Hot Weather Coming - Two Suggestions

[Norm]

Seems like most of the entries here on X Marks over the last year or so have to do with traditional kilt wear and history, but not a whole lot about just day to day wearing of same, especially utility kilts. So, here is a little diversion from same.

I have tried a number of different utility kilts for summer wear, all of them better than any pants you could shake a stick at. But the type that seem the lightest, coolest and durable are the ripstop kilts sold by UT Kilts. They are not the fanciest of kilts, but I am talking about kilts for everyday wear. They are light, cool and airy but durable. They are my favorite for summer heat, especially when we take trips to Phoenix where the temperatures get up to 115 degrees. But how did all this kilt stuff start?

My first exposure to kilts was at a restaurant called the Angry Crab in Phoenix in 2015. One of the waiters was wearing a black utility kilt. I puzzled over it, thinking at first it was a skirt, but then quickly realized this was something much different from a lady’s skirt. It had pockets and did NOT appear at all girly. Then soon after that my wife and I were in Costco, and I saw a brawny dude wearing a camo utility kilt, and again I noticed the pockets. A little light clicked on in my brain. “Hey, that not only looks comfortable, but really does look manly; what a cool idea!”. So later on I ordered a utility kilt, got up the guts to wear it while working in my front yard (yes, it WAS hard to take that first step), and was amazed at the freedom and comfort. I was hooked! That was over 5 years ago. Got a whole lot more of them now, and still wearing them, still loving it! And a big part of it is having a wife who supports me in it. Now for a more sensitive part of the deal.

I noticed that on occasion, the issue of whether or not to go commando while wearing a kilt comes up. I know this topic has been beat to a pulp on this site, but has anyone tried or considered a men’s thong underwear while kilting? I know this item has been given a bad name by those misusing it in deviant ways of which I will not elaborate, but the validity of its legitimate use as men’s underwear still stands, not to mention this type of garment has been worn by men the world over for thousands of years.

This lowly garment is the best of both worlds. It gives the freedom and comfort of going commando without going commando, yet still keeps the basics covered and protects your kilt.

Just an idea I throw out there for those wanting more freedom when wearing a kilt, but don’t like the idea of “going commando”. And yes, they are comfortable, very much so. Especially in hot weather. And, like the old adage says, “don’t knock it until you have tried it”. Maybe it takes the same courage to break out of the boxers or briefs mold as it did breaking out of the trouser mold.
At any rate, just a thought….. and hope more will write about their experiences wearing utility kilts on this site.

Photo of me in camo ripstop kilt in the White Mountains of Arizona.

[Blaidd]

Seems like most of the entries here on X Marks over the last year or so have to do with traditional kilt wear and history, but not a whole lot about just day to day wearing of same, especially utility kilts. So, here is a little diversion from same.

I have tried a number of different utility kilts for summer wear, all of them better than any pants you could shake a stick at. But the type that seem the lightest, coolest and durable are the ripstop kilts sold by UT Kilts. They are not the fanciest of kilts, but I am talking about kilts for everyday wear. They are light, cool and airy but durable. They are my favorite for summer heat, especially when we take trips to Phoenix where the temperatures get up to 115 degrees. But how did all this kilt stuff start?

My first exposure to kilts was at a restaurant called the Angry Crab in Phoenix in 2015. One of the waiters was wearing a black utility kilt. I puzzled over it, thinking at first it was a skirt, but then quickly realized this was something much different from a lady’s skirt. It had pockets and did NOT appear at all girly. Then soon after that my wife and I were in Costco, and I saw a brawny dude wearing a camo utility kilt, and again I noticed the pockets. A little light clicked on in my brain. “Hey, that not only looks comfortable, but really does look manly; what a cool idea!”. So later on I ordered a utility kilt, got up the guts to wear it while working in my front yard (yes, it WAS hard to take that first step), and was amazed at the freedom and comfort. I was hooked! That was over 5 years ago. Got a whole lot more of them now, and still wearing them, still loving it! And a big part of it is having a wife who supports me in it. Now for a more sensitive part of the deal.

I noticed that on occasion, the issue of whether or not to go commando while wearing a kilt comes up. I know this topic has been beat to a pulp on this site, but has anyone tried or considered a men’s thong underwear while kilting? I know this item has been given a bad name by those misusing it in deviant ways of which I will not elaborate, but the validity of its legitimate use as men’s underwear still stands, not to mention this type of garment has been worn by men the world over for thousands of years.

This lowly garment is the best of both worlds. It gives the freedom and comfort of going commando without going commando, yet still keeps the basics covered and protects your kilt.

Just an idea I throw out there for those wanting more freedom when wearing a kilt, but don’t like the idea of “going commando”. And yes, they are comfortable, very much so. Especially in hot weather. And, like the old adage says, “don’t knock it until you have tried it”. Maybe it takes the same courage to break out of the boxers or briefs mold as it did breaking out of the trouser mold.
At any rate, just a thought….. and hope more will write about their experiences wearing utility kilts on this site.

Photo of me in camo ripstop kilt in the White Mountains of Arizona.

Yep Norm, confess, I have too. Primarily on formal Ladies Mess nights when 'exposure' can present as a real possibility, but from the rear (should said exposure occur), all looks 'traditional'!

[Riverkilt]

Been kilted up the road from you for a lotta years. Heat's never been an issue since kilts are well ventilated. Have even worn leather RKilts and Utilikilts in heat. Never gets more than about 108F up here. Also kilt in Phoenix and Tucson and around the state in the heat.

My issue isn't with kilts in the heat, its with kilt hose. I choose to go bare legged in sandals in the heat. Kinda like some Scots did in olden times. Been known to lose the shirt too.

I often choose my USA Kilts, particularly the lighter weight casuals for hot weather wear though.

Play around, see what works for you in the heat.

[OC Richard]

Is that ripstop like the fabric used in Vietnam War era camo uniforms? That's amazing stuff, it wears like iron.

From the first time I saw Utilikilts I loved the look of the camo ones.

One thing I can't help but notice: many camo patterns have an intended horizontal orientation.

However when people use the camo fabric for kilts they usually turn the fabric sideways.

Happily many camo patterns don't have a strong directional look to them.

(BTW I'm a traditional kiltwearer. I love the look of camo Utilikilts when other guys wear them, but they're not for me.)

[lschwartz]

I have a mix of kilts; one olive Amerikilt, an acrylic tartan in Lamont Ancient, and a USA Kilts semi-trad in Irish National (I think). All three are comfortable and I choose the one that fits that days activities.

As for what goes on under the sporran, I have done both, again deciding based on the weather and the days activities.

[morrison]

Seems like most of the entries here on X Marks over the last year or so have ... ...
...
...
Photo of me in camo ripstop kilt in the White Mountains of Arizona.

I started in with Utilikilts up on NW 15th in Seattle about ‘03. They sold me my first nine. A few tartans from Stillwater and Sportkilts and I’m on my way to fourteen. I’ve never had the least consideration for whether or not to be commando or safe or whatever else it might be called. If the wind picks up it might swirl in any direction. IDC. The ripstop nylon desert cami is practically not there. It’s so light it’s like being naked. �� As for manliness. There are only an extreme few who don’t know the difference between manliness and feminine when spotting a kilted man. If they don’t know the difference they probably never will. I ignore those. The rest, well, sometimes a little thumbing in the ribs is healthy

[Crazy Dave]

My Sport Kilt in the MacPherson Tartan is my standard summer wear and it is cooler and more comfortable than shorts IMO. Thinking about getting another one for the summer. As for socks, Sport Kilt has some inexpensive kilt socks that are a thin loose weave. Actually too thin to wear with my USA Kilt economy flashes. Even though they are acrylic, they are cool. I usually wear a fanny pack instead of sporran, for mobility when I'm dressing casually. I have a number of polos and t-shirts that go well with it.

Dave