Utlikilts

[highlandcelt]

While we're on the subject of Utilikilts --

I've seen more than one member who reported that an original UK was his first kilt. Makes sense to me, as I've decided that an original UK is almost certainly going to be =my= first kilt. So how does everyone like the UK? How heavy is it, as far as the weight of the fabric goes? How good of an insulator is it? Is it warm enough for wearing in the fall months? I ask because it's going to be September at the earliest before I pick one up, and I'd like to not have to wait six months before I could comfortably wear it.

I love mine! I have a black original UK. It isn't my first kilt. The original is a light weight fabric, pleats lay nicely, the pockets in front are plenty large enough, how ever, the back pocket is a tad small for my wallet. Therefore, I am in the market for a nice sporran that will go with the type of attire I wear with my UK. I usually dress kind of goth. Big heavy 2 inch thick soled boots, studded belt, black shirts, all black hat, and usually have my clans tartan fly on (Baird modern).
It keeps me warm enough up here in VA during the fall months even though I ALWAYS go "commando" with my kilts.
The other kilt I have is one that I bought from an old guy that makes them up here. However, I think he has since passed on to the Great Hall of Celtic Men. It is a phillabeg tartan done in the earth-tone colors. Made from Heavy weight wool. Very scratchy! But, very warm.
Good luck in yer venture of obtaining yer UK! I think you will enjoy it!

[Hamish]

Ham,

As we say in Texas, ya got more kilts than ya can shake a stick at!!

I really enjoyed your album. I was wondering if your album is in chronological order ... it seemed your kilts got longer the deeper into the album I went.

Hi Chris,
The first few pages are probably not in strict chronological order since I had some of the kilts before I began the album. However, the general idea is that I add new photos as new kilts come along - and I always date them now.

I wear my kilts above my knees, an inch or two ... they just seem to be more comfortable and much cooler, but they are also shorter than most fellows wear them on here. Basically I order all my kilts 20 inches long. When working and hiking in SportKilts I often roll down the waste so the kilt is 18 inches long.

What is your opinion on kilt length? Have you purchased longer kilts more recently? If so, why?

All the Best,

Chris Webb

I don't really have much of an opinion on kilt length. Much depends upon the style of kilt. I guess though that I am now wearing my traditional kilts a shade longer than I did, say 20 years ago - at the age of 70, I just feel it is more 'seemly'! On the whole, I still wear them just at the top of the knee-cap. Camera angles can lengthen or shorten the kilt too!

[arrogcow]

While we're on the subject of Utilikilts --

I've seen more than one member who reported that an original UK was his first kilt. Makes sense to me, as I've decided that an original UK is almost certainly going to be =my= first kilt. So how does everyone like the UK? How heavy is it, as far as the weight of the fabric goes? How good of an insulator is it? Is it warm enough for wearing in the fall months? I ask because it's going to be September at the earliest before I pick one up, and I'd like to not have to wait six months before I could comfortably wear it.

Coldest I've worn an original UK is 7F, and that was with a leather jacket and wool kilt hose. Actually temp is only one factor in wearing them. The coldest I have ever felt in a UK (or any kilt for that matter) is when it is about 42F wincy and raining. Now the UK survival is actually the warmest, and the Workman's is the coldest in my opinion. All are fairly bullet proof, just yesterday I was wearing my first UK (Olive Original) that is nearly 5 years old.

Yes I wear them year round, but colder weather always means a heavy jacket, or my wool overcoat and real kilt hose. As long as your upper body is kept warm, you really don't feel the cold on your legs that much. I know it seems counterintuitive, but try it sometime go outside on a cold day in a UK (AK, PK, FK etc.) see how you feel, then put on a pair of jeans and repeat. The kilt holds a pocket of warm air (mitten effect) where as the p@#ts actually allow cold air to circulate around your legs.

Adam

[Freedomlover]

I just sold a neo traditional (now called 'original'). Could not stand the rolling of the front pleats that made the thing look like I was wearing a set of horns. I have one of the zip front models from the first 500, and a painter's and love them both. But naturally the zip front has been gone for quite a while and the painter's was disacontinued last year. Both are now pretty much rags, fit for use around the shop, but not in public. I seriously doubt I'll buy another.

[arrogcow]

I just sold a neo traditional (now called 'original'). Could not stand the rolling of the front pleats that made the thing look like I was wearing a set of horns. I have one of the zip front models from the first 500, and a painter's and love them both. But naturally the zip front has been gone for quite a while and the painter's was disacontinued last year. Both are now pretty much rags, fit for use around the shop, but not in public. I seriously doubt I'll buy another.

The painters was discontinued well over a year ago (it was more like 3 years ago), now the white Workman's was only discontinued about a year ago.

Adam

[Freedomlover]

Key word "discontinued". What I meant to convey is that if a shop doesn't have what I want I don't spend my money there. Others have different requirements, and all can buy what they like.

[CameronTaylor]

I have to admit that I'm not very keen on some of their more recent creations - that ghastly silky, satin 'thing', for example!

Oh My Gawd, you weren't kidding ...


CT - still wondering why they can't build a mocker in denim (unrepentant cargo pocket hater)

[Kilted Taper]

Oh My Gawd, you weren't kidding ...


CT - still wondering why they can't build a mocker in denim (unrepentant cargo pocket hater)

I'll admit it, I own a green spartan, and my wife wants a purple one. It doesn't get much wear outside the house though. Typically under dark of night when I'm walking the dogs. But I must say, it's damn comfortable to wear!

[arrogcow]

Oh My Gawd, you weren't kidding ...

While I agree that they are gastly looking, I got one last summer anyway. I don't wear it out, but around the house it is almost the only thing I wear. It is the most comfortable thing I own. As has been said before, "It's like wearing naked."

Adam

[arrogcow]

Key word "discontinued". What I meant to convey is that if a shop doesn't have what I want I don't spend my money there. Others have different requirements, and all can buy what they like.

I understand, I just made the correction because there sometimes seems to be confusion with styles. For instance, another poster here said he had considered buying a painters right before they were discontinued, and then talked about first learning of UK about a year ago. Ergo, he had never seen a painters for sale (there is a difference in pockets as well as two metal rings to hang stuff from). I personally want them to bring the painters model back (but in colors other than white).

I also had a standard (zipper) briefly, and couldn't stand the thing. I wore it in public once and then sold it.

Adam