Quote Originally Posted by RockyR View Post
I agree with most of steve's jist, but not necessarily on the dates.

Sportkilt was 1995 (according to SK's website).
Bear was January 2003 (according to Bear's website)
USAK was June 2003 (OFFICIALLY registering the name "USA Kilts"... Feb - March 2003 unofficially)

I wouldn't classify USA Kilts entry level models as contemporary (or Bear Kilts for that matter), but more along the lines of a 'Casual Kilt' or 'sporty kilt' or 'pub kilt'. They're definitely not contemporary or utility kilts, but they're not traditional.

Other companies to discuss in your history of Solid colored utility / contemproary style kilts:

Pittsburgh Kilts (RIP)
R Kilts
Amerikilt
Celtic Warrior Kilts
Union Kilts
Flamingo Kilts
Alpha Kilts
Bilt Kilt
Neo Kilts
S Kilt
and many others I can't think of right now...
RKilts unofficially started in 2001 and was registered in 2003 with patent applications. Been a going concern since then. There was just a handful of us in operation. A number of companies showed up for the contraversial "Men in Skirts March" back in Feb. 2004...That was a blast!