Pittsburgh vs. Utilikilt

[Yaish]

The cargo pockets dont affect movement even when loaded. Because they attach at the top and are not sewn down into the pleats, they just hang naturally while the pleats are free to move with you.

I routinely load mine up with all sorts of stuff and its never a problem. Far more comfortable than cargo pockets on shorts or pants.

The slash pockets of the mocker are pretty good too, you cant load them up quite as much as the cargo, but it doesnt bump around on your thigh like pants pockets either. They hang free almost between your legs, so no lumps of keys, change, cell phone, wallet, etc. to stab you in the leg or make an ugly bump.
Personally, I have never used the back pockets on any of my kilts for anything other than holding a flyer or brochure.

If you're planning on using it for a lot of rigourous outdoor activities then a UK workmans is unbeatable, and we can give you lots of tips to soften it up. Even the UK original or mocker is plenty tough for most activities. Kilts naturally eliminate weak spots like the knee and crotch that pants have, and the pleats move with a snag until you can unhook it, unlike pants or shorts that just tear.

Either way, I think with any of the companies you mentioned you will be very happy with the quality, so its really going to be a matter of price and looks.

[Raphael]

Good or bad, it is really up to the individuals to decide. However, the Style that Utilikilts introduced to the world has inspired many companies to do the same. Whether it will become a clutural icon, it is too early to tell. However, Wearing a kilt can be a life style altering experience.

I hope, one day, this style of cargo kilts can rival the popularity of jeans.

[bubba]

I'm sure the UKs are fine garments, but I just don't care for the look of the apron. It just doesn't appeal to me at all. I prefer a wider tapered apron. Just my opinion.

[Nick]

I've got a Workmans and a Mocker, and I love them both. The only thing I'd have to say is that on the workman's, the first couple pleats on either side have a tendancey to curl over the course of the day, and no amount of ironing stops it (this is much, much less on the Mocker.) Also, the positioning of the rear pocket of the workman's means my wallet ends up right on the sit-bone, so I just keep it in the cargo pocket. This is not a problem at all with the Mocker.

I've been looking at the Pittsburgh Kilts, and I think my next kilt will be one of those. The lined kilt is sheer genius! (I live in a very cold area). My UKs are warm enough, but not so warm that being outdoors is pleasant. I think I'll be getting a regular and unlined. I like how there are a number of options, too, plus they just look really nice.

[Riverkilt]

Hey, welcome Cavscout - Semper Fi

Sorry, you are sooooo screwed now. I caught this addiction last summer and already have 18 kilts.

I have six UKs, three PKs, and 2 FKs

Wish I had my money back on the two Sportkilts so I could merge them into one kilt.

Don't know from the mocker, but have one on the way...Do know UK, PK, and FK...you can't go wrong with any of them.

Main difference is that UKs are made in quantity in various sources and you may or may not be unlucky with the final inspection...3 of six of mine have had problems, a bad snap on a denim, a seam that unraveled five pleats in the hem first washing in an original, and an inch or so of missed seam in the bottom of a pocket on a workman's. Other three were fine except they charge you up front and I've waited up to 12 weeks...shortest UK ship time for me was about 5 weeks.

Jeff at PK is a lot faster and he has the desert and forest MARPATs...I have both...the under apron pocket is great...I thought it was kind of weird but use it a lot.

Steve's at Freedom Kilt's CADPAT and desert camo are good kilts too, a lot shorter jones. You can see pics of all three house's kilts in the gallery section.

Its like apples, oranges, and mangos...they're all good, just different.

That's why you're sooooo screwed...you gonna be buying a lot of kilts now that you have the fever.

As for the swish stuff, a lot of that depends on your own wiggle, but UK pleats about 2 inchs deep,
PK pleats are about 3 inches deep, and FK pleats are about 4 inches deep.

I like the ability to choose pockets etc. and customize with Jeff and Steve.

If you're a camo junkie like me don't overlook the AmeriKilts Tiger Stripe and the UK camo original...and I think UK has some other camos.

And, the workman's is worth the price...and the UK denim is better looking than any of the photos...and the PK forest MARPAT does have the EGA on it, just have to look which is cool with a camo...and the FK CADPAT looks great out here in the canyonlands despite our lack of forests...its such a cool camo it seems to fit with most anything.

Pamper yourself, buy buy buy

Semper Fi

Ron
E-1 (retired)
61st Rifle Company
Lexington, KY USMCR a very very very looooong time ago....like...M-14 era....

[Jimmy Carbomb]

Cavscout, there's one HUGE difference between the UtiliKilt and the Pittsburgh Kilt... and that's Jeff at Pittsburgh Kilts. You're dealing with one h_ll of a kiltmaker, one h_ll of a guy, and a custom garment that will be whatever you really want!

The UtiliKilts CAN be a little uncomfortable since they're off-the-rack. Many of the materials can be harsh on the buns too. That being said, I have a caramel Workman's UtiliKilt and I love the thing. It has its place, but not in my normal "often-wear" area. It's good for Renn Faires and construction work.

The Pittsburgh Kilts are REAL nice. The look is MUCH more traditional than a UtiliKilt, so you'll never be mistaken for a skirt. The fabrics that Jeff has are often quite soft. The beltline is thicker too, so they lay off the hips nicely. All in all, the final product is substantial in construction weight, solid in the craftsmanship, and quite nice to the eye.

Again, the biggest difference is that you can talk to Jeff and get exactly what you're looking for. As for the face-to-face responses that I've received from wearers of both manufacturer's kilts... UtiliKilts is about a 75% satisfaction rating, whereas Pittsburgh Kilts is 100% positive. There's something to be said for designing and helping to create your own kilt.

[Yaish]

Just my opinion (well, all these posts are nothing but opinion) but the Utikilts have a pretty inheirently rugged look, and I've never had anyone mistake it for a womens skirt. They might not recognize it for a kilt, but they know its something different.

Comparatively, the PK looks more 'skirty' to me, but knowing kilts, I recognize it as such. If I didnt know about kilts, and confronted with either a UK, or a PK and I had to pick the more feminine I would say PK.

Still, they're fantastic looking kilts and I cant wait to get mine.

[Riverkilt]

What you need to be careful of is the utter addiction of it all.

While waiting 12 weeks for my first kilt, a UK camo original, I medicated the incredible jones with a bunch of other kilts that were ordered later and came sooner...Think I owned about six before the first UK showed up...even got so far into the gutter that I ordered a SportKilt...it arrived reeking of cigarette smoke.

If you're already jonesing, order from Steve or Jeff. If you have the resources, go ahead and pay UK for a kilt to arrive "whenever" and when it does it'll be a surprise.

Course, if you have enough to order more than one kilt I'd be taking a serious look at Robert's Sage Leather kilt at RKilts...looks like old buckskin.

May have missed it, but don't think anyone mentioned the "butt apron" inside Pittsburgh Kilts...a nice touch for those of us aging into the major leagues of gas passers who sometimes may expel more than we planned...its also handy for the youngsters who tend to get really really drunk and lose control of important muscles....

Dive on in...wallow in kilts...enjoy your addiction. I've really appreaciated the advice on this board, even though I've sometimes plowed ahead with my own hopeful wishes, but the best way to learn about the various manufacturers products and services (or lack of service) is to buy from them...

Kinda like getting shot at - no way to really describe the sound of that first hostile bullet whizzing by and the sudden dose of reality it brings...same with kilts. Ya gotta buy one, put it on, and wear it in public, and answer that first "Are you Scottish?" question...won't matter what brand you've wrapped around you.

Ron

[Atticus]

I have recently purchase a UK Survival kilt (original model). I am very pleased with it. I would not call it a perfect fit but it seems well made and has some great feactures.

I have a Freedom kilt on order and should be here in a week or two.

I have 3 PK's and I must say I am really impressed. They fit great and have some room for changes in my waist. Jeff was a joy to deal with. We emailed back and forth several times about kilts and tweaks in his design. The guy is so pleasant I think I'd encourage you to go for a PK.

That being said Steve at Freedom kilts remade a kilt for me because I measured wrong and it was too small. He was even willing to give me a new design with more pleats and feactures because I had to wait for him to rebuild it. The service of these two is unreal.

Rocky and Kelly at USA Kilts have been a pleasure to deal with. I have a Victory kilt from them that I am getting around to wearing.

So what I am saying is...Order away! Any of these small companies put out a great product and are super with customer service. Call them or email them and tell them wait you want and you shall get it. If you want a UK then call them and see what is in your size. If you are a bit flexible you can get a UK in a week or two.

You can't lose.

[arrogcow]

May have missed it, but don't think anyone mentioned the "butt apron" inside Pittsburgh Kilts...a nice touch for those of us aging into the major leagues of gas passers who sometimes may expel more than we planned...its also handy for the youngsters who tend to get really really drunk and lose control of important muscles....

I'm not sure what you mean by a "butt apron" on the PK. Mine doesn't have one (I took it off and checked). Maybe it is because mine is lined, but there ain't nothing unusual back there.

Adam