Americans adapt the kilt
WRITTEN BY REBECCA ROUSSELL
Saturday, Sep. 08 2007
The guy who gets the girl is wearing a Utilikilt. The guy welding is wearing a
Utilikilt. The guy fixing the car is wearing a Utilikilt. Video clips on
www.utilikilts.com show men wearing these "man skirts."
This alternative fashion statement is taking the nation and parts of the world
by storm.
The Utilikilt Co. is based in Seattle and was founded in 2000 by Steven
Villegas. The idea was to provide a comfortable alternative to pants and shorts
for men. The kilts are sold in nine stores in the United States and Canada plus
the online, interactive store where proud Utilikilt owners post their own video
clips about their prized possession in witty parodies.
The company sells eight models of kilts in prices ranging from about $130 for a
lightweight cotton, twill blend model to $600 for the leather version. That's
right, leather. There is also a denim kilt, a heavier workman's model with tool
pockets and even a tuxedo model for special dress-up occasions.
The Utilikilt bears a striking resemblance to the traditional Scottish kilt,
which dates back to about the 16th century. Several differences set the two
kilts apart. For example, the traditional Scottish kilt is made of a twill,
wool blend that tends to be warm and heavy. And it's usually made of plaid. All
Utilikilts have multiple pockets, just like a cargo-style pants or shorts. But
the traditional Scottish kilt is usually made without pockets, so men use a
small sporran, or purse, to carry keys or money.
Eric Miller, 38, a law professor at St. Louis University, is Scottish and owns
three traditional kilts, but he thinks the Utilikilts are "fun."
"I can see myself wearing a denim Utilikilt," he says.
Miller said the kilt is more of a fashion trend now. He'll wear his kilt only
to a Scottish celebration or a black tie event here in St. Louis. But anything
goes in America, and that is why he is not surprised to see more men wearing
these skirts.
"If you are wearing a Utilikilt, you would still stick out like a sore thumb,
(but) I don't think even the people in Scotland would comment on it."
Bookmarks