Amerikilts

[Josh_E]

I have decide that the next kilt that i get will be an Amerikilt. What are some good things and bad thing about them?

[JackK]

Bad Things

I only have one Amerikilt

Jack

[Southern Breeze]

Bad? It gets worse, I don't have even ONE yet!
I've heard nothing but good about them. They're very high on my list to get.

[BLAZN]

Bad? It gets worse, I don't have even ONE yet!
I've heard nothing but good about them. They're very high on my list to get.

I hafta agree with SB here.

Amerikilts is horrible. Why? Because the haven't phoned me up with an offer for a free kilt! rotflmao

Personally, I want a black one, a tan one, and a brown one.

[Hellblazer]

Ron, thanks for digging up that thread for me! I'm quite proud of the fact that, after the months of research I've put in, it wasn't entirely over my head .

[longshadows]

I say this guardedly, because I only have one AK and it's the denim model and denim tends to be stiff for a while.

I find it wrinkles easily, especially the pleats when you sit on them.

It's not a "full" kilt, has no "swish" and is a bit skimpy when you sit down--the hem rides up and you have to keep it pulled down (and knees together).

It's not as modest as a UK or a full traditional kilt.

I like the adjustability of the velco closure on the waist band.

On the other hand, it seems well-made and to their credit they offer a "satisfaction" guarantee, which I didn't take them up on. I don't wear it to work anymore, as it's too revealing. I'm keeping it for an "at home" model.

[CameronTaylor]

Dang Longshadows, that was gonna be my next kilt but I'm a bit hesitant now ..
I'd sincerely love to give my tax return to Jeff at Pittsburgh for a black one with tiger striped pleats - hope he comes back sooooon.

CT -

[Riverkilt]

I have four AmeriKilts, a black, forest, putty (War 2 Khaki), and tiger stripe camo.

Mike's a great guy. Called me personal to thank me when I ordered my first three....how's that for service.

They have a great belt they offer too. Quality at a low price.

The snap pattern is a bit different than UK and the AmeriKilt apron is like a regular kilt apron rather than the narrower UK apron. Only thing I wonder about is when I sit the first pleats sort of open out smooth.

Fabric is solid but lighter. I usually wear mine in the Arizona summer.

I like their cloth "sporran" and ordered an extra tan one to be able to mix and match colors. It looks good with the black kilt (black and tan look). The forest sporran looks good on the Putty, and the tiger stripe camo looks good on the forest. Fun to have the contrast.

Only thing I do is take the patch off when the kilt arrives. Just me.

I'm a happy camper. Think they offer fair value for the price.

Was a time I was concerned that they didn't sew down the inside pleat like Utilikilts. Jimmy Carbomb offered that it was better that way and I should "unsew" my UK inside pleats. So, who knows.

There are pics of my AmeriKilts in my gallery. Look for the sub album, probably on page 2 or 3.

Ron

[Hamish]

I have to agree with Michael. Admittedly, I've had my two for four years, but I have not worn them very often. Having previously really taken to the Utilikilts, I found the AK fabrics to be a bit too soft, and there certainly was not sufficient movement with the too shallow pleats for my liking. They come, or came, with matching fabric 'sporrans' which attached by clips to the belt loops - sorry AK, but I just could not bring myself to wear those.

Having said all that, they were extremely well made and the personal service was faultless. It's the designs that just need a little bit of extra tweeking, and additional fabric to provide for deeper pleats. A pity!

[NewKilt]

I have 5 Amerikilts: tan, denim, khaki, olive, brown corduroy. I wear the Kennedy crest in polished pewter on the cloth sporran flap, and I think it really adds to the appearance. Personally, I think they have a very masculine look, especially the clamps that attach the sporran to the D rings on the kilt. I will echo Ron, in that Mike Butler, the owner, is a great guy.

For the money, $98, and $123 for the corduroy, they are a good value. Since they are made from brushed or combed cotton, you will get some wrinkling and creasing on the pleats. I have found that this varies with the kilt. The tan and denim are lighter weight, and tend to wrinkle more. The chestnut brown corduroy hardly wrinkles or creases at all. I think they make very nice casual kilts for summer. The khaki and corduroy can be worn in cooler temperatures. I've worn them with temps in the 40s and was reasonably warm.

Keep in mind that you are not going to get the "swoosh" that you would get with a traditional kilt because there is less material, and the pleats are wider. Still, I wear them in a "business casual" manner with hose, flashes, and a shirt that coordinates well with the kilt. I've gotten several compliments on them, and everyone who has commented has referred to them as a kilt.

Concerning the modesty part, I just remember to push the aprons down when I sit (they will not automatically drop).

Darrell