Why We Love Utility Kilts (despite being traditionalists)

What are the different types of kilts? This breaks down mainly into "traditional kilt" and "utility kily". The traditional kilt is the wool tartan one with no pockets or added gadgets that has been worn in Scotland for at least 250 years (more or less in it's current form). The utility type (utilikilt, tactical kilt, hiking kilt, contemporary kilt, man skirt, M.U.G. etc...) is a very very young idea by comparison.
You may ask why did the Scots wear kilts instead of pants? Lots of reasons! Comfort, identity, practicality, personal expression...
And believe it or not, a lot of these reasons also apply to wearing a utility kilt.
And you might think that we, as makers of traditional kilts, don't like utility kilts, but actually we think they are pretty cool. Especially as hiking and camping season approaches!
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WE HAVE A PASSION FOR HERITAGE
Located in Spring City PA, USA Kilts is a team of American kilt makers who have been making men’s kilts in authentic clan tartans since 2003. We craft a full range of kilts right in our shop, from our budget casual kilt to our traditional machine sewn, hand-finished 8-Yard kilt. We specialize in all aspects of highland wear and Celtic clothing including Scottish, Irish and Welsh kilts and accessories.
ONLINE:
www.USAKilts.com
/ usakilts
/ usakilts
E-mail: [e-mail]

[@Beardychiel]

I'm a Scot in Scotland who owns two utilikilts as well as my trad kilt so times are evolving.

[@MartinSproule]

I'm also a scot in Scotland lol. I'm seeing them more and more being worn by photographers at concerts, and festivals

[@richardwhite3924]

I agree with the analogy comparing a utilikilt to blue jeans. I have several that I wear on a day to day basis for around the house or working in the yard or a quick run to the store. I wear my wool kilts for more formal occasions, like church services on Sunday. We have been having a heat wave her on Cape Cod with temperatures in the high 90s to 100 degrees Fahrenheit and a utilikilt in this weather is more comfortable than a wool kilt.

[@Felix-kd8tn]

I'm so glad you guys do these videos, they are genuinely helpful and wholesome. Plus they have pushed me over the edge, I'm gonna order my first kilt at the end of the week! I'm a lightweight hiker and the idea that a great kilt can be a garment and bedding is very appealing to me. They also look very comfortable.

[@pipsheppard6747]

Chris, kilts ARE great for hiking! Remember, summer hiking requires a lightweight kilt. Get a heavier one for winter hiking.

[@DavidLudwig255]

I think that left/right sided cargo pockets are great. I made belt attachable cargo pockets for my pocket-less kilts. They carry more and they feel more comfortable to me than most sporrans I can recall wearing. The pockets themselves are made of wool, plus a duck-cotton lining. I wear them almost every day, nowadays.

[@jeremyharshman3073]

I have the workman's utility kilt from Utilikilts. Same canvas material used by Carhartt so extremely durable. Wear it for hiking and helping friends with yardwork. Love it and it's a great way to break into wearing a kilt in general. Hoping to get a Leatherneck tartan as my first official kilt from y'all soon.

[@bradmacinnis222]

Thanks for the fair video. I've always hated the look of utility kilts and still do but now I do respect that they aren't trying to be another form of feileadh beag at all so to each their own

[@jashton8710]

I love my utility-kilt, it's the most comfy piece of clothing I own....and I especially love wearing it when I'm out riding around town on my electric unicycle.

[@phoenix2434]

Personally i want to wear a traditional kilt, the only issue with it is, is that it doesn't have pockets (at least not that I'm aware of without a sporran). Which is why I normally wear a utility kilt.

[@AcolyteBlaze]

I just bought my first utility kilt 3 days ago. I love mine. Your videos are helpful. Thanks.

[@FoulOwl2112]

Wearing my utility kilt essentially got me my current job. I worked for a mid sized production company. I started wearing a utility kilt for added mobility crawling around through bracing, pulling cables under stages. And frankly, being if Scottish heritage, l thought they were cool. Couple years ago a tour manager approached my boss and asked if he had any qualified guys who might be interested in going on an international tour. My boss said "Yeah well, Al's a good guy... He's dependable and knows his stuff... You've met him". My current boss was like "Who the hell are you talking about? I don't remember him". "You know, the guy in the kilt....". "Oh right! Hell yeah...now l remember that guy! Give him my number'!

[@squange]

For Utility Kilt companies in the US, I swear by Damn Near Kilt 'Em. I have two of their Sport Utility models (one in dark brown and one in navy) and they are durable without being cumbersome, and I can fit a sixer of cans in the pockets. They also make a ton of different models, some with extra hooks and loops (the blacksmith and the tactical come to mind), and some really stripped down and light (the greenhorn and the stow-away). They even make a bib overall kilt. Totally not traditional at all, but as you said, they ain't trying to be.

[@dustysmith8280]

You failed to recognize Tartan Utility Kilts. I have 10 Tartan Utility Kilts and 1 formal 8-Yard Kilt (Smith). I can express my Scottish pride in an affordable, utility way, and be formal when needed. Next, I will buy an 8-Yard Bruce Kilt

[@adamwiggins9865]

Steve Ashton is an American who lives in British Columbia 🇨🇦 and makes the nicest kilts with regular pockets I’ve seen that looks traditional.. and well constructed... I won’t wear anything but a traditional 8yrd 16-13oz wool but that’s cause I play in a band and do gigs

[@keithcostello1388]

Looking very pretty in those skirts! Love the way you matched your earrings to your purse!

[@jamesv4463]

My inlaw is a seamstress. I'm gonna make sure I get a great utilikilt

[@crowolfe290]

I'm an archaeologist and split my time between the field and the lab: both places are filthy and I won't wear anything but utility kilts there. But I'm a super short guy and most of the American-made companies that I've found don't offer shorter drop lengths. If you know of any that do, I'd love to know about them. Also, thanks for this. I like calling them modern or casual kilts when people say "without a tartan, that's a man skirt". Whatever. Wear your pants and be compressed and uncomfortable. X-D

[@la_old_salt2241]

I'm late to the game, but you can consider UT Kilts out of Utah. They make custome length utility kilts. I just picked one up with a 40 waist and 20 inch over all length. Got it for hiking and walking. I'm 5'2", so I feel your pain. The one I got was off the peg, when I get my next one, I'll go custom. Cheers!

[@brianfrench9266]

I'm 5'7" and some change. My traditional kilt length is 22". UT Kilt's Standard Utility Kilts have a 22" drop. I can wear their utility kilts at a traditional height and drop.

[@1988Dme]

I find these are a good starter because their easy for people to wear to get use to wearing a kilt. I use them mainly around the house and for basic catch up with friends. Gave one to a friend so he can get use to it before heading out to buy the more traditional kilt. Cheers from Australia.

[@corksauve4949]

I like to think them the evolution of the short. From your standard shorts, to cargo shorts and now utility kilts. Just for comfort and utility.

[@joebaumgart1146]

Utility and cargo kilts are my general go to for casual day wear. My sporran can't hold my phone, keys, wallet, lipgloss, lighter, knife, mirror. But a good quality Utility kilt can. When I was in high school those are what I would wear.

[@donaldblackamericanhighlan2079]

Mine are very significant to me . Yes . we are in America and it is an American thing . It's a big way that I show my Scottish American pride . Thank you for all of the hard work you put into your channel

[@USAKiltsOfficial]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@kaijukoopa1248]

Thank you all, i just got my first and its so comfortable

[@SonoraSlinger]

I just got a utilikilt survival, in my size, with tags on it still at Goodwill for $15. Got the desert tan one. I just fit a 6 pack of beers in it, 4 knives, a gun, my phone, and 4 ways to start a fire. I live in the Sonoran Desert. And let me tell you, the almost non existent breeze is really counting in this. I am officially a kilt believer.

[@bigrickshaberdashery2759]

Love mine, better than shorts any day. Own three now and going to look at what you guys have.

[@georgemcpherson7449]

As a scot who loves wearing my kilts i do not own a utilkilt but i like the idea behind it . Well done the person that thought of it.

[@jackalnerf6230]

Yup. I wear kilts as a heritage thing, but I live in Texas and I need something a little cooler and comfortable sometimes. Of course if I need to represent my clan or go to a formal occasion it’s back to a normal kilt.

[@RickBrode]

I’ve never been a fan of the look, but I am a traditionalist in terms of kilt wearing.

[@CaomhanOMurchadha]

Same. I am 28 and hate the way they look. Especially the ones with the small front apron. They look like skirts for Pregnant women with the maternity fold.

[@kevinhendryx665]

I fear we are in the minority view of those posting here.

[@la_old_salt2241]

UT Kilts version have full aprons that go all the way across the front. I like that look much better.

[@aragorn1780]

Can't speak on fact... but I could totally imagine someone wearing a utilikilt in Scotland and an old ultra traditionalist Gaelic speaking highlander would see it and still think "well that's just bloody brilliant! why didn't we think of that?" Lol

[@bryanmeigs1496]

Bought one from a compagny in bc ,canada, it is a really nice piece, quality material

[@kiltedtennessean5380]

I have 4 utility kilts and love them, as I love my traditional kilts. I have a kilt for whichever look I'm going for.

[@MarcelGomesPan]

Kilts, one guy drinking coffee (?), one guy drinking whisky, one guy sometimes wearing the Mjolnir, talking Highland wear and history. They crammed in a lot of what i like in these videos without even leaving their chairs. 🥃🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇮🇪🇸🇪🇺🇸 Slainte mhath!

[@leeboatwright8262]

I love mine here in the Palm Springs area in the summer. Cooler than shorts and I don't know why there are not more of them down here.

[@douglas2539]

Maybe a counter point/idea related to utility kilts not coming from a heritage standpoint. If the Scots had the fabric we have today and could produce "ripstop" or hard wear cotton blends, wouldn't they have used them ? In my opinion, utility kilts are an expected modern evolution of wool kilts from the 81th century.

[@douglasfrank9323]

They certainly have their place. I wear one for mowing the lawn, etc. really any time I'd wear workwear.

[@TheKrazykris]

I wear the utility kilt in a casual fashion, and save my wool tartan kilt for special occasions. The utilikilt is an affordable way to wear a kilt more often.

[@richarddaugherty8583]

Thanks for this video! I love my USA Kilts (I now own five) but even the two poly viscose kilts I own are over $200. Hiking in them might be OK, but wearing them for doing chores or in the woodshop is out of bounds, for now anyway. Maybe when I've worn them out (or a long time) it might be OK. I have one utility kilt; it was actually my first kilt that I wear hiking and for chores. I have to say though, I hate the pockets. Anything more than a bandanna is annoying when one tries to sit down. I think I'll buy another utility kilt too!

[@la_old_salt2241]

Look at the UT Kilts Business kilt. It has slash pockets like your jeans, that hold more than it may seem to, and no outside cargo pockets. It's a little cleaner look.

[@richarddaugherty8583]

@@la_old_salt2241 Thanks for the suggestion. My first kilt was actually from UT Kilts. Now, five years later, I'm officially a Serial Kilter! I have 11 tartan kilts from USA Kilts, and 4 Utilikilts. Utilikilts quality is better, and I opted for the model that has no external pockets. I found with the UT Kilt that I didn't like them.

[@malgremor85]

I'm waiting for the white painter's kilt...

[@drewheyman7173]

I’m outfitting a British gent who is in his 40s whose Gram in Yorkshire put him in utilikilts when he was a lad. So probably 30 years ago ACROSS THE POND(?)

[@williefick]

I am in South Africa. My wife's mother is from Scottland. I got two utility kilts and another on the way. Anyone got any comments on UT kilts?

[@thegreatnorthwet1760]

I bought a Stumptown when they first came out. I think I own #13. I like wearing them, they are comfortable and casual. But as was said I’m not wearing it for fancy events.

[@maxvives3820]

I remember seeing a buff police lieutenant with these on and utility boots (military style tan colored with tan socks) and I thought to myself what is that and I embarked on a journey to find out what they were. Edit: He also had that satchel thing you guys are wearing.

[@larrym.johnson9219]

It called a (sprain) may not be spelled correctly.

[@ThornForTheWynn]

I know this is a year old, but they are called sporrans. Cheers!

[@timothypryor7952]

Looking online at prices, the pub package is cheaper than some of the brand name utilikilts. I have to wonder which I would enjoy more.

[@la_old_salt2241]

I'd love to see you guys (USA Kilts) offer more solid color PV and wool kilts.

[@stacygirard647]

i am getting 2 utility kilt ( one will be picked up tomorow its a plack ripstop utlimate kilt form ut kilts, and the 2nd is a ebay from pakistan kilt made in tartan , ill see first if i like the feeling if i like it i might get more of those but ii will still wear traditional kilt, but will wear them for different kind of ways ^( utliity kilt will always be for every day wear not fency or special ocasion wilel some of my traditional will be mostly worn as representant of my clan ( im a tresorier regional officier, and i got also a kind of rewaard tittle oc knight its nto a true knight but i m a knight of the clan malceod of quebec cause if i ican do somthing to repesentthe clan or if i can do somthing they need some one to (example i toodk the position as tresorier cause no one was applying for it and they said at fist they took candidatur to x month and i gave my name like 1 month later past that time frame . i told the president if there is no one who want it ill coudl take it so there is one who has the post. its cause of small stuff like that that the president decided to give me the tittle of knight of the clan , and i offert my self as representant (officier) in the region where i live . so when i can ill go some day look to make a recriutement / information of the clan in chicoutimi( town fouded by an macleod ( acnestor of the clan president who developed the clan in saguenay firast but then he mvoed in quebec city and so he turn int o macleod of quebec instead and its more open to all quebec resident not just ancestor of peter mcleod jr founder of chicoutimi, :-) even then for respect about the tartan i sasked my president what he tough if i woudl wear a tartan utility kilt of macleod he said your member of the clan ou can do that fwith no probleme and i told him why i asked first he said its a big sing of respect tot eh clan ( specialy taht im not blood related to clan macleod myself)

[@WickedKingLycoan]

I remember wearing my utilikilt back from swimming with my boys and having some butt head comment that that wasn’t traditional to his wife in an off hand remark that I was meant to over hear. It didn’t over ride all the compliments that I got that day though.

[@kevinlove4907]

Thanks for the info on utility kilts. I will check out the providers you mentioned however I am surprised I couldn’t find a utility kilt on your website. Was I in error?

[@la_old_salt2241]

That's not a model they sale.

[@jadedclone6728]

Thanks for the manufacturer insight. Definitely don't want a cheap 80 dollar kilt, considering my 5.11 pants were only 60.

[@woody230uk]

I have a utility kilt and use it for work has a delivery driver in the UK

[@chillidog5000]

I wear my Stumptown almost everyday.

[@joshuawade7938]

I have 1. I'm not big on them. I keep it in my bug-out bag and that's about it.

[@joeyreddington1455]

Thoughts on products offered by Damn Near Kilt ‘Em?

[@nmhvactech5474]

What do you think about 5.11 Utility Kilts?

[@metalplane3]

Utilikilts are all I where especially when I work outdoors. Could never find the McGuire Tartan.

[@michaelfranz8252]

Being of mostly German heritage I can not claim tartan, but do love kilts. How about a clean black for that background?

[@TheIVSaken]

I faulking love my utilikilts

[@markolson9908]

I just bought my first kilt and it's an utilikilt. The company I got it from is Damn Near Kilt Him.h It seems to be well made and wears well. I am happy with the way it looks and feels, and am now seriously looking to get a traditional kilt because of this first one.

[@skaboodlydoodle]

Tbh utilikilts are just getting more and more common and therefore look less out of place than traditional kilt options so if someone wants to become a serial kilter that's probably the most "casual" look you can even have with a kilt.

[@aaron5676]

Ya, definitely stay away from Amazon. I bought a black and tartan, it sucks, the box pleats won't stay shut so it flares out like a 50s poodle skirt... UT Kilts did a great job on my Passion of Scotland Utility Kilt, would definitely get another.

[@propyro85]

Canadian made utility kilts were briefly mentioned, I'm wondering if anyone can point me towards a brand or two, as Google is not being terribly forthcoming when I look.

[@drrd4127]

The great kilt is the original utility kilt

[@sethirwin1610]

Guessing you’ve also heard about “tactical” kilts by 511 Tactical.

[@GreenmanDave]

I just can't get past the pockets hanging off the sides. It's a worse look than cargo shorts. I love my AmeriKilt, though, and I might try The Mocker from UtiliKilts.

[@jacobmotosicky439]

I like the phrase that utilakilts are like a pair of jeans. I like kilts but some thing less up dressed for p much everyday wear

[@eddiedesmond3312]

So as long as it's an American company, the quality of the utilikilt should be decent. Would you recommend Verillas as a reliable kilt maker? They are based in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

[@fa-q-2]

...Utility kilts are great, as a totally separate, and different thing from celebrating Celtic heritage...they are my everyday wear... Stumptown kilts, (shout out to Jonny) in my opinion has the best American made utility kilts, and UT Kilts (shout out to Brice) has the best quality in overseas utility kilts… and of course, USA kilts is tops for traditional wool kilts...something for everyone...

[@NJRangerGeorge]

What about UT kilts?

[@kiltedbroshar4187]

I have 6 utility kilts.

[@Spellcheekswammablamma]

I like them except all the pockets. I never liked cargo shorts…not ever.

[@maxvives3820]

There are also some made in Australia.

[@zannebrazeau]

l love my tripp nyc utility kilt that my mom got me at hot topic

[@stacygirard647]

many kilt police keep calling utility kilt a skirt not a kilt its still a kilt just not a scottish traditional kilt i do have now 2 utility kilt one from utkilt black ripstop the 2nd ok yes its a cheap one but work for me so far its from a pakistanee seller on ebay (sicn m wearing it daily basiss i dont care if its less quality ) the tartan one the seller sell some wiht a fly plaid i told him i wouldnt want a fly plaid with my utility kilt cause utility kilt is casual kilt wile fly plaid is formal i got the matching fly plaid but to wear with my traditional style kilt now i need a new tartan one ( tratisional one ) macrae sadly i have low budget so i cant go wiht high quality kilt 500$ us is nearly 900$ canadian here wish is quite alot

[@junahn1907]

Are utilikilts just crotchless cargo shorts?

[@SonoraSlinger]

Just got my first one. And at first I thought yes. Then I wore it for a couple hours, and I thought, no, it's so much more.

[@bodach2921]

Kilts were developed as everyday wear and not as formal attire at court. Kilts were also worn as work clothing. In this respect, utility kilts are the true heirs of the historical kilt. But, of course, utility kilts are not made for formal occasions, that's what beautiful traditional kilts are for.

[@EvolvedSungod]

I'm not a fan. Its mostly the fabric. I'll wear shorts if I need to do anything messy

[@daltonpearson9204]

Blue jeans vs dress slacks kinda what I think

[@Sparkyminor]

Engagement engagement engagement

[@USAKiltsOfficial]

Are you getting engaged?

[@elcatrinc1996]

UtiliKilt >>>>>>> Cargo pants/shorts

[@glencoe1951]

I don't like utility kilts personally. With what you guys are wearing on you top half, I think you should be wearing a utility kilt.

[@pipsheppard6747]

If you have to add a prefix to "kilt," it ain't a kilt. Just my traditionalist feeling. :-)

[@dustysmith8280]

Pip Sheppard so “8-yard Kilt” is not a kilt?

[@KarstenArmstrong]

@@dustysmith8280 nor great kilts lol

[@user-fc1zs1wh9g]

i have never seen anyone in my 35 years in the USA ever wear one .... this is not an american thing at all lol

[@lisettegarcia]

I mean, it's really cargo shorts sans crotch

[@kacywatson6314]

NEVER refer to Scotland as "the UK" as a Scottish lass I am offended!

[@GreenmanDave]

Um, the UK is an initialism of the United Kingdom, which is a shortened version of the full name the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Great Britain encompasses England, Cornwall, Wales, and Scotland. Since the independence referendum failed, there is no part of Scotland that is not also the UK. So why are you offended by accuracy?

[@kacywatson6314]

@@GreenmanDave because "the UK" robs Scotland of national identity.

[@pipsheppard6747]

@@kacywatson6314 Well then, y'all need to vote for independence. That would fix it, wouldn't it? What's the hold up?

[@richiethemage2646]

Katy Watson must be amazing not having to pay for prescriptions or university because they are paid for by taxes from Englishmen.

[@bradmacinnis222]

@@richiethemage2646 you got it reversed. England wouldn't be able to have those things if they didn't steal Scotlands resources

[@gregoryyuennusn]

I think they're disgusting haha

[@kevinhendryx665]

I don't think these garments should be called "kilts" at all. They should have a different name that doesn't confuse them with Highland Dress. They're just skirts. Skirts with pockets and fasteners and whatever other crazy look is fashionable. But someone decided that "skirt" was too "girly" so they have CULTURALLY APPROPRIATED the term "kilt" from Highland Scottish society. I for one object. Wear what you like but don't mix up the storied tartan wool garment of Scotland's clansmen and soldiers with cheap goth/punk leathers and vinyls and what-not. There are modern philabegs and "casual" kilts now being made for those on a budget. At least those aren't co-opting the name of kilt. Volunteered as a piper in the USA.