Most comfortable kilt? At any price.

**KiltedPilot** · 25th August 07, 07:14 AM

Thanks for all the great replies.

I notice one of the common answers for most comfortable kilt was "Sport Kilt". I have two, and I agree -- they are very comfortable.

My question, then, is can the particular features that make a Sport Kilt comfortable be incorporated into a better made kilt? Just what are those features?

Or is it that Sport Kilts are comfortable precisely because they are basic and (relatively) cheap kilts? Do the precautions one takes with more valued kilts often contribute to the discomfort?

KP

creativeaccents · 25th August 07, 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by KiltedPilot

Thanks for all the great replies.

can the particular features that make a Sport Kilt comfortable be incorporated into a better made kilt? Just what are those features?

Or is it that Sport Kilts are comfortable precisely because they are basic and (relatively) cheap kilts?

KP

My question also!

AND an issue of concern is that I noticed on the UTILIKILT site that their design, or at least the paneled configuration, is patented. Some simple research indicates that the is/was a patent on file for the "bifurcated panel". Were they the first to ever develop and distribute such a paneled kilt configuration or is this more a marketing factor of their having been the first to seek a patent. From what I have seen, most of the other sport, utility, leisure, or contemporary kilts now being manufactured or distributed have such a bifurcated panel design and I do seem to recall the same design in girls skirts in high school in the sixties. Even on kulots (sp?), a modifed kilt/short, many had a front panel. Seemingly, the patent is either no longer in existence or not considered an issue. I am NOT an attorney, but would welcome some clarification or feedback.

Does UTILIKILT manufacture their kilts in the U.S. or are they too from elsewhere?

I mention these concerns in relation to the comfort issue as the simple use of panels to simplify construction while increasing comfort would be a concern in any new design. SO, what does the patent really cover or exclude?

Back to the comfort issue..

"2. this is a new idea I'm assuming this is to cover the zipper. I don't think I would want too much decoration where the boys are. I would be uncomfortable having people stare there." The zipper would be at the top of the back panel. The decor would be atop the front panel well above "the boys", a simple decor element of stiching to add a bit of understated style, but with no weight or, excuse the pun, other hardware. Instead of just a large rectangular panel, a bit of definition at the top by way of stitching to define a very small "faux sporran".

"3. Utilikilts ... They also had pleats all around to the front." In my concept, panels around the front, with pleats starting behind and below the pocket. NOT a wrapped kilt, but a "step in" with no excess of layers of cloth due to wrapping or having extra material above the normal pants style beltline. Trying to reduce weight and multiple layers.

4." I'm a little confused by mid hip " The zipper would be at the top on the back in the center of a plain panel that would be neither a square nor a rectangle but tapered on the sides toward the middle of the base of the panel (narrower on the bottm than the top..like a bifurcated triangle to match the flow at the base of the spine, cocyx and scapula. The pleats beginning at the back of the sides under and behind the pockets and continuing around the natural flow of the rear end. The top on the pleats would start at the waist band and flow beneath the central top panel as well (which would also have decorative stiching to complement the front, minimal and simple stitching)

Able to be worn with an everyday style of belt and fitting like shorts around the waist, the comfort would come from an ease of wear, nothing around the belly, less fabric, choice of the proper fabric that would flow and not wrinkle excessively, height just above the knee. Still can't decide about the pockets...size, placement, style? What is most comfortable without a lot of bulk or detracting from the style?

**jordanjm** · 25th August 07, 01:09 PM

My 16 oz Tank is my most comfy kilt.

**majdan** · 28th August 07, 04:11 PM

I have the following kilts:

A semi trad from Rocky
a 5 yrd Scottish hand made
2 Sport's Kilts
1 SWK thrifty
1 SWK econo
1 SWK Heavyweight
1 16 oz from FC
1 13 oz from FC
and two flannel kilts I made myself (The brothers Mac Bedsheet)

The "Most comfortable" kilt I own is the second flannel kilt I made although Rocky's is far and away the best looking.

**Mark Keeney** · 28th August 07, 04:51 PM

Originally Posted by creativeaccents

My question also!

AND an issue of concern is that I noticed on the UTILIKILT site that their design, or at least the paneled configuration, is patented. Some simple research indicates that the is/was a patent on file for the "bifurcated panel". Were they the first to ever develop and distribute such a paneled kilt configuration or is this more a marketing factor of their having been the first to seek a patent. From what I have seen, most of the other sport, utility, leisure, or contemporary kilts now being manufactured or distributed have such a bifurcated panel design and I do seem to recall the same design in girls skirts in high school in the sixties. Even on kulots (sp?), a modified kilt/short, many had a front panel. Seemingly, the patent is either no longer in existence or not considered an issue. I am NOT an attorney, but would welcome some clarification or feedback.

Does UTILIKILT manufacture their kilts in the U.S. or are they too from elsewhere?

I mention these concerns in relation to the comfort issue as the simple use of panels to simplify construction while increasing comfort would be a concern in any new design. SO, what does the patent really cover or exclude?

"3. Utilikilts ... They also had pleats all around to the front." In my concept, panels around the front, with pleats starting behind and below the pocket. NOT a wrapped kilt, but a "step in" with no excess of layers of cloth due to wrapping or having extra material above the normal pants style beltline. Trying to reduce weight and multiple layers.

From my understanding the patent is on the style of pleating. The pleats on both sides go to the back with the center back pleat being an inverse box pleat. I believe the patent was for the standard model which had a zipper and pleats all around to the zipper. UK's now have a wider front panel and pleats that start just before the pockets. And yes they protect their patent.

You also need either pleats or aprons in front, or sitting with it on would be very uncomfortable. You need the extra fabric to allow the legs to spread a little.

**James MacMillan** · 29th August 07, 05:57 AM

I missed this thread before, so my comments are late.

All my kilts are comfortable, or they aren't in my closet!

For me the temperature seem to dictate what I wear. Hotter degrees put me into lighter weights. Cooler temps into heavier weights.

I have a really basic sport kilt, that I use as a bath robe. It's the first thing on in the morning and the last thing off at night. - but the light cotton fabric and very few pleats make it an "in house" garment. If I am going out for a short trip, I will wrap around a more traditional kilt. Again temperature dictates.

I should say that I own no UK or similar. They don't suit my mind-set. They are OK for others, just not what I want to wear.

I am a great fan of SWK, good comfort and usability for the $$.

Lately, my tanks are worn only with a jacket in the evenings..... but they are comfortable, or I wouldn't own them!

**McG** · 31st August 07, 04:51 AM

I hae a Feilidh - Mhor or belted plaid 6yards long and 59 inch wide which is fine here in Scotland as we dinnae hae such hot weather, there is however the Feilidh - Mhor which is where the short kilt original came fae, aboot half the length of the Feilidh - Mhor. Ye can git it in 10 oz worsted wool and is not uncomfortable in hot weather, and of course looks very authentic without sporran.It is also far cheaper as it is not tailored.

creativeaccents · 31st August 07, 06:40 AM

Last night my wife and I played with a four yard fabric remnant to consider alternatives, starting with the closure of a basic kilt..front, back, right side, left side. Then we addressed the method of closure, as in zippered or buttoned. All of this was predicated on a leisure kilt for frequent wear that would hang from the hips not the belly button, not require a massive belt, and not have the overlapping flap at the top of the phillabeg. Your input terms of comfort and ease of wear?

It seemed that with a simple button closure on the right hip of the wearer and then a full flap of panels across the front and a simple button closure on the other hip would be about the easiest to construct. This would allow either side hidden pockets or the larger box style pockets.

**Raphael** · 31st August 07, 07:21 AM

I have kilts made with various materials, and I have to say that my Leather is by far the most comfortable one. It is buttery soft and dose not wrinkle easy.

**Racer96** · 31st August 07, 11:35 AM

Originally Posted by Raphael

I have kilts made with various materials, and I have to say that my Leather is by far the most comfortable one. It is buttery soft and dose not wrinkle easy.

By any chance do you think you'll be wearing the leather one to the next Vancouver Kilts night? (Next Thursday)

I'm in the process of ordering a hemp kilt from Robert right now, and after I get it (to confirm sizing) I will be ordering a leather one from him. They just look amazing.

Mike