Evolution.....

[Blu (Ontario)]

Kilts, or perhaps more objectively, kilt wearers, are evolving. Kilts have long held a special niche in the world of clothing. Yet one inevitable truth in the world is change. Whether a particular style lasts a few months, a few years, or a few centuries, change will be there. Social standards, moral standards, economic forces, religious influences, technology, etc. influence the esthetics and tastes of each generation. A fashion demanded by one will be denigrated by another. Unlike most clothing, kilts are (obviously) a unique case with unique influences and challenges.

Hypothetical open question...

Whether your preference is for traditional kilts, modern kilts, or both, What do you foresee as the future of the kilt? What changes, if any, would you like to see?

Have fun!

blu

[emeraldfalconoflight]

Kilts, or perhaps more objectively, kilt wearers, are evolving. Kilts have long held a special niche in the world of clothing. Yet one inevitable truth in the world is change. Whether a particular style lasts a few months, a few years, or a few centuries, change will be there. Social standards, moral standards, economic forces, religious influences, technology, etc. influence the esthetics and tastes of each generation. A fashion demanded by one will be denigrated by another. Unlike most clothing, kilts are (obviously) a unique case with unique influences and challenges.

Hypothetical open question...

Whether your preference is for traditional kilts, modern kilts, or both, What do you foresee as the future of the kilt? What changes, if any, would you like to see?

Have fun!

blu

Glow in the DARK translucent kilts heh heh heh

[Jerry]

I'd like to see more solids made in the traditional style (with straps and buckles). The one or two I've seen looked great, and have just about changed my mind about wanted a solid color kilt instead of a tartaned one.

[Sir Robert]

My kilts are expensive and because they are wool, must be dry cleaned. These two togather make them formal clothing only.

If the kilt is to be something other than that then they must become more comfortable (fit more like blue jeans), be truly wash&wear (toss in washing machine and toss in dryer), and cost signifigantly less than $500 (more like $50).

The traditional kilt will be part of my formal wear, but I see myself wearing a casual kilt much more often.

[Shay]

If the kilt is to be something other than that then they must become more comfortable (fit more like blue jeans), be truly wash&wear (toss in washing machine and toss in dryer), and cost signifigantly less than $500 (more like $50).

Have you check out Amerikilt? That's basically my experience with them, and I do most of the laundry/ironing in the house- throw it in the washer, hang to dry (which you're supposed to do with jeans anyway) and touch up with an iron. But they cost around $95.

[Alan H]

To go mainstream they'll have to cost less than $50, as Sir Robert says.

However, there already ARE kilts that cost less than $50. Some of the Lip Service kilts are down there, and th eStillwater Economy kilt is under $50. folks may not like the quality, but ther eyou go..It's a kilt and it costs less than $50.

When Utilikilts goes offshore and builds kilts in Els Salvador and then can sell them for $55, then look out.

Tartan will always mean "Scotland" in the minds of the general public, and that limits its acceptance.

[bear]

My kilts are expensive and because they are wool, must be dry cleaned. These two togather make them formal clothing only.

If the kilt is to be something other than that then they must become more comfortable (fit more like blue jeans), be truly wash&wear (toss in washing machine and toss in dryer), and cost signifigantly less than $500 (more like $50).

The traditional kilt will be part of my formal wear, but I see myself wearing a casual kilt much more often.

My PV classic cuts and grizzly cuts have every attribute you just asked for but the price. They start at $150.00 Canadian and a lot of that is the price of fabric.
• Machine wash and dry. (Iron only about every 6 washings if you want razor sharp pleats.)
• Sit on the hips like blue jeans.

[toadinakilt]

I'd like to see more solids made in the traditional style (with straps and buckles). The one or two I've seen looked great, and have just about changed my mind about wanted a solid color kilt instead of a tartaned one.

I too would love to see more traditional solids. It seems like Stillwater ought to introduce several solids in Standard (black, tan, navy, what have you). I would buy several in a heartbeat.

In reference to an earlier thread of mine, it would be nice to see some sporrans in les than traditional designs. The only one I can think of is the Amerikilts two-pocket...what about a sporran with places for credit cards and a built in coin purse, etc?

[Archangel]

In reference to an earlier thread of mine, it would be nice to see some sporrans in les than traditional designs. The only one I can think of is the Amerikilts two-pocket...what about a sporran with places for credit cards and a built in coin purse, etc?

I'm very pleased with my R-kilt sporran which, I feel is nicely updated. You might find what you're after in the Derek Alexander purse line. Before you get upset...I saw his waist wallet design for $CDN75 which is designed for men for this kind of application. It was too boxy for my taste and more than I need.

[Jimmy Carbomb]

Whether your preference is for traditional kilts, modern kilts, or both, What do you foresee as the future of the kilt? What changes, if any, would you like to see?

Until SOMEONE comes up with original designs and innovative improvements, they're gonig to sit right where they are. They will remain the garments of those who are rebellious or Celtic-at-heart.

I'll have to agree that solids need to get away from the UtiliKilt and AmeriKilt look, and wander on over into the traditional realm. They don't need all the pockets and metal garmishments to be kilts, or be known as kilts. I've made camoflauge kilts in the more traditional look, and it's a huge improvement.

We may only be months away from something completely original... and we may be years away. In either case, it takes innovation and foresight to make this expand beyond the margins it's in right now.