and stretch them out while still damp. The TDKs aprons have a triple row of stitching around the apron edges and so they need a really good tug and one ounce weighted pins to prevent rumpling and causing the under apron pleats to want to splay from a shortened apron edge.

I have several TDKs, and HAVEN'T followed that procedure, just washed, tumble dry until damp, and then hangup, and I have not seen any rumpling.