Sportkilt question

[sporranlegionaire]

With the warmer weather now here, my lightweight Sportkilt 'Hiking' kilt gets to come into it's own as being cool and comfortable. The only thing that stops me wearing it anywhere other than when hiking or mooching around the house is because it isn't of a proper tartan weave. I chose their red version. Do any owners of the Hiking kilt ever wear theirs, for instance, at supermarkets, or out on the high street? Do they feel awkward in that it has more of a sarong lightness than the traditional sway of a heavier kilt?
I need encouragement to sport it as an alternative to my other heavier kilts.
Maybe I'm worrying too much about what folk might think, but without a sporran - essential to hold the front down - my 'rusty red' kilt could almost pass off as a skirt. I think they're a great garment for the right occasion, but would be interested to learn of any member's experiences of wearing a Hiking kilt solo in the public arena.
Sorry if I sound too much like a newbie, but are Utilikilts, etc, of a heavier material?

[beloitpiper]

I think you're right, they [I]are [I]a great garment for the right occasion. I think it is up to you to decide what occasion that is.

On the other hand, they do't really have the same swing and heft as a wool kilt, which is why I don't own one.

[BruceK]

Do any owners of the Hiking kilt ever wear theirs, for instance, at supermarkets, or out on the high street? Do they feel awkward in that it has more of a sarong lightness than the traditional sway of a heavier kilt?

Although I do not own one of their Hiking kilts I do own several of their "regular" kilts. For every day activities I think they're perfect. Like you in this weather I need a good reason to wear one of my dress kilts. And the general population doesn't know a Sport kilt from a dress kilt so that is a non-issue.

I do find that I want a kilt that has a tartan weave to it. To me that is what a kilt is, whether dress or Sport kilt. So I don't see me buying a camouflage kilt or a leather one. But that is my own silly prejudice.

Bruce

[andyfg]

Sorry if I sound too much like a newbie, but are Utilikilts, etc, of a heavier material?

Yes, UKs are heavier than SKs. Some heavier than others! Check out the material on their website.

[Riverkilt]

Back before Arizona banned smoking in bars I'd wear my SportKilt dancing with my lady at the Gunsmoke Saloon, the only dancing venue in our little town.



After, could just toss it in the wash to get the smoke stink out of the kilt.

Also wear them in hot weather sometimes. Think I even wore them to work once or twice. Didn't like the feel of them at work...too "pajama-like" in the sense of the brushed feel of the fabric.

Experiment, test the waters, push the edge a bit, have fun.

Ron

[McMurdo]

I do not own one but a few months ago we had a wee get together at the Scottish Rite Club and one of the guys wore his SK just to prove a point. It can be done I guess, not sure that I would do it but here you have it:

[Riverkilt]

Sorry for the extra post...the edit isn't working for some reason..

Just wanted to point out that the SportKilt I wear out is the model with the sewn down pleats, not the basic gathered kind.

Ron

[CameronTaylor]

The swing is the thing but it's not the only reason I wear whichever kilt, it's my personal choice. Yes the SKs are lighter than pretty much everything else (exceptions: denim "sky" boulder, heather grey boulder, black leather) but after a while, if the wind isn't blowing too briskly it doesn't matter.
Be comfortable, like the gent pictured above it's all about attitude.
99% of regular folks won't know the difference between one and another.


CT - thought process randomosityness

[johnnym]

I have both SK and tank kilts, all in proper tartans. I work in a small office, sitting at a desk most of the day. I wear all my kilts at work and rotate them so I don't wear the same one continuously. While at the desk, I prefer the softer feel of the SK over the tank. I haven't worn one out yet, so I can't tell how long any of them will last, but the heavier USAK seems to be constructed better.

[Tukaram]

I'm not sure about your town but around here I think most people would see a kilt and think one of two things:
1. Oh cool, look a kilt.
2. Hey look he's wearing a skirt. (must be said in a redneck accent)
Most people wouldn't know the difference in kilts to critique it. I have worn my SK out in public before and I'm quite comfortable with it. (I always wear a sporran with it). Now Sean Connery might think "oh my, what kilted social faux pas." But most people probably wouldn't know, or care, about the difference in kilts.

I would say if you are comfortable in it, wear it. I don't know anything about Utilikilts, I just never liked the looks of them personally. Although they certainly look heavier. (they need plaid)