Robertson II,
I was given a kilt by my family at age 11 in the tartan that is understood to represent my maternal great grandmother's clan (McNeil). I do not carry that surname as mine is Brown. My paternal lineage goes to back to Waping, England about 1630. There have been many inter-marriages both before and since. I also have a Highland Scot ancestor of unknown ancestry that was taken in one of Cromwell's efforts and sold for transportation at 2 Pounds 1 Shilling 2 Pence at auction in York, Maine in 1658. I have studied my family history and genealogy, and am continuing to learn more each day.
The wool kilt had served me well for various ceremonial occasions for over forty years. Due to my Great grandmother's well documented lineage, I can claim to have a very diluted Scot heritage. As I have aged a bit, I can no longer wear that wool kilt. I have passed it down to a nephew who can fit it properly. I have for quite some time worn for day to day activities, a variety of non-traditional kilts. I have six self made kilts in different materials. My first self made kilt is in 13 oz. black cotton denim. I chose this as it was very inexpensive material to try my skills on at 92 p./metre double width. With no tartan to follow sett, it afforded some room for learning without being hideous. I have enough self confidence in who and what I am to wear a kilt with pride and dignity in a mostly trousered environment. I also have developed enough confidence in my sewing skills (Thanks to Barb T's book) to soon attempt working with 52 pounds per metre genuine Scottish Worsted Wool tartan. The wool kilt will be for the ceremonial wear, where the clan tartan is appropriate.
I live in the United States, where there is a growing population of men that wear kilts with pockets so to have adapted the kilt to today's lifestyle of keys, drivers license, and mobile telephone. The Utilikilt Mocker in a tan colour has become the standard of office wear in many American businesses. The kilt is enough different than the Traditional Scottish kilt to help keep the kilt alive and at the same time respect the traditional tartan kilt's role in history.