Denim kilts

[Makeitstop]

So what do you guys think about denim kilts?

I'm considering getting one, but I'm not sure which one to go with. The kiltmakers that I know offer denim kilts are:

Utilikilts
Sportkilt
Alphakilts
Rkilts
Union Kilts
21st Century Kilts
Kiltstore.net
Practikilt
Canadian Casual Kilts
Alt Kilt


For myself, I can rule out quite a few of these simply because of the price, however I don't want this thread to be limited to my own search for a kilt, so please, feel free to discuss any kiltmaker.

I am especially curious to know if anyone has tried the sportkilt version, and what information you may be able to provide.

I am also curious about practikilts, as they are cheap, and I know nothing about them.

And finally, how well does denim do as a material for kilts? What are the pros and cons?

[SteveB]

M.I.S.
My first homemade kilt is 14oz cotton denim. Solid black, I didn't have to be as picky about the sett.... 3/4" face 7" knife pleats, (21) and double fringed front apron. It has held the pleats fairly well from the initial pressing. It made it through five machine washings thus far unscathed. Had to touch up the pleats only a little. Still looks good and gets good comments. Seriously though, it would have turned out much better if I had bought Barb T's book BEFORE making it. Now when I look at it I see all the things I did not understand about the mechanics of making a kilt..... Next time 14 oz denim is on sale... watch out.
Kilt is very comfortable, and has a decent "swing". It is heavy enough to withstand some fairly strong winds, and stay modest.

[Bugbear]

I don't know about denim exactly, but I am a fan of army duck canvas which is a bit like denim in spirit. It's a nice feel if you want something rugged and tuff. I also like for the pleats to be fully sewn in, or at least on the outside pleat edge. I also think they would be even better if there were a rolled military box pleat version made in this type of materiel. All of those are my personal views, and I hope you are able to successfully find what pleases you.

[arrogcow]

Ok, I own a denim UK, RK and Union Kilt (and a PK for that matter).

Some claim that denim pleats curl more, but frankly that hasn't been my observation. All my other UK's (and I have something in every model) curl more except for the corduroy.

For most traditional look (plus the possibility of matching belt and sporran), the actual best quality of workmanship, and most pocket versatility (though I'd still like pockets on the back too), and best color selection, go with an RK. This thing is bullet proof and will last forever. However, only the outer pleats are sewn. As a result, I have to iron this every time it is washed, something I don't do with any of my other contemporary kilts. With the exchange rate RK is also the most expensive of the ones I have (again only one that is custom sized, and fantastic workmanship.).

For best value the Union Kilt is great. Construction is not bad, but obviously not perfect (slight separation at the back seam, and had a belt loop just come off with in a month of having it). Their strap system is a little odd as well (not bad just odd), and I think it give a little more of a punk feel to their kilt. On the other hand, I love their segmented pockets (RK's are segmented as well, but Union has a flap that covers your cell phone).

Finally, I love my UK. If it came in colors other than Blue and Black and had segmented pockets I'd probably give up wearing any other contemporary kilt. I've tried for years to get them go offer workman like pockets (which I really need for work) since the denim is so much more comfortable that the duc cloth.

So clear as mud.

Adam

[Retro Red]

So what do you guys think about denim kilts?

I had a denim Utilikit, but ended up selling it on e-Bay. Compared to a UK Original (which I have 4 of), I found it too heavy & hot for the desert climate here in Phoenix. Like most denim, it was re-e-eal stiff when it was new, too.

.

[Monkey@Arms]

I have a black denim UK, and really like it. It's sort of like my UK workman's but without all the flash. Its funny how little info there is out there about the Practikilt, I suspect a lot of people were turned off because they are so obviously a UK knock-off, and the manufacturer doesn't give much product info, but still you'd think you'd hear more.

Best regards,

Jake

[Brian F]

I have a DIY denim X-Kilt, and it is by far one of my favorite kilts. It is incredibly comfortable and I can wear it with anything; it's just like a pair of jeans...except much better!

So, I say, go for it!

~Yeti

[McMurdo]

I bought an Indi-Denim Kilt from Union Kilts a while ago, Richard was just excellent to deal with and the kilt is very nice, great for knocking about in. They were on sale a while ago you might want to check the site and see if there are any still available.

[Riverkilt]

Can only speak to the Utilikilts blue denim original. I like it a lot. It arrived heavy and stiff and deep colored and with that denim dye smell - just like a new pair of jeans used to be before they started prefading and presoftening them.

But the kilt wears and softens up just like a new pair of jeans. I did repeat wash mine in unscented Downy about six times. Wound up wearing it a lot since its so danged comfortable and soft - just like a well worn old pair of jeans only a lot looser.

Main thing is that UK uses the REAL denim...not some denim-looking cloth.

Its probably my favorite summer kilt. And because its denim it goes well with just sandals and a tank or t-shirt.



And, as you can see its ambidextrious. You can lean to the right or lean to the left in it.



My opinion, you'll get your moneys worth with the Utilikilt denim. But that's said not having seen the others.

Ron

[McClef]

I only have the one denim kilt from Union Kilts so can't comment upon the others,