Alpha Kilts and Utilikilts

[TheBlueCow]

I can't help out with your question mainly because I have a few myself about these?

1. Are these type of kilts pretty popular? I'm curious as to how many of the rabble on here with traditional kilts actually have one of these and use them?

They are indeed pretty popular. Utilikilts touts about the thousands they've sold, and they seem to be getting bigger as they are going international. I don't know the popularity of them here on Xmarks, although there are certainly a good amount of us that own them. But you also have on here people that only wear traditional kilts, as well as people who wear either both styles (and I bet there are a few that only wear modern kilts).


2. For those who do have one, do you tend to wear them more frequently than a normal kilt?

Well, I pretty much only own Utilikilts right now. I wear them just out and about. Modern/contemporary kilts really seem to appeal to the 'average joes' who want to switch from pants to kilts, but not get into the tartans and accessories and such. I'd wear them like I would wear jeans. They seem to be more subtle/less flamboyant than tartan kilts. Many people don't realize I'm wearing my UK's, I've worn them out with friends who didn't realize for hours that I was wearing it and thought I was just wearing shorts.

3. Does anyone ever get any sort of criticism from wearing one of these?

I have yet to receive any criticism (at least, to my face) about wearing one. But, there are some people who think that modern/contemporary kilts are more apt to be called a skirt than a tartan kilt would be, due mostly to the solid colors and worn-at-the-jeans-waist styling. Personally, I've received many compliments from people, my friends think it's cool and so do strangers - and so far everyone has recognized it as, and called it a kilt without me having to correct them.

I'm starting to warm up to the idea of getting one, but I'd appreciate some input from the rabble to help me in shaping my opinions...

I think that if you like the style, go ahead and wear them. That's probably how just about all of us got into kilts in the first place, isn't it? Not afraid of being different.

To the original poster: There are certainly similarities between UK's and Alpha Kilts, but there are differences as well (wider apron on the Alpha Kilt, for one). I know about people that swear by the construction and fit of Alpha Kilts, but I don't own one myself to verify. Although, I am thinking of getting an Alpha Kilt in the future, and they're certainly more affordable than a UK, as all of their models are under $200 USD.

[JolyStNicholas]

My personal opinion is to stick with the traditional Kilts.