Modern take on the kilt?

[Tarheel]

In my land surveying years, I would scuff the toes and heels kicking around the heavy brush while looking for property corners. I wear different footwear now that I work in home restoration of Antebellum (pre 1900) and 1930's structures). The wear on those shoes are different patterns.

I forget that the fashion industry will mimic wear patterns of clothes. I earn all my apparel "boo-boo's" honestly.

[MNlad]

It's a fashion statement I've never understood. To think of all the jeans I've thrown out over the years when they were worn and abused enough to fetch $300 on the shelf.

[Steve Ashton]

I have actually visited with Howie in his store and seen his kilts. Howie is very much into the fashion aspect of the business. I believe he was the first person to begin making traditional kilts from non-traditional fabrics.

He now makes kilts designed to be worn lower or at the trouser waist.

But his kilts are still made just like a traditional kilt and if not worn with the big pockets or the 3 piece suit look they are very nice products.

So Howie's kilts, and mine, are the true contemporary style kilts. Made like a traditional kilt but incorporating differences depending on what the customer wants.

[Michael A]

I have actually visited with Howie in his store and seen his kilts. Howie is very much into the fashion aspect of the business. I believe he was the first person to begin making traditional kilts from non-traditional fabrics.

He now makes kilts designed to be worn lower or at the trouser waist.

But his kilts are still made just like a traditional kilt and if not worn with the big pockets or the 3 piece suit look they are very nice products.

So Howie's kilts, and mine, are the true contemporary style kilts. Made like a traditional kilt but incorporating differences depending on what the customer wants.

I like both Howie's and Steve's designs. Its people like them who will move kilts into the modern era as legitimate and widespread alternatives to trousers, while still giving a significant nod to tradition. If kilts are to be a garment, rather than a costume, then this is the way to go. No one would expect all trousers or jackets to have identical designs (and remain so for over a century), so nor should they have that same expectation of kilts.

I also know one of the kilt makers who makes his hand-stitched line. Now that I have started to make my own kilts (as a hobby), I have started to incorporate some elements of these modern innovations, starting with the 1.25 inch rise.