Underkilt

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Maybe the term "Mock-Kilt" could be used to define non-kilt men's garments that have a somewhat similar silhouette as a kilt? That would mean that anything that does not conform to the traditional configuration of a Kilt, but looks kind of like a kilt from a distance could be a "Mock-Kilt". Maybe such a term as this (or similar) could used to satisfy the needs of manufacturers making alternative men's skirt products without encroaching too much on Scottish heritage. I do agree that the image and definition of a kilt should remain what it is. Manufacturers just can't broadly sell something called a men's skirt in today's market. - Just looking for a solution to what looks to be an old problem. - I appreciate everyone's input on this issue, as I am new to the men's apparel industry.

-- Dave

Jdez, you might review this thread that has some very sprited discussions on this very same issue

[James]

After reading all the various posts on this subject-I thought: how can I judge without experience: so rather than rabbit on-it is a case of trying to be fair.

So I have ordered one-and I'll give it a try, to later report on this board.

There seems to be an idea that if a garment is pleated and with aprons it must be a kilt!

Here I must ask about the skirts that have been sold for generation in that style-what are they?

My daughter had one for school!

Too and this might be a function of being a long time traditional kilt wearer: when I see a chap with his 'kilt' covering his knees-I'm sorry but I do not see a kilt-well not what I'd recognise as a kilt. Nor do I see some of the variants being called 'kilts' as being a kilt. This leads me back to my earlier post: that the word Kilt is assuming a global meaning, as the word for a man's skirt.

Of course the above will mean that I'm scheduled for slaughter: but what is the point of this board unless we are honest in what we say: and further offer our views. Bearing in mind that they are views and not of necessity being prescriptive.

Further, though it goes against the grain-how can I offer an opinion on something I've not experienced: which brings me back to where I started this post.

James

[Rigged]

Catholic School-girl skirts are pleated all the way around. Also, I've seen old paintings of traditional kilts that fall below the knee.

http://www.chicagohs.org/AOTM/Jan98/jan98fact3b.html

Somewhere around the knees, as opposed to halfway up the thighs or halfway down the calfs is probably a good indicator of kilt length. And we'll probably see reasonable exceptions to this "rule" as well.

A flat apron, pleats around the back, are necessary features for something to be called a "kilt".

[KiltedBishop]

Too and this might be a function of being a long time traditional kilt wearer: when I see a chap with his 'kilt' covering his knees-I'm sorry but I do not see a kilt-well not what I'd recognise as a kilt. Nor do I see some of the variants being called 'kilts' as being a kilt. This leads me back to my earlier post: that the word Kilt is assuming a global meaning, as the word for a man's skirt.
James

I completly respect your opinon, but as a man with not nice knees...trust me when I say it is t yours and everyone elses benefit I wear mine long.

why don't we bring back the word lein for "non traditional sort of kind of kilt like garments"?
ok I'm Irish so I am bias

[highlander_Daz]

I think there is a huge market for "alternative" clothing I must admit Im a bit of a "closet Goth" (a throwback to my days as a professional Rock guitar player) and I love Alternative clothing, I only wear traditional kilts but I know that many people would find these types of product very desirable, more so in places like France and Italy, I think if your marketing a product it has to stand on its own merit and "alternative kilts" Im sure would be popular like the TFCK.
good luck Dave

[davedove]

A flat apron, pleats around the back, are necessary features for something to be called a "kilt".

I was watching a early "Friends" episode last night and Rachel had on something that would meet this definition. I would have to call it either a kilted skirt or even a woman's kilt. Of course the apron fastened opposite the way a man's kilt does, but I couldn't tell which way the pleats ran. Also, much the viewers' delight, it hit her about mid-thigh. The fashion world would probably call this a woman's kilt, or even just a kilt.

[highlander_Daz]

Ive never watched "friends"- I dont understand the humor and I find the characters very grating, However It sounds like it may have aspects that would appeal!

[Mike n NC]

JDEZ this is an argument I have quickly learned to stay out of... My definition of a kilt is for me and while your product doesn't fit my definiton it doesn't mean that it's a bad thing. I have already turned a couple of friends on to this thread and perhaps you'll see some business from them.

Good luck, hope you find your niche.

Mike

[GG]

Well, I'm not sure the idea with the underkilt/skirt per se is that bad as expressed by most contributors here.

I suppose most men aren’t free-balling when wearing pants, and why? Because the pants should have to be frequently dry cleaned. With a kilt it’s common or expected that it is worn regimental, but the same hygienic problems exist. The answer is wearing normal (trouser-like) men’s underwear with the kilt. That’s what I do for most of the time, when in traditional kilts. With shorts and modern kilts that go into the washing machine there is no need for underwear, of course.
With a traditional kilt, however, you might logically benefit from some sort of kilt-like/unbifurcated undergarment. And here The Underkilt comes in.

I guess that some of you reject this “underkilt”, mainly because you regard it an item for men with a secret wish to wear women’s lingerie (references to Tom’s), and that you, if wearing it and should anybody know, would be afraid of being accused of that. I think these concerns are absolutely valid.

Here the design might be of importance. I too, find that the colour is wrong. Probably it should be dark (black or dark grey). I also wonder if it has to go all the way round. Wouldn’t it be possible to have just two flaps hanging down like a loincloth, which is a manly garment?

Then it should not be positioned as an underkilt but rather marketed as kilt-underwear - with extra or added comfort.

Just my thoughts and to illustrate them:
http://uk.geocities.com/free2skirt/i...-underwear.jpg

GG

PS. Regarding the JDEZ-kilts I see an opening if sold as shorts, that for added comfort could easily be made a kilt (manly skirt).

PPS. Someone said that a kilt could not be pleated on the front. Does anybody remember the original Utilikilt? It was a closed skirted garment, pleated all the way round.

[Hamish]

Well, I really do not understand all the fuss! Several of my friends refer to my kilts as "skirts", and I have no problem with that since I know there is no malice or mischief-making. If a complete stranger compliments me on my nice skirt, I usually thank them and make nothing more of it. If the word is used in a derogatory manner by a stranger, I will thank them, point out that it is a kilt and, if the situation allows, explain the difference.

As for an under-kilt: I'd have no compunction wearing one ....... if I needed it. But I don't! I believe I have been wearing kilts and, yes if you like, men's skirts for a sufficient number of years that I have very little fear of accidental exposure or of putting my modesty at risk. As for the hygeine aspects which seem to plague so many of my kilted brethren: again, I do not understand the fuss. I was trained as a young child to pay particular attention to personal hygeine - something that remained with me throughout my life - and I have absolutely no problems in that area to this day even though I am in my 70th year!

Someone said that a kilt could not be pleated on the front. Does anybody remember the original Utilikilt? It was a closed skirted garment, pleated all the way round.

Oh, yes GG, I remember them well. In fact I still have, and frequently wear, four of those 'Standard' models along with seven 'Neo-Trad's. My very first UK was a Workman's, hand-made by Steven himself, and just as it is nowadays but in that super step-in-and-zip-up-pleated-all-round 'Standard' design:



Over the years it has faded almost to a cream colour and was latterly my Gardening Kilt. Now, it has been archived and preserved within my Kilt Kollection.