kilts at Hot Topic

**Roan Carter** · 21st February 08, 01:27 AM

*sigh*

I almost bought one of those a year or so back. I saw quite a few in person at the Roanoke Celtic Festival. I wanted to buy one so I could take it home for a keepsake, but they were all sold out.

In retrospect, I suppose it's not a bad thing. The tartans are too bright for my taste now, and the kilt itself is too untraditional.

I can't believe I just said that. @_@ You guys are going to turn me into some kinda ... kilt ... snob!

**RockyR** · 21st February 08, 04:53 AM

I've seen them at many celtic festivals. They're sett size is VERY small (the red one at least) and the fabric weight is about 8 or 9 oz. they are DEFINITELY going after the "punk rock" kind of crowd. They look silly on "regular" people not trying to do the "punk thing".

That being said... I don't think they even look that "punk rock"... to me it just looks like a sloppy home ec project. I'd much rather see someone who wants to "punk up" a kilt buy a half decent kilt and put patches and zippers on it than buy one of those.

Are the pleats going backwards (clockwise around you as you wear the kilt)? It's a little tough to tell in those pics.

Al that being said, at least they're TRYING to market kilts in "main stream" stores. The problem is, they need a much nicer version of the kilt to make an impact... these aren't "forwarding the cause" as they look so sloppy.

**auld argonian** · 21st February 08, 06:26 AM

I expected that if they were made of the PV, they would be of a lighter weight than the Marton Mills PV...and nobody knows that material better than Rocky.

It sort of reminds me of the various threads from the past that posited the question, "What if they sold kilts at Wal Mart?" One expects that this is what you'd get. I note that there seems to be a trend toward extremely capacious "tartan" cargo shorts and that they are beginning to show up at places like Old Navy and Kohl's here in the US. Must be a lame attempt to give a sort of a kilt effect without actually wearing a kilt...I'll be interested in seeing how many pair of these abominations show up in the crowd on St. Pat's (weather not withstanding) being worn with knee high white tube socks and soccer sandals.

Best

AA

**pipesndrumsnun** · 21st February 08, 06:28 AM

Hmmm...for $52 go see SWK...a much better outcome!!

**sharpdressedscot** · 21st February 08, 06:32 AM

They look like skirts to me...

**clowcards** · 21st February 08, 07:04 AM

When I saw the Tripp kilts front and center in Hot Topic (because of st. Patrick's day), I knew there would be more criticism of them on this board.

As I have already said in another topic, I really think they are underrated here, and get more then there fare share of criticism on this board. If it were not for my girlfriend getting a Tripp kilt from Hot Topic and letting me wear it, I would not own a Utilikilt or a Stillwater kilt today.

A hot topic kilt is not supposed to be a high quality, traditional kilt. It is good quality for the price, 50-60 dollars. I have a hard time finding anything other then a Stillwater for that cheap. I think that if some of you guys saw a Stillwater kilt at Hot Topic instead of a Tripp one, you would be bashing it just the same for being so low quality. The Tripp kilt is a great kilt for junking around in, very comfortable. It has large pockets and belt loops, making it very practical to wear. The pleats are box pleated, and sewn in, making them great for sitting on all day. I really don't care what my Tripp pleats look like after I stand up. I have gotten nothing but compliments from people when wearing a Tripp kilt.

For what it is, a Hot Topic kilt is a good deal for the price, and there really are no other “utility kilts” on the market for that cheap. The Hot Topic kilt is great for getting younger adults to start wearing unbifurcated garments.

**Finn** · 21st February 08, 07:49 AM

Ok, I've read the other two threads. I do not want to rehash the old discussion. When I first saw it, I was tickled, but was then offended by the "faux Goth" look. I'm an old punk & did Goth years ago. I suppose I should be glad that there are affordable mainstream kilts for young people. Truthfully, I guess I'm glad that they aren't UK's (being a UK customer). Makes me a snob, maybe.
Thanks for everybody's input!

**sharpdressedscot** · 21st February 08, 04:14 PM

I honestly don't like the look of Tripp kilts, I don't know they're not me. Same thing with the pants.

**Marcel** · 21st February 08, 08:31 PM

Originally Posted by Maclachlan

It looks like an ugly pillow case with the end opened up. I sure wouldn't call it a kilt though...ugly skirt maybe. But hey, who am I to judge?

I agree!

**Makeitstop** · 21st February 08, 10:11 PM

Originally Posted by clowcards

When I saw the Tripp kilts front and center in Hot Topic (because of st. Patrick's day), I knew there would be more criticism of them on this board.

As I have already said in another topic, I really think they are underrated here, and get more then there fare share of criticism on this board. If it were not for my girlfriend getting a Tripp kilt from Hot Topic and letting me wear it, I would not own a Utilikilt or a Stillwater kilt today.

A hot topic kilt is not supposed to be a high quality, traditional kilt. It is good quality for the price, 50-60 dollars. I have a hard time finding anything other then a Stillwater for that cheap. I think that if some of you guys saw a Stillwater kilt at Hot Topic instead of a Tripp one, you would be bashing it just the same for being so low quality. The Tripp kilt is a great kilt for junking around in, very comfortable. It has large pockets and belt loops, making it very practical to wear. The pleats are box pleated, and sewn in, making them great for sitting on all day. I really don't care what my Tripp pleats look like after I stand up. I have gotten nothing but compliments from people when wearing a Tripp kilt.

For what it is, a Hot Topic kilt is a good deal for the price, and there really are no other “utility kilts” on the market for that cheap. The Hot Topic kilt is great for getting younger adults to start wearing unbifurcated garments.

I will say again that I am not against the thing, only that I don't like the style.

I have to disagree with you about your hypothetical. Acrylic kilts like those sold at stillwater do get the occasional bashing around here. The main difference is that stillwater appears far more traditional, and therefore appeals to far more kilt wearers. Many on this site do not like non-traditional kilts, and most are probably not into the punk/goth style, and this is cheap kilt. Combine those factors, and it's not surprising that it isn't popular around here.

I don't think it was meant to appeal to regular kilt wearers. It is something for people who most likely think kilts are cool but would have no idea where to get one and probably prefer something that goes with leather, chains and piercings more than a pc or sgian.

That's not a bad thing; Quite the opposite. Because it appeals to a different market, it is practically designed to bring kilting to many who wouldn't have ever known the joys of a life without pants.