Proabably stepping in it....but...

[Sindarius]

I'm with you KiltedBishop, I've said before here that I believe kilts are for men only (with the only exception in Pipe bands, and I'm even a little iffy about that).
for the lassies it's tartan or pleated skirts, long or short, I prefer long.

Aye that pretty well sums it up for me as well.

[Wompet]

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but from what reference materials and highland dress I've seen, a kilt has two buckles on the right and one on the left, but a tartan skirt had two on the left and one one the right, similar to how men's shirts and pants are buttoned opposite women's blouses and pants.

Now, it shouldn't be that difficult to switch the second strap right to left, should it? A very simple alteration (I'm leaving out the direction of the pleats, because I can't recall of the top of my head). Men's kilt one way, tartan skirt the other. Just a thought.

[Eujeankilt]

It doesn't bother me that women wear kilts, it's just that I remember that Utilikilts are made specifically for men and advertised that way. Like KiltedBishop said, I remember seeing or hearing something from Steven Villeagas (sp) to the effect that his kilts are a men's garment and that would never change.

It would be like putting a cross-dressing male in the Victoria's Secret catalog. Everyone is entitled to wear what they want, but UK made a point of marketing to men. It's the inconsistency.

Dale

[Hamish]

I raised this very point on the Utilikilts forum about four years ago, maybe longer, and was practically shouted off the 'premises'. Personally, I don't think Utilikilts (in particular) look 'right' on women anyway, at least not on feminine women.

As for our traditional kilts being worn by women: no, no and no again! Even in pipe bands. If a male soldier finds himself in a women's army band, is he expected to wear a skirt? No, of course not. So why should women pipers in a mostly male pipe band wear a male uniform? Utter nonsense!

[Graham]

well put Hamish, and uncharacteristically forceful, if I may say so! ;-)
who would dare argue with that!!!

[Graham]

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but from what reference materials and highland dress I've seen, a kilt has two buckles on the right and one on the left, but a tartan skirt had two on the left and one one the right, similar to how men's shirts and pants are buttoned opposite women's blouses and pants.

Now, it shouldn't be that difficult to switch the second strap right to left, should it? A very simple alteration (I'm leaving out the direction of the pleats, because I can't recall of the top of my head). Men's kilt one way, tartan skirt the other. Just a thought.

that's true and a good point. I think Pipe bands should adopt that one concession at the very least!

[Raphael]

Here is the Utilikiltarian of the month for September, 2005.

Emily Jane Steinberg

[Archangel]

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but from what reference materials and highland dress I've seen, a kilt has two buckles on the right and one on the left, but a tartan skirt had two on the left and one one the right, similar to how men's shirts and pants are buttoned opposite women's blouses and pants.

okay, you're wrong.
My references are Geoffrey tailor kilts and the Tartan Authority site, that's Matt's, isn't it.

Once we're talking about the heavy kilt, buckles, etc., there's no significant difference, get over it. The women's kilt is a bit lighter, that's it. Once a man chooses a lighter weight kilt, they're the same. It's what's inside that counts.
Wear a sporran, belt maybe, and attitude.

[Iolanthe]

Hmm. I wouldn't even think of wearing a kilt. It doesn't bother me to see other women wearing kilts, but I personally would feel odd wearing one. Men wear kilts, women wear skirts... I don't see why a woman would want to wear one when there are endless styles of skirts to choose from.

Besides, we really ought to leave you men something of your own.

Ione

[Hamish]

Hmm. I wouldn't even think of wearing a kilt. It doesn't bother me to see other women wearing kilts, but I personally would feel odd wearing one. Men wear kilts, women wear skirts... I don't see why a woman would want to wear one when there are endless styles of skirts to choose from.

Besides, we really ought to leave you men something of your own.

Ione

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Ione. You deserve a hug, but my arms won't reach that far! (Wherever you are!!).