UK: Mocker vs. Original?

**Hamish** · 3rd July 06, 04:33 PM

I have eleven Utilikilts, six of which are Originals and four are Workman's. The Mocker does not feature in my Kilt Kollection. Quite simply, I think it looks to 'skirty' and, being the butch sort of guy that I am (!), I really do not think it would suit me. I just LOVE the cargo pockets on the Originals and the Workman's models, so there!

As for 'dressier' Utilikilts: it's just my 'umble opinion, but I do not believe any Utilikilt can be dressed up - the fabrics just do not lend themselves to being dressy. Utilikilts are the kilt wearer's blue jeans - can be worn for really tough working conditions or for clean casual wear, but not for anything dressy! And that is why they are so important to us full-time kilt wearers.

Believe me. I am a kilt wearer, and I know!

**Panache** · 3rd July 06, 04:53 PM

I respectful disagree with Hamish. I think the UK Mocker is the best of the Utilikilts. It is the only one (in my humble opinion) that can be dressed up or down. I have worn it hiking with kindergarteners and worn it out on the town with my lovely Flame-Haired Celtic Amazon Goddess. It is comfortable and very low maintenance. Granted I am not so "Butch" as Hamish. So I don't have to maintain such a macho personae. I think it's great. It may not be everybody's cup up tea, but it is mine*. Those who challenge this risk getting squirted with a super-soaker.

Cheers

* actually my cup of tea is generally green tea, but oh well it sounded good

**pbpersson** · 3rd July 06, 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by Panache

I respectful disagree with Hamish. I think the UK Mocker is the best of the Utilikilts. It is the only one (in my humble opinion) that can be dressed up or down. I have worn it hiking with kindergarteners and worn it out on the town with my lovely Flame-Haired Celtic Amazon Goddess. It is comfortable and very low maintenance.

I guess my main question is this - let's say a person does not have hundreds of dollars to spend on "traditional" kilts and wants to wear something to work (business environment) or church on Sunday. If you only have say $150 to spend, do you go with the Mocker or the Original with the big floppy pockets on the outside......or does one say that kilts cannot be worn for "dressier" events until they win the lottery?

**Raphael** · 3rd July 06, 05:43 PM

Originally Posted by pbpersson

I guess my main question is this - let's say a person does not have hundreds of dollars to spend on "traditional" kilts and wants to wear something to work (business environment) or church on Sunday. If you only have say $150 to spend, do you go with the Mocker or the Original with the big floppy pockets on the outside......or does one say that kilts cannot be worn for "dressier" events until they win the lottery?

I would shop at Stillwater Kilts. $150 will get you a nice kilt and a sporran.

**highlandcelt** · 3rd July 06, 06:22 PM

I have the "Original" model from UK, in black, and I love it! The only thing I don't like about it is the rear pocket. It is a tad too small to accommodate my wallet. I've had mine about 3 maybe 4 years, and it has faded just a wee bit in color, but not really too noticeable, unless I wear a brand new black shirt. It is very light-weight and very comfy. Other than the pocket, I can't complain.

**macwilkin** · 3rd July 06, 07:30 PM

Originally Posted by pbpersson

I guess my main question is this - let's say a person does not have hundreds of dollars to spend on "traditional" kilts and wants to wear something to work (business environment) or church on Sunday. If you only have say $150 to spend, do you go with the Mocker or the Original with the big floppy pockets on the outside......or does one say that kilts cannot be worn for "dressier" events until they win the lottery?

Or save the $150, add a wee bit more to it, and you can have a nice 4-yard box-pleated kilt from our own Matt Newsome, kiltmaker and curator of the Scottish Tartans Museum:

http://kilts.albanach.org/

My frugal Scottish grandmother always said, "good things come to those who wait" -- If you really want a traditional, then you will be willing to save up for it -- it makes it even more special when you do get it.

T.

**Raphael** · 3rd July 06, 05:18 PM

Originally Posted by Hamish

As for 'dressier' Utilikilts: it's just my 'umble opinion, but I do not believe any Utilikilt can be dressed up - the fabrics just do not lend themselves to being dressy. Utilikilts are the kilt wearer's blue jeans - can be worn for really tough working conditions or for clean casual wear, but not for anything dressy! And that is why they are so important to us full-time kilt wearers.

Believe me. I am a kilt wearer, and I know!

I agree with Hamish 100%.

I have tried to wear a tie with my UK and the tie stood out like a sore thumb. I don't even like to wear a dress/business shirt with my Uk. They are too casual. However, T-shirts and Polo Shirts are perfect with them.

In addition, I will never wear my kilt hose with my UK as well. Just because they cost over $125, that doesn't mean that they are dressy enough for the corporate world or semi formal events.

**arrogcow** · 3rd July 06, 07:49 PM

Originally Posted by Hamish

As for 'dressier' Utilikilts: it's just my 'umble opinion, but I do not believe any Utilikilt can be dressed up - the fabrics just do not lend themselves to being dressy. Utilikilts are the kilt wearer's blue jeans - can be worn for really tough working conditions or for clean casual wear, but not for anything dressy! And that is why they are so important to us full-time kilt wearers.

I don't think that most of us are talking about formal/semi formal, when we are saying dressier. I personally think of the original and workmans as something I would have worn jeans for in the past, and the mocker as something I would wear instead of a pair of khakis. Granted the original fits this bill as well, but the without pockets makes it lood a little classier (is that batter than dressier). Now again I also prefer the original, I just wear the mocker when I want to be a tad nicer than plain casual.

Adam
1 mocker
4 originals (if you count the denim)
5 workman's
2 survivals
1 PK (that falls in the same catagory as the mocker)

**pbpersson** · 3rd July 06, 10:18 PM

Okay....well let's see.....

Yes, the Mocker is wonderful and you can't go wrong

No, the Mocker is not manly enough and I would never wear one

It is the best kilt ever, don't leave home without it

All the negative comments on my kilts have been Mockers

Does anyone else have any input??

**Rex_Tremende** · 4th July 06, 06:32 AM

Originally Posted by pbpersson

Does anyone else have any input??

I think what you have just discovered is that there are as many opinions here as there are people. You'll just have to drain your checking account and form your own. Check out the photos, listen to what people have to offer, but in the end, your likes and dislikes will have to come from your own experience, values, beliefs, and expectations.

Sorry, bud,
Rex in Cincinnati