'Ultra' Casual Kilt Wear

[CMcG]

...Ive seen lots of posts that refer to 'casual' wear, but for me many still seem fairly dressed up. .... I don't see too many posts or discussions about wearing kilts as if they were jeans. ...I was hoping there would be other like-minded individuals who would be interested in sharing their preferences for the casual kilt-as-jeans and a t-shirt look. See pictures for better examples...

A lot of Xmarkers these days seem to favour a more traditional approach, which tends to be on the smart side, even when casual. You'll likely see more of of the 'informal' or 'street wear' kind of discussion on the Contemporary Kilts sub-forum.

If I'm casually going down to the pub in my kilt, I'd probably still wear a button up shirt. Like so:







Going to hear a Celtic rock band requires a different approach:




As far as really informal, jeans and tshirt equivalent, I don't think I've ever done that with a traditional kilt I've got an original khaki Utilikilt, which I'm actually wearing right now with a plain black tee shirt and black sport socks because I'm working from home. It is sort of like unbifurcated cargo pants... I haven't found many social occasions where I would wear it, but it might be good for camping, festivals, or some concerts

My Utilikilt was purchased for me (second hand) by a friend and the only time I've ever worn it outside the house was when I went to that friend's place for dinner. Here's a pic from that night:

[The Kiltman]

I do not understand why you would not wear it as a daily garment for comfort and modern style. I wear my Utilikilts every day for gardening, shopping, movies, hiking, eating out, etc.

It is a very comfortable garment for daily wear. It can be dressed down . . . hunting, fishing, sports, pulling weeds, painting, or dressed up for dancing, church, funerals, weddings, anniversaries,
birthdays, parades, etc.

A Utilikilt is easy to wear sitting in a chair, walking the beach or cliffs in a storm, etc.

Explore the possibilities and enjoy the FREEDOM.

[CMcG]

I do not understand why you would not wear it as a daily garment for comfort and modern style. I wear my Utilikilts every day for gardening, shopping, movies, hiking, eating out, etc.

It is a very comfortable garment for daily wear. It can be dressed down . . . hunting, fishing, sports, pulling weeds, painting, or dressed up for dancing, church, funerals, weddings, anniversaries,
birthdays, parades, etc.

A Utilikilt is easy to wear sitting in a chair, walking the beach or cliffs in a storm, etc.

Explore the possibilities and enjoy the FREEDOM.

I assume this comment was directed at me? It would be helpful if you addressed your comments when they are directed at someone, or else use the "reply with quote" functions

Don't get me wrong, I wear my Utilikilt quite a bit at home. It doesn't really fit, however, with most of the social circles I run in or the events I attend. I probably would have worn it out more when I was a regular attendee at punk shows and raves

If other people want to wear their Utilikilt (or other MUG) everyday and it works for them, in their social situation, then great! Give'r! It is indeed a very comfortable garment, albeit a somewhat unusual one. For me, these days, I'm more concerned with social mores than I used to be, so I wouldn't wear something so different from my local norms without some sort of special context. At home or camping is a different story because there's no one around to judge me

Maybe you should post some pics because it sounds like you have several of them and have found ways of dressing them up or down for different events?

[adempsey10]

A lot of Xmarkers these days seem to favour a more traditional approach, which tends to be on the smart side, even when casual. You'll likely see more of of the 'informal' or 'street wear' kind of discussion on the Contemporary Kilts sub-forum.

That the sense I get from a lot of folk here. Every picture I've seen the style looks great on the person wearing it. Clearly everyone has a good sense of what looks best on themselves. I like your choice of vest with kilt and button-up. I've done that a few times. Honestly though, I like your last pic the best. But that's what my taste is. I like the 'alternative' or 'punk-esque' look of black boots and a cool graphic-t.

[Nathan]

My Utilikilt was purchased for me (second hand) by a friend and the only time I've ever worn it outside the house was when I went to that friend's place for dinner. Here's a pic from that night:

See I think this look looks just as cool or cooler with a traditional kilt. Like this.

Colin_Photoshopped by Nathan.jpg

Colin: I'll delete this if you object to having a photoshopped image of you in an outfit you didn't wear. I just thought that was the easiest way to illustrate my point.

[CMcG]

See I think this look looks just as cool or cooler with a traditional kilt. Like this.

Colin_Photoshopped by Nathan.jpg

Colin: I'll delete this if you object to having a photoshopped image of you in an outfit you didn't wear. I just thought that was the easiest way to illustrate my point.

No objections to the photoshopping, but good Heavens, what tartan is that? You know I could get in trouble for being seen in the "wrong" sett :buttkick: Just joking

You're right, though, that looks cool too and might be a little more acceptable in most of my current social situations than a Utilikilt.

[kiltedwolfman]

Here's a few pics from this past weekend in what some would consider ultra casual, especially since tartan is involved (Maple Leaf in PV ).
DSCF4216.jpgDSCF4218.jpg

It's very easy for people to attempt to impose thier personal sence of fashion on others. Often it's done very innocently with phrases such as "I think that such a such a style is slobbish" or " If you are going to be wearing the kilt you should be more respectful and wear it thusly." etc etc. The tough thing though is when we ascribe our personal sense of what makes or breaks the rules we inherently impose limitations on others who may not share our leanings. If I create my own method and thinking of proper dress I will undoubtedly start seeing people who don't do it my way as being wrong or at the least not as right as me. I've seen various ways of wearing the kilt and while many of them don't fit my personal model I would never be as arrogent as to paint them as wrong. Should someone ask me my oppinion then hell yeah they'll get it, but at the end I still won't tell them they are outright wrong for wearing their kilt their way.

[The Kiltman]

I agree that the kilt can be dressed UP and it can be dressed down and it can be very modern. All depending on the event taking place.

The Kiltman

See I think this look looks just as cool or cooler with a traditional kilt. Like this.

Colin_Photoshopped by Nathan.jpg

Colin: I'll delete this if you object to having a photoshopped image of you in an outfit you didn't wear. I just thought that was the easiest way to illustrate my point.

[TheOfficialBren]

Bren, I think we have to be very careful associating the term "casual" with all lower yardage kilts and how various vendors describe them. For instance I don't think any of Matt Newsomes kilt are describled as casual (box or knife pleated) I know John at keltoi does not refer to his lower yardage kilts as casual. Scotweb for instance describes thiers as "This Casual or Sports kilt is expertly sewn to impress, but with a contemporary lower-waisted cut". USAK have a velcro waist on their casuals and thats the only model described as a casual. Not all lower yardage kilts have been or should be branded as casual. I have two of Matts box pleated kilts and a 6 yard knife pleat on the way. I have worn the boxpleated to black tie functions and I consider them as anything but casual in these circumstances.

Mike, you are absolutely correct on that. I was looking for a better umbrella term but that was the best that I could come up with at the time.

I was trying to distinguish lower-yardage kilts from "tanks.". The 'casual kilts' (regardless of branding) do, from my experience (so take it for what you will) seem to be made in the vein of traditional kilts. Are their some differences? Most certainly. Are there also lower-cost, affordable options for the kiltie on a budget or the newbie testing the waters? Absolutely. Can they look fabulous? Without a doubt.

I completely agree that Matt's, John's, and all Kilts of such high quality are far from 'casual' in the dressed-down sense. Heck, Matt's lower yardage kilts are (as quoted from his website) "historically based garments." those yardages and styles that he specialises in working with certainly pre-date the modern 8-yard tank. They are as appropriate at a white tie to-do as an 8-yarder and 99% of observers will not know or care what the difference is.

I would certainly wear any one of these chaps fine garments without hesitation.

I look forward to seeing your new kilts when they arrive, my friend. Excellent choices. Top-notch quality.

[The Wizard of BC]

I don't intend to hijack this thread any further from the OP's intent of how he wears a kilt, but the definition of a "Casual" kilt is not dependent on the yardage but by the construction method.

"Casual" kilts are usually those made without the internal stabilizers and interfacing found in a traditional kilt.
They are usually made in the way most of today's clothing is. They rely on the fabric and the lines of stitching for their strength.

In a traditionally made kilt the outer fabric 'floats' over the internal construction without putting stress or distortion on the outer fabric. This internal construction is the reason a traditional kilt has the marvelous swish we all admire.

In mens' suits of old we talked about 'drape'. This drape of the fabric over the body without distortion and puckering is due to the floating interfacing used then. Today very few items of clothing still use floating interfacing. The traditionally made kilt and the bespoke suit are two exceptions.

A traditionally made kilt can have less than 8 yards of fabric. A Casual kilt can have a full 8 yards and more. What actually differentiates them is how they are made.