Utilikilt question

[Tobus]

Wondering what the reason is for a high waisted working kilt...seems the high waist would limit movement a lot. Low waisted allows for a lot more movement.

On the contrary, I find that wearing a garment at my hips restricts my movement. It seems to put pressure on the sides of my hips where they rotate. One of the things I love about wearing a kilt up at my natural waist is that my hips are free to move unhindered.

When I first started wearing a kilt, I was concerned that wearing it at my waist would restrict bending in the torso, which may be what you're referring to. But in practice, I don't find it to be a problem. And like Ted Crocker alluded to, I actually kind of like a wide kilt belt in that area because it feels like it gives me some back support.

The other reason I prefer a working kilt (or any kilt) at my "kilt waist" is because my hips are not even. I mentioned this in another thread; my right hip is lower than my left hip. When I wear pants on my hips, they sit crooked. I'd rather not have a kilt hanging crooked.

Also, when I'm building things around the homestead, I tend to carry a lot of tools on me. One thing I've found over the years is that wearing a tool belt around my hips is very annoying. The tools slap my thighs and hips when I walk. And I have to make sure nothing is going to stab me or poke me when I sit. So I end up usually wearing overalls with lots of pockets up on the chest, and/or wear my tool belt up on my natural waist. So I figured it would make sense in a work kilt to do the same thing. They tend to stay more secure and I feel less "sloppy" (i.e. less banging around) when my tools are kept in the vicinity of my navel instead of down around my ***.

Last but not least, one of the things I absolutely can't stand about wearing anything at my "jeans waist" is my shirt coming untucked. When I'm working outside, bending, twisting, climbing, and the like, my shirt starts pulling out. This is because it's tucked in where I'm bending. But with a higher worn garment, I don't have that problem. The shirt stays tucked in properly.

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Thank you guys for the input so far!

I had never heard of Blaklader kilts. I looked it up, and while it doesn't seem to be exactly what I'm looking for, it's very interesting. Probably not my cup of tea, though.

I hadn't considered getting a custom kilt made by one of the regular kilt makers. Hmm. I may have to look into that option. It'll likely cost me more than I'm prepared to pay for a working garment, though. I'll have to think on this.

[Bugbear]

You might also just consider having all your pockets, loops, and pouches attached to your work belt. You wont get screw and nail holes in the kilt.

My work belt/pouch has all kinds of D-rings and loops to attach things, as well as, a hefty, hard canvas pouch with it's own loops, clips etc. The part of the belt with the rings etc is a removable, nylon padding that goes under the leather/webbing part of the belt., and has velcro sections that light weight things can also be attached to.


Sinsce it is padded, and I keep it at my true waist, I can load it down with a whole bunch of stuff and the belt stays put.

Think of it as Roman skirt armor.

[Riverkilt]

Whatever works,

I just grew up in an era and area of low slung shorts, pantz, and tool belts in the mines, on the job sites...

Maybe you've found a new niche market - high waisted work kilts. Know there are plenty of smaller contemporary kiltmakers around who'd be glad to sew one up for you. No need to search for an existing kilt. You can design your own and commission it - what joy!

[Tobus]

You might also just consider having all your pockets, loops, and pouches attached to your work belt. You wont get screw and nail holes in the kilt.

Simple, yet brilliant. I think I've been over-complicating the issue. With my leatherworking skills, I ought to be able to make a belt do anything I want it to. Keeping all the 'gear' on the belt would make the kilt itself much simpler to find or commission/build. Great suggestion!

[cavscout]

I admit I didn't read all the responses so forgive if this was said.

I too prefer the kilt to ride higher for maximum range of motion. I hate trying to move around in anything constricted around my hips or ridnig down my back side.

To my knowledge the only "modification" UK will do for you is to shorten a kilt.

My observation is that UK has standardized their product construction so they can be produced quickly to fit as wide a range of bodies for the least amount of cost and effort. It's a basic, effective business model and for a large company to be efficient and profitable, it's really how it has to be done... Unless the business is in the custom business which UK is not . Every time a kilt (or any product) deviates from the standard, the product has to be "figured out" again to varying degrees depending on the complexity. This costs money and time.

In our small, niche market, this is why I love dealing with the small business we have here. You get to talk to the person sewing your kilt or making your sporran or belt or hose. The maker is usually willing to try different things as they are as passionate about kilts as we are and they often enjoy trying to take their products to a new level.

I'd definitely check out Freedom Kilts. The high waist-ed traditional style kilt in a cotton cloth is actually one of Steve's standards. After that you are just talking about accessorizing the pocket configurations.

[Eujeankilt]

Have you looked at R-kilts? They are high rise, utilitarian and hemp to boot.

Dale

[Tobus]

Have you looked at R-kilts? They are high rise, utilitarian and hemp to boot.

Dale

Well no, I hadn't heard of them until you mentioned it. I like what I see, though!

[Riverkilt]

If you're looking for a top work kilt - and leather is an option - don't overlook RKilts leather kilts....expensive but the value is there.

[RockyR]

Question... why not go with a contemporary kilt made to your specs (pockets / rise / etc) and to your measurements? R Kilts or Freedom Kilts can do it.

BOTH gentlemen (Robert from Rkilts and Steve from Freedom Kilts) have very reputable companies and BOTH do custom work to customer specs and BOTH do contemporary materials / styles and BOTH are forum members (and 1 is the owner).

You can't go wrong with either:

www.rkilts.com
www.freedomkilts.com

There's nothing wrong with UK's... they're great off the rack Contemporary kilts. However, if you want a CUSTOM contemporary kilt, the above mentioned 2 will treat you right.

[-B-]

"High wasted kilts " ( above the naval) do not restrict movement I wear a camo traditional kilt for paintball and have for nearly a decade now for all types of play and I have never an issue. It is actually an advantage, as i have far more freedom of movement in a kit at the correct waist.