Blue collar work kilted every day?

[Thorina]

Does anyone here work kilted every day, or nearly every day?

Blue collar work, fairly heavy physical labor with the tendency for getting dirty.
Pros and cons, is there better fabric suitable for working in, etc, etc, etc. And pockets, what do you do about pockets?
Cleaing ilts? How often and what's the best way? Dry clean only for wool? Or is there another way?

I've had the pleasure of doing some manual labor, 5 days now kilted. 2 in a "utilikilt" knock off, and 3 in an inexpensive wool. The utilikilt knock off is too short to make it comfortable to work in, IMO. It's the right length, technically, but too short to actually safely squat, climb in and out of a pick up truck, bending over, etc.
3 days in a wool kilt was GREAT! No, seriously, I am hooked! Been thinking about the utility of working kilted for quite a few years now. I have found that it's a remarkably comfortable garment to work in.
For me and the bionic leg, I didn't have to constantly fuss with my pant leg with every position change....add to not having to adjust my pants in general for squating or climbing into the truck, etc....nor adjusting back.

So, how do you pull this off in real world applications? Personally, wool works better, hangs better, "protects" better when moving, goes from hot weather to chilly better than canvas, etc. But, how do you manage keeping them clean? Cleaning them that doesn't bankrupt you?

[sydnie7]

There are threads here discussing how to safely wash a wool kilt in bathtub but it does take time to dry. You might do better with a PV that is machine washable, also lots of discussion here on the pros and cons. Some PVs are Teflon coated for extra protection.

[Zardoz]

Well, I work as a picture framer, I guess it's blue collar work, (at least it's Blue collar pay!) but not really heavy physical labor. I would wear a kilt there if I could, But my company has a strict dress code, and in the frame shop there are safety issues as well, as glass is being handled etc.. So long trousers are required. We do get a little messy, but we use knee length aprons. If I were allowed to kilt up, since I don't like Utillykilt type styles that much, I think personally I'd go for something that was easy-care, and since a sporran might get in the way, had some pockets, but still had pretty 'traditional' styling like offerings from Neokilt or Freedom Kilts

[Thorina]

Well, I work as a picture framer, I guess it's blue collar work, (at least it's Blue collar pay!) but not really heavy physical labor. I would wear a kilt there if I could, But my company has a strict dress code, and in the frame shop there are safety issues as well, as glass is being handled etc.. So long trousers are required. We do get a little messy, but we use knee length aprons. If I were allowed to kilt up, since I don't like Utillykilt type styles that much, I think personally I'd go for something that was easy-care, and since a sporran might get in the way, had some pockets, but still had pretty 'traditional' styling like offerings from Neokilt or Freedom Kilts

There are certain days it's just not a good idea. Like today, I am tearing down industrial shelving and moving it. I'm going with my double front Carhartts today for obvious reasons.

The side pockets, when you actually have stuff in them on the utili knock off are just combersome and rather obnoxious. They get caught on things too easily. Pockets stuffed walking through rows of motorcycles will make you want to take a box cutter to the pockets in short order.

I'll check out Neo and freedom. I need a hamilton tartan. The irish National is a tad on the "loud" side, IMO. I'd like something that is a little more "traditional" blue collar looking.

[Thorina]

There are threads here discussing how to safely wash a wool kilt in bathtub but it does take time to dry. You might do better with a PV that is machine washable, also lots of discussion here on the pros and cons. Some PVs are Teflon coated for extra protection.

I'll have to check that out. How are the tempurature properties of PV vs wool? I like that the wool can go from hot weather to chilly without an issue.
It's one thing I dislike about the canvas used in the Utili models. It's hot when the weather is hot, and it's chilly when the weather is chilly.

[Bugbear]

I do some horticultural work, and tried working in a canvas kilt for a month a few years back (this is all on my property). I did switch back to trousers when working under or up in the trees. I have recently started wearing the canvas kilt a little bit lately. I found the tool belt/pouches work out with the kilt for back support as it is worn higher, and I found myself lifting things in a more proper way so as not to flash the neighbors.

I do wash the kilt in the washing machine, but the canvas comes out wrinkly afterwards, and requires ironing (not pressing). However, just smoothing out the kilt after taking it off seemed to do a good job of keeping it from getting too wrinkled from wearing.

I think there are better materials than plain cotton canvas for the kilt, though, and I know at least one of the advertisers on the forum puts pockets in kilts.

Hope that helps a little, and good luck.

[Canuck]

I have a number of customers in the construction trade as well as scene construction for theatre. Most of them have kilts made out of hemp. It's a great fabric, tough. It breathes, so it's cool in the summer and actually reasonably warm in the winter. These kilts come with cargo pockets and tool straps. I used to wear leather kilts all the time when I was working on things...indestructible.

[Old Hippie]

When I'm doing heavy work on the farm I'm usually in a kilt. My favourite kilt for this kind of activity is the Blaklader. It is pretty non-trad even for a contemporary kilt but it's easy to move in and allows plenty of air circulation. It also has very well-placed pockets and rides in a comfortable place on my hips. It's high-quality canvas and I have no worries about beating the hell out of it or getting it dirty. Mine's the black one, though you can get them in Safety Yellow if you want to look like a traffic cone.

I won't wear it if I'm on the tractor -- not only are loose clothes a bad idea near rotating machinery, but settling the kilt comfortably when climbing in and out of the cab takes time I'd rather spend doing useful work.

Besides, the tractor has air conditioning. Nice on a 35 or 40C day.

I've pretty much given up going kilted at my professional workplace. I pick up between eight and 35 buckets of sloppy organic matter every day to take home to the compost pile. I get it all over the jeans I wear (sometimes), and at least with jeans I'm not giving anyone an unwanted free show while I'm leaning over the tailgate in a high wind.

[Thorina]

Well, I work as a picture framer, I guess it's blue collar work, (at least it's Blue collar pay!) but not really heavy physical labor. I would wear a kilt there if I could, But my company has a strict dress code, and in the frame shop there are safety issues as well, as glass is being handled etc.. So long trousers are required. We do get a little messy, but we use knee length aprons. If I were allowed to kilt up, since I don't like Utillykilt type styles that much, I think personally I'd go for something that was easy-care, and since a sporran might get in the way, had some pockets, but still had pretty 'traditional' styling like offerings from Neokilt or Freedom Kilts

We're in the process of getting a ton of historical motorcycle prints, etc framed. Good occupation! I'm pretty sure we're buying the frame lady a new car, once it's all said and done.

Yes, in some instances, it's just not practical. For the most part, I am the boss, so I set the dress code. Today, it's just not practical. It's also chilly today and I'll be working in 2 unheated warehouses, some ladder work. Brrrr. Up draft.

Windy today, too. So was yesterday, the wool kilt fairs MUCH better in the wind than a canvas kilt. Tomorrow or the next day, I'll be doing as much ladder work as my knees will stand....and will be trying kilted with tool bags on. Drill motor, hammer, assorted screws and nails. Hanging posters, etc and fire extinguishers and all the "safety" etc signs. All needs to be done before I can legally hire day laborers. (Yes, in CA, the only way to prove you run a safe place is by the amount of signs you hang around reminding people not to do stupid things....and to wash their hands after visiting the rest room.)
There won't be anyone but my better half around, so I'm not so worried about ladder work....but...it's a consideration if I have hired day labor around.

[dutchy kilted]

This is just what you need:

http://blakladerusa.com/catalog/workpants/glasgow_kilt/