Added to my kilt collection.

[ThreeGs]

I have been wanting to get a more modern, more casual kilt for a while now and I recently found one at a good price.
I came across this DNKE Sport Utility model which appeared to be in good condition on the Goodwill auction site. I ended up as the high bidder at less than half the price of a new kilt direct from the company.
Upon receipt I discovered the pockets contained a Silica Gel packet and a small ziplock bag with many extra snaps. I doubt this was ever worn before. It is in wonderful shape except for a rip on the inside label and I believe the fit is just about perfect.
Now I have a kilt I can wear while playing yard games and in situations where I wouldn’t want to risk my handed down family tartan kilt.

[12stones]

Congrats on the thrifty find!

[Couper]

Nice find. I have a utility kilt that is similar (from UT Kilts) and my wife just bought me a black utility kilt from GotKilt at the Mall of America (during a visit last month). I use my casual/utility kilts as you describe.

[KiltedBigWave]

What a great find, congrats.

[Troglodyte]

I have seen other posts like this one, showing pictures of this kind of garment - usually described as a utility kilt or the like.

Viewed from here in Scotland (through now aged and rather traditionally-focused eyes) I find myself perplexed. And my recurring response is 'But why..?'

I should add that I have never seeon one being worn here in Scotland, so I am guesing it is 'another culture' thing at play here.

There must be something fundamental in the idea and appeal of these so-called kilts, but what is the attraction or preference over a real kilt - and you all know very well what I mean by that!

Please do not misunderstand me. This is a genuine request for information and enlightenment.

Why would a man prefer a garment of this kind over a properly-made kilt in wool, or even synthetic materials that look the same?

The only reason I can imagine, is that they appeal to men who don't like tartan - but surely the tweed or hodden-grey kilts answer for that. The cut and wearing style makes me think they must be uncomfortable and awkward compared to a traditional kilt.

Is cost the issue?

But, to me, who often sees kilts of superior quality and excellent condition (I mean the eight-yarder in heavyweight wool) for sale in charity shops for £20-£40 (and sometimes much less) that cannot be the reason either.

If there is a definitive answer, or a check-list of preferences I am unaware of, could someone kindly help clear my bewilderment.

Before I get bombarded with 'Choice..!' responses, which I understand of course, I would like to know and understand why the preference, not just that there is one.

[Tobus]

Why would a man prefer a garment of this kind over a properly-made kilt in wool, or even synthetic materials that look the same?

Some people just prefer the different look. These utility kilts started as a bit of a counter-culture thing up in the Pacific Northwest (USA), the same region that brought the world "grunge" music. It was not intended to be related to the Scottish kilt, but rather a unique American invention. So for some people, it's not that they're considering this alongside a traditional tartan kilt. It's a wholly different garment, worn for different reasons.

I do own a Utilikilt, purchased about 13 years ago out of curiosity. I must say it has some advantages in environments where a more traditional cloth simply wouldn't do. For me, that is hiking in the thorny Texas Hill Country where cactus, mesquite, and various other plants along the trails would snag and tear a softer woven cloth. The Utilikilt is made from a canvas material that is much more durable. And with pockets and such, it of course is very handy for toting items that would be uncomfortable when worn in a sporran for this kind of activity.

That said, I own many traditional kilts and prefer them for nearly every sort of activity. But utility kilts do have a following as more of a hard-wearing sort of kilt. Some see it like the difference between blue jeans and slacks.

[Iain Ruaidh]

I should add that I have never seeon one being worn here in Scotland, so I am guesing it is 'another culture' thing at play here.

I saw one at the Corby Highland Gathering this year. Just one.
(And it wasn't me...)

[Jock Scot]

I have seen other posts like this one, showing pictures of this kind of garment - usually described as a utility kilt or the like.

Viewed from here in Scotland (through now aged and rather traditionally-focused eyes) I find myself perplexed. And my recurring response is 'But why..?'

I should add that I have never seeon one being worn here in Scotland, so I am guesing it is 'another culture' thing at play here.

There must be something fundamental in the idea and appeal of these so-called kilts, but what is the attraction or preference over a real kilt - and you all know very well what I mean by that!

Please do not misunderstand me. This is a genuine request for information and enlightenment.

Why would a man prefer a garment of this kind over a properly-made kilt in wool, or even synthetic materials that look the same?

The only reason I can imagine, is that they appeal to men who don't like tartan - but surely the tweed or hodden-grey kilts answer for that. The cut and wearing style makes me think they must be uncomfortable and awkward compared to a traditional kilt.

Is cost the issue?

But, to me, who often sees kilts of superior quality and excellent condition (I mean the eight-yarder in heavyweight wool) for sale in charity shops for £20-£40 (and sometimes much less) that cannot be the reason either.

If there is a definitive answer, or a check-list of preferences I am unaware of, could someone kindly help clear my bewilderment.

Before I get bombarded with 'Choice..!' responses, which I understand of course, I would like to know and understand why the preference, not just that there is one.

I have been perplexed by this same subject ever since I joined this website umpteen years ago. I have yet to receive an answer that I honestly comprehend. I await with interest for answers to your tactful post above. I think that I have only seen three of this type of garment in the wild, here in Scotland.

From long experience, this thread could head downhill pretty quickly, but honest and courteous explanations would be appreciated.

[Troglodyte]

I have been perplexed by this same subject ever since I joined this website umpteen years ago. I have yet to receive an answer that I honestly comprehend. I await with interest for answers to your tactful post above. I think that I have only seen three of this type of garment in the wild, here in Scotland.

From long experience, this thread could head downhill pretty quickly, but honest and courteous explanations would be appreciated.

Well, that's two of us then, Jock...

My query is by no means any kind of a challenge, as I am genuinely puzzled why what we might call a 'real kilt' is shunned in favour of a canvas (I'm guessing that's what they're made from) garment that looks as if it is made on a-la-mode fashion lines.

If worn at the natural waist, their short length would make them similar to a Roman legionary's pteruge (which was supposed to act as a kind of armour) so perhaps that is part of the appeal.

I have seen these canvas garments called 'Tactical Kilts' but this makes me wonder what tactics can, or will, be employed when wearing one, that cannot be done in a traditional wool kilt. The old army kilt has such a long and well-proven history that it being thought of as non-tactical, or inferior to this other type, might raise eyebrows..!

Maybe they provide the answer for those who dislike tartan, or tweed, or wool, but still want a kilt.

I know there is a growing worry about 'cultural appropriation' when it comes to going a-kilted, so perhaps that plays a part in the choice.

Is there anyone who has one of these kilts, but not a traditional woollen tartan kilt?

[Tobus]

If worn at the natural waist, their short length would make them similar to a Roman legionary's pteruge (which was supposed to act as a kind of armour) so perhaps that is part of the appeal.

I'm pretty sure that all of the modern utility kilt designs are meant to be worn down on the hips like trousers. That is actually one of the appeals to people who prefer them over traditional kilts. That said, there's no reason they can't be worn at the natural waist, and indeed when I used to wear mine (I haven't worn it in nearly 10 years) I would wear it higher up like a traditional kilt. I just find that more comfortable.

I have seen these canvas garments called 'Tactical Kilts' but this makes me wonder what tactics can, or will, be employed when wearing one, that cannot be done in a traditional wool kilt. The old army kilt has such a long and well-proven history that it being thought of as non-tactical, or inferior to this other type, might raise eyebrows..!

You may be taking that a bit too seriously. I'm pretty sure that term started out as a joke. The apparel company 5.11 Tactical that makes all sorts of psuedo-military/tactical gear did an April Fool's prank many years back where they featured a "tactical kilt" on their website on April 1st. There was such a positive reaction and high demand for it that they actually had to start making them and selling them. They still carry this item, labeling it a "commando kilt". No one in their right mind really believes that this is a suitable garment for actual military operations that would normally call for tactical gear.

But I have seen people wear them at the shooting range or other outdoor events where they might otherwise be wearing shorts. The pockets and attachment points are handy for holding gear that would normally go in cargo shorts or cargo pants pockets. And a traditional kilt would be way out of place, not only in terms of fashion choice at an American shooting event (you may not understand the nuances of our "gun culture"), but also in terms of appropriateness to the weather. Folks in Scotland may not fully appreciate why an 8-yard woollen garment wouldn't be comfortable in the hot, muggy climate of much of the USA. As an alternative to cargo shorts that provide utilitarian pockets, while also offering the ventilation of a kilt, these utility kilts or "tactical kilts" are actually not a bad choice for certain activities. Would one want to storm an enemy position wearing one? Well, no.