Utilikilts

[tky58]

In regards to your question, 'am I too old for a kilt'? NO! You look fine. I am not sure about the high school sweatshirt however... ;-)

[Skiballa]

I have 5, they're a frequent go to during the summer. I try not to pass judgement on what others wear, so I'll keep out of that. They are well constructed, and if you feel you'd like to get one, the 'bay seems to have them frequently, and you may find a seller with more reasonable shipping options. I've bought 2 through that avenue, and I'm pleased with the price, it seems many buy the Utilikilt on a whim, and eventually they find their way there when they don't get worn.

[cck]

I have bought a couple of kilts from www.utkilts.com and found their service very prompt, the quality good, and the prices reasonable.

[OC Richard]

So what is the 'history' of all these things?

Who was the first to come out with a canvas kilt with snaps and big pockets?

From the perspective here on the west coast, when Utilikilts suddenly blew onto the scene nobody around here had seen anything like it, which gives us the impression that they were the first. But is it so?

In a Sept 2001 article it says

"In business for 16 months, Villegas and his crew have already stitched and sold 2,500 kilts."

And the Utilikilts site say they have a US patent. With all the Pakistani knockoffs around one wonders what exactly the patent covers. And the "utkilts" linked to above seem to be direct copies.

[seanachie]

So what is the 'history' of all these things?

Who was the first to come out with a canvas kilt with snaps and big pockets?

From the perspective here on the west coast, when Utilikilts suddenly blew onto the scene nobody around here had seen anything like it, which gives us the impression that they were the first. But is it so?

In a Sept 2001 article it says

"In business for 16 months, Villegas and his crew have already stitched and sold 2,500 kilts."

And the Utilikilts site say they have a US patent. With all the Pakistani knockoffs around one wonders what exactly the patent covers. And the "utkilts" linked to above seem to be direct copies.

Richard,

I think some of the answers have been in various threads over time. I believe Steve Ashton has commented that the reverse kinggussie pleating was patented (if I am in error the fault is mine) by Villegas. Just as a note the RKilts I mentioned earlier do not use snaps Robert makes them with quality leather straps. Living local to you I would agree that UKs are one of the more common, though I do not see a lot, of kilts. As I mentioned the aprons were a real turn off for me with UKs, and no matter how much I adjusted the under apron rubbed my inner thigh.

[RockyR]

For those who actually want to READ the patent that UK has:

http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-P...&RS=PN/6282723

[tundramanq]

Thanks Rocky, that was educational. Now I need some aspirin.
Some features still exist - the rev-K pleating, pockets, adjustable loop and waist band. I don't think this particular kilt lasted long at all - if it even got into full production. There are a lot of tweaks, modifications and real improvements to get to the current designs.

[OC Richard]

For those who actually want to READ the patent that UK has:

http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-P...&RS=PN/6282723

Ouch... that is an eyeful.

How on earth can he patent a Kingussie pleated kilt?

The features that strike me as being essential to Utilikilts are the narrow front apron with series of snap closures forming a "V", the large hanging side pockets, and the belt loops. I see kilts made by other companies all the time that have all these same features. Who was first?