Some thoughts from Non-Kilt folks...

[chasem]

I was going to jump in and give my $.02, but registration is disabled

[Blu (Ontario)]

... When most people... talk about a kilt they think of a tradionally styled Scottish, Welsh or Irish KILT.

Without a doubt!

... I think that the term 'kilt' should not be applied to any other type of unbifurcated garment.

I agree to a certain extent... They are a modern variant. I'm not sure what else they could be called - other than "Usillyskirts" of course!

I still want a modern variant...

... There are 'modern', traditionally styled kilts around and many of them appear quite acceptable and are, rightly so, called kilts. Sold at prices more people can afford.

Yes, I want one of those too.!

... I dislike Utilikilts for many reasons other than their name, but that's another story.

You're not alone... there are a number of other modern makers out there with their own designs and improvements.

Oh yes... I found your earlier remarks fun and witty.

Anyway... I hope some of the other group manage to find this site some time.

[morrison]

I stumbled on this website recently... It's a forum for hikers. This thread discusses the merits of kilts in the great out of doors by some non-kilt types.
viewsfromthetop . com
It makes me think there may be many borderline kilt wearers out there. All they need is a gentle push in the right direction.

It's good to see the generally non kilt wearing public engaging in talk about kilts.
Just as we are a group of people here whom enjoy the comforts of kilt wearing; they're a group of people over there that hike. Here at Xmts many, if not more of us may be slightly out of step in regard to hiking, the preparation, trails, difficulty levels etc. I see likewise many avid hikers are not fully clothed in knowledge of kilts and the advantages in life's trails and trials.
The chicks in dresses video was cute. Oh, yes, by the way, the fella that was lookin' at them, the one that they were arguing about, he was a friend of mine. Yep! and he told me that between the two of them that the b......

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STOP that sweetheart. I'm just posting to Xmarks about another site I was referred to!

[Ugly Bear]

Ugly Bear and kiltedjaz, take a couple of deep breaths and agree to disagree.

No.

If you took time to read my post properly...what I said was...
'they're not really kilts in the most accepted form of the meaning of the word'

I did read your post properly. The definition of what a kilt is is no longer so narrow. And good thing, too. Keep the definition narrow, and the kilt will go the way of the toga.

[bubba]

Keep the definition narrow, and the kilt will go the way of the toga.

You mean it'll become party attire at fraternity houses?

[Blu (Ontario)]

You mean it'll become party attire at fraternity houses?

If the college knew the truth about kilts and the lassies... they already would be!

.

[Ugly Bear]

You mean it'll become party attire at fraternity houses?

Well, substitute the word "attire" with "costume," and you're correct. Compound that with the fact that fraternities hardly ever HAVE toga parties -- and if they do, it's an homage to the movie Animal House instead of Greek culture -- and you see the dilemma.

Leave kilts as an unalterable cultural artifact, and they will die. People will know what they are, but they'll hardly ever wear them.

The Utilikilt is necessary, as are other modern variations. They make kilt-wearing practical and open. Anyone in the world can wear them, whenever they please. If they keep kilt-wearing vital, they will make the Scottish national dress a living thing.

[macwilkin]

Leave kilts as an unalterable cultural artifact, and they will die. People will know what they are, but they'll hardly ever wear them.

The Utilikilt is necessary, as are other modern variations. They make kilt-wearing practical and open. Anyone in the world can wear them, whenever they please. If they keep kilt-wearing vital, they will make the Scottish national dress a living thing.

As one who wears his kilt as a "unalterable cultural artifact", I respectfully disagree with this statement. The traditional kilt has been around for a quite a while, and for those of us who see it as a "cultural/heritage" symbol, it will always been a garment with significance and meaning to be honoured. And why must wearing a kilt on a regular basis be the only mark of a "real kilt wearer"?

And as far as Utilikilts go, It has always been my understanding that the owners of UK never based the garment on a traditional Scottish kilt anyway -- so the claim that they will somehow save kilts from extinction seems to be a moot point, since they are "not related". I would argue that Rocky or Steve kilts are more appropriate for that claim, since they are modern versions of a traditional kilt.

No UK-bashing here, though -- to each his own. It's not my thing, but for others, it is, and that's great in my book.

Regards,

Todd