I LOVE 'Em!! J'Dez Underkilts

[auld argonian]

Saw these earlier in the L-O-N-G discussion that pretty much dissed them.

I figure: what the hell...this is pretty much freestyle anyway...and there doesn't seem to be much benefit in being uncomfortable so wear what you like.

But honestly...some of the participants really trashed the concept of these underkilts in that previous thread. Apparently if "Live free or die" is the motto of New Hampshire, "Hang loose or die" would be the motto of not a few of the Xmarks members!

But it seems to work pretty well from what you're saying here, so let's not count them out as a useful accessory!

best

AA

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Ron,

Trend setting again? Looks good and thanks for being brave enough to order these, and let us know you were ordering, and give them a true review. Like others, I was somewhat put off by the "slip-like" pictures in the prior thread, but also could see the value, especially with a trad kilt.

A quick question though, where does the underkilt fall in relation to the kilt? It looks liks quite high enough to avoid one issue mentioned, which was comments regarding "your slip is showing". Not to get too personal, but does your normal "go to the office" attire allow/support regimental, or have you been going with the keep it modest approach? And if keeping it modest, would you change to the underkilt in that situation? Just curious because I enjoy regimental, but am concerned in the office. I was wondering if this might offer a nice alternative.

RJI

[millar]

ok where is Raphael? He started the last thread on these things. I just can't get over the whole slip thing. Ron glad you like them.

[davedove]

I just can't get over the whole slip thing.

Maybe if they're thought of as kilt protectors, the image may change. After all, since as was mentioned in another thread, we no longer have the extra long shirt tails to protect the inside of our kilts from "bodily soils", something like this would protect the major investment of a kilt. After all, I would rather spend $20 to replace one of these, than to spend $400+ to replace a tailored kilt. I do think the black would be the better product. I just can't get behind the white under the kilt.

[Riverkilt]

Good point Dave,

I'd rather throw one of these "kilt protectors" in the wash than risk turning my hand sewn traditional over to a dry cleaner....course I'm an old guy, and young men might not worry as much as an old sot like me...

And, KCW...not a problem. I've worn the kilt protector under my belly (as the pic so embarassingly shows) and its still about 4" above the hem of my kilt. And I wear my kilts mid knee or above. Hasn't been a problem sitting either. Just got back from an AA meeting. Blue denim UK apron dropped okay. I was concerned about that too, even ordered black just in case. Now that I've some field testing in think I'd be okay with white.

As far as the office just decided that the consequences for accidental exposure just weren't worth the risk. So compromise with tartan boxer shorts from WalMart....don't need the "kilt protector" since the boxers do the work.

Risk at the office is that I sit in a chair for a living. I still have old leg position habits from years of pants wearing. Might absentmindedly get cross legged. Also, our agency has lots of very young kids coming in with their parents. If one decided to "look up my address" wouldn't be cool. And the agency has exposed steps to the second floor and a catwalk visible to the lobby. Finally, this area is known as the windy mesa for the constant winds and our agency parking lot is on the edge of the mesa. Some strong winds could sneak up on me out there. Just makes more sense to be safe.

Also, since I'm seated so long that reduces the skin to cloth contact. If you read most camping advice books they advise against sleeping nekie in your sleeping bag to avoid body oils, dead skin etc. Guess its similar with sitting in a kilt for long periods.

As far as the softness, think of a well worn old cotton t-shirt...

This is a good deal men. I can see the day when it would become a standard kilt accessory.

Ron

[Southern Breeze]

I think it would be better to think of these as kilt liners or kilt protectors.I can see the logic behind them and like it.If they were availible in say polypropylene,you could wear a light weight or non wool kilt in winter.Insulated underwear for kilts.When they were brought up the last time they were associated with mens skirts and that pretty much doomed them.

[Freedomlover]

I notice that the Jdez folks repeatedly mention "organic" cotton. Is there any other kind?

Southern Breeze mentioned polypropylene for the obvious benefits. That's a great idea. I may go into the business. After all, a sewing machine is a power tool.

[Planopiper]

I guess "kilt protector" is more manly than "half-slip". Maybe guys can consider girdles to fight that beer-belly problem, too. Plenty of precedent for men wearing those. Sure would make the kilts look better on a lot of guys I've seen.

[JDEZ]

I notice that the Jdez folks repeatedly mention "organic" cotton. Is there any other kind?

We use organic cotton because we believe that it is better for the environment. J'DEZ is among many forward thinking apparel companies like Pategonia, REI, Nike, Nordstrom, and H&M who support and encourage sustainable agriculture. The end product is essentially the same, but the farming practices are vastly different. Conventional cotton growers contribute to approximately 25% of agricultural pesticides used worldwide. For instance, the cotton in a standard T-shirt uses about 1/4 pound of pesticides. Most conventional cotton farmers use vast amounts of pesticides, synthetic chemical fertilizers, herbicides and defoliants that end up in the food and water supply. Organic farming practices rely on natural means. Organic cotton is more expensive, but it is a small price to pay for a clean environment. We are proud to say that 100% of our cotton is USDA certified and organically grown in the US.

If you are interested in knowing more about organic cotton see http://www.organicexchange.org

-- Dave

[JDEZ]

Southern Breeze mentioned polypropylene for the obvious benefits. That's a great idea. I may go into the business. After all, a sewing machine is a power tool.

It's not as easy as it looks. Undergarments must be realiably stitched to survive extream and frequent washings. We use several machine operations in the manufacturing of the Underkilts including industrial double-needle 4-thread overlock sergers, and double-needle coverstitch machines. Things like elastic can also be problematic since you often need feed tensioning equipment to properly attach it to stretch fabrics in a consistant manner. All in all, it might set you back more than $25,000 (US) to get set up. Maybe $10,000 if you can find used equipment. We also do all our own pattern and size grading work in CAD and produce cutting room markers on a large format printer. - Without the computer software and hardware, it would be difficult to do niche products like the Underkilt efficiently.

-- Dave