Quote Originally Posted by JDEZ
I would like to post a rebuttal to Bearkilts derogatory take on my company's products. I joined the Tom's Cafe forum to learn about the market and how people wanted to refer to some of our unique products. I also do a lot of reading, attend markets and trade shows, conduct surveys, etc. It seems that there are a lot of people out there that want to call anything pleated a "kilt". Most men are just more comfortable buying something called a kilt. I have seen a number of products in the marketplace called kilts that don't resemble anything I remember seeing on a true Scotsman. I.e. Utilikilt, Mountaingear, Amerikilt, etc. If I argue with my customers and tell them they can't call it a kilt, it would be pointless. Like it or not, kilts will evolve. As did the Great Kilt (as I understand that it was just a blanket). Don't ge me wrong, when I think of a kilt, its a traditional pleated tartan. - I am not the one who blurred the definitions in the market place.

As with the Underkilt, my company is about creating new ideas. We work with lightweight fabrics and are in the business of making very comfortable and wearable clothing. The "Underkilt" idea has already been sold to a number kilt wearers whom like the kilted look, but don't like the feel of wool or heavy canvas. Maybe it works for you, maybe it doesn't.

Slips are designed for women's shape. The Underkilt is a new product designed for men.

-- Dave
The truth hurts mate. As I said over at Tom's over the "is it a kilt or a skirt" debate, and your poll, if you want to gain a non biased result conduct your poll at more sites than just Tom's. Those are people that wear evening gowns and call them Kilts to justify their own insecurities. I guarantee you that the same poll would differ quite drastically is done here. Go for it, I too have studied a lot of marketing, and the point is to get as much information from as many sources as possible. If you are only getting your primary information from one source can it really be seen as reliable? Be sure to also try your poll at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scotattire/ , www.kiltmen.com , thebloodisstrong.com , and others

Calling a product which is clearly a skirt (and not a kilt) a kilt simply to sell more products to insecure and cheap people is deception for a profit, not brilliant market research. If you guys in the men's skirt market ever want to achieve mainstream recognition, you need to stop riding on the coat tails of a proud and traditional garment.

Before you come back with your rebutal about Utilikilts and the market share they reach by calling it a kilt, let me say this. I do not consider Utilikilts to be a kilt (by definition or design) Steven himself has admitted that he did not base it on a Scottish kilt design. Utilikilts has created a new market in the utility kilt. This market now includes Utilikilts, Freedom Kilts (thought they have more of a traditional design), Pittsburgh kilts, Amerikilts, etc. It's a niche market that found a need and filled it. Most of those companies have never tried to pass themselves off as a traditional kilt, nor have they said the definition needs to change and evolve to suit their needs. Do I consider these companies kilts ? Not really (with the exception of Freedom kilts), but I do consider them a new sub-section of kilts that. Now you product is more like a Sportkilt and again, no way would I consider this a "kilt" just because it is made of tartan.

And no, I am a Canadian of Scottish heritage and I would not wear a slip!