Utilikilts - Polling the experts

[Makeitstop]

So, I'm planning on getting a Utilikilt. I just don't know which one I want. Since I am a poor student, I can really only afford one for the foreseeable future, so I want as much info as possible. Luckily I've got time, as I won't be buying it until I finish getting into shape (nothing like dropping $200 on a kilt that doesn't fit after a few weeks) so I should have a few months to decide, and maybe even try one on if I can find them at an event somewhere.

Given my budget and fashion sense, the models I would be considering are:

Original - Tan
Jean Cut - Black
Mocker - Black
Workman - black


There are several issues I am concerned about.

1) Temperature - I'm an extremely warm blooded guy. I have to carry freezer packs in the summer, and roll around in the snow (while wearing shorts sandals and a t-shirt) just to cool off after being inside in the winter. While I'm sure the ventilation will be helpful for all, the colder the better.

2) Durability/Maintenance - I need something that will last, and which will require as little time and effort as possible. If it can't take some real abuse, or will need lots of ironing etc. then I will not be happy.

3) The Butt - Quite frankly, my backside is a thing of beauty. It's glorious really. In all honesty, it's a national treasure. As such, I need a kilt which looks good on the backside, neither exaggerating or completely obscuring it.


Those are the big issues I need help with, but any other comments or opinions are entirely welcome.

[MysticMead]

There are several issues I am concerned about.

1) Temperature - I'm an extremely warm blooded guy. I have to carry freezer packs in the summer, and roll around in the snow (while wearing shorts sandals and a t-shirt) just to cool off after being inside in the winter. While I'm sure the ventilation will be helpful for all, the colder the better.

2) Durability/Maintenance - I need something that will last, and which will require as little time and effort as possible. If it can't take some real abuse, or will need lots of ironing etc. then I will not be happy.

3) The Butt - Quite frankly, my backside is a thing of beauty. It's glorious really. In all honesty, it's a national treasure. As such, I need a kilt which looks good on the backside, neither exaggerating or completely obscuring it.


Those are the big issues I need help with, but any other comments or opinions are entirely welcome.

well... all of the kilts you listed should provide you with better cooling than pants or shorts.. for durability....you can't beat a workmans model... those things are tough... for the 3rd item... sorry... but unless you have a custom made kilt, then none are going to showcase yer backside. it's all in the taper... a custom made kilt will be tapered to fit you...the fell would be to fit you.... a Utilikilt is at a set fell and taper...one that'll work for most of the customers...

don't get me wrong.... I love my Utilikilts...

[Yaish]

Based on those models, I think the warmest would be the denim, and the coolest either the mocker or the original.
I dont find the workmans very warm either, and I'm also hot blooded. I sleep on top of the covers with the A/C on all summer, and never run the heater in the winter.

For durability you just can NOT beat the workmans model, but it will require some ironing if you let it get wet and dont smooth it out. Otherwise, it's pretty maintenance free.

[Panache]

I own a Utilikilt Mocker and it is a very durable and handsome kilt.

Looking at your choices I would say that the Workmans is the coolest looking of the bunch and the Mocker is the most versatile (it can be dressed up or down quite nicely). Either will serve you well.

Before you commit to Utilikilts might I suggest that you do yourself a favor and look at Freedom Kilts, Union Kilts, and R Kilts. Comparison shopping is always a good idea. These companies all do modern kilts, and the first two are XMTS sponsors. You can customize The Freedom Kilt in a variety of ways that isn't an option with a Utilikilt.

I really like my Utilikilt and have the feeling it will outlast everything else in my modest kilt collection. But if I knew then what I know know I think i would have ordered a Freedom kilt instead just because I could have the features I wanted (like a higher rise) which weren't options with a UK.

Cheers

Jamie

[Makeitstop]

I own a Utilikilt Mocker and it is a very durable and handsome kilt.

Looking at your choices I would say that the Workmans is the coolest looking of the bunch and the Mocker is the most versatile (it can be dressed up or down quite nicely). Either will serve you well.

Before you commit to Utilikilts might I suggest that you do yourself a favor and look at Freedom Kilts, Union Kilts, and R Kilts. Comparison shopping is always a good idea. These companies all do modern kilts, and the first two are XMTS sponsors. You can customize The Freedom Kilt in a variety of ways that isn't an option with a Utilikilt.

I really like my Utilikilt and have the feeling it will outlast everything else in my modest kilt collection. But if I knew then what I know know I think i would have ordered a Freedom kilt instead just because I could have the features I wanted (like a higher rise) which weren't options with a UK.

Cheers

Jamie

I have looked at freedom kilts, and I don't really like the style quite as much as the Utilikilts. This wouldn't be enough to rule them out, but after customizing their cheapest kilt to my liking, I found the price tag quickly approaching the $300 mark. And that price issue is keeping me away from the R Kilts as well. Union kilts are priced competitively with Utilikilts, and certainly warrant further consideration.



I am leaning towards the workmans. Originally I wasn't even going to consider it due to the price, and even now that is the main reason I am considering the others. But it is just so cool, and given the extra manliness of the workmans, I would probably be more comfortable wearing it around here, as there is not going to be another kilt in at least a 50 mile radius, and many of my friends are already warning me never to wear a "skirt" in public.

The mocker has a nice simple style, certainly looks comfortable, would have less of the punk/goth feel to it, and for the 2 times a year that I need something formal, it would be nice.

The denim seems tough, and cheaper than a workman, but not quite as cool. I am leaning away from it, but could easily change my mind if I get a chance to try one on.

The original is cheap, and the tan would be good for the summer. I will definitely want one (or something similar) at some point, and for the price of a workmans, I could almost buy 2 of these.

I would also consider a spartan if they would just drop the price by about 85%.

[morrison]

... ...
...I am leaning towards the workmans. Originally I wasn't even going to consider it due to the price, and even now that is the main reason I am considering the others. But it is just so cool, and given the extra manliness of the workmans, I would probably be more comfortable wearing it around here, as there is not going to be another kilt in at least a 50 mile radius, and many of my friends are already warning me never to wear a "skirt" in public.... ... ... ...

....... comfortable wearing it around here,... ...friends are already warning me never to wear a "skirt" in public.
Hmmm!?



Ah TENNNNN HUT
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KILT ...... ON

[Kid Cossack]

OK, you asked about Utilikilts so that's where I'll start!

My "original" Utilikilt was, umm, an Original in OD. Then I added a couple of Mockers in OD and khaki, and a Workman's in black off the Scratch'n'Dent list (which seems to be gone from the website).

The material in the Workman's is STIFF with a capital S, T, I, and two capital Fs. Frankly, too stiff for my taste.

Of them all, I think I like the Mockers best (noting that I've no experience with the Jeans cut UK). I don't really care for the cargo pockets on a kilt, although they are quite functional. The Mocker pockets will hold a ton of gear, too.

None of them are going to really show off your rump, sorry. For that, you'll want something tailored. Rocky still isn't giving me kickbacks no matter how much I praise him, but if I was starting all over again, my first kilt would be a USAK casual. Five yards of poly-viscose (good PV, too), with the pleats sewn down, it is the perfect "beater" kilt. As Cameron Swayze used to say about the Timex watch, it'll take a lickin' and keep on tickin'.

And at the risk of opening up a whole other can of worms, I think it's easier to mistake a UK for a skirt than a tartan kilt. (Heck, for that matter, it's probably easier to mistake any solid kilt for a skirt than a tartan kilt---and I've got three or four solid kilts that I really love.)

[Finn]

Here goes... I have three UKs. Love 'em all. My best UK for the heat is my NeoTrad (Original) OD, which is a 21" length. Short, but good for summer, as it rides low on my hips. However, my new USAK casual is the coolest by far. The material breathes much better and is considerably lighter. UKs are very durable.
As for the butt... I'm vain also and feel that my off the peg UKs do a good job with it. 'Course, I'm on the slender side (don't know about you).
Good luck to you!

Finn

[Kilted_John]

Have one. A black survival. It's ok. I usually wear it when I know I'm doing stuff that wouldn't be traditional kilt-safe. The black cotton fabric hasn't held up very well over the past couple years, and this is probably going to be the last year I wear it for anything but working on cars or doing gardening... It's getting pretty tattered. The cotton fabric is neither really warm during the winter, or cool during the summer, unfortunately. In fact, my 13 oz wool 9-yard Lennox District tartan kilt is cooler in the summer and warmer during the winter. I'd wear that one more often, except that it definitely turns me into a runaway X-mas ornament...

If I had to do it all over again, I would've gone with a Freedom Kilt. My next casual will probably be one, in fact. No slight to UK. Their products are nice, but not really my type anymore.

-J

[Raphael]

I have 3 and I love them all. My first one was a black original and I added a postal blue original within months. My third one is a Black Workman and it is a very solid kilt. The silver buttons look cool and I get compliment every where I go. Also, Utilikilts started the casual kilt trend, they are classic.

Although I have a feeling that I will be buying a second kilt from r-kilts next year.