skirtcafe.org

I’ve had a breakthrough with Mrs TB recently, who knows of my liking for skirts and has suggested I buy a kilt as a compromise. I’d like to get one as as skirt-like as I can though, in a plain lightweight fabric, probably black.

Most of the kilts on offer are very traditional though, even if not tartan - heavy fabric, lots of chains, studs and buckles, overlapping at the front, patch pockets etc. Can anyone recommend a supplier that would pass the kilt test but with products as simple and skirt-like as possible? I know it’s a fine line!

I recently (last Monday) received a new SportKilt in the mail. They have a relatively new line they call a Hiking Kilt.
Link: https://sportkilt.com/product-category/ ... king-kilt/
I ordered the Black Watch Weathered because the colors fit my "muted" style. It really is a lightweight fabric, but it is also lined with a white smooth material (sort of like an expensive skirt might be). It has already become, to my surprise, one of my very favorites. I will be wearing it out later on when my wife and I go to a lounge to see a friend play/perform.

I buy the "women's" style because the standard 18" length is my preferred length (short legs here) and it is a bit less expensive than the "men's" equivalent. It also has sewn down pleats included which add to a classier look. I do pay the premium to have pockets included. I prefer pockets to carrying a bag, which I do when I wear one of my other (non-utility) kilts.

Thanks Bill. I like the style but it is shorter than I’d be comfortable with. I’m aiming for about 22”. Also (should
have said) I’m in the UK so I’m looking for stores on the side of the pond if possible.

TonautBrom wrote: ↑Sat Jul 19, 2025 5:33 pm Most of the kilts on offer are very traditional though, even if not tartan - heavy fabric, lots of chains, studs and buckles, overlapping at the front, patch pockets etc. Can anyone recommend a supplier that would pass the kilt test but with products as simple and skirt-like as possible? I know it’s a fine line!

Hi TB.
Check Amazon, there appears to be a few types there.
My distaste for the hype surrounding all things "kilt" is pretty well known around here but this intrigues me.
"A skirt that passes the kilt test", man that is priceless!
The only answer is a kilt, which is a skirt by any other name anyway but you could always sew the apron closed to complete the illusion.
Frankly, fashion freedom for men will never be achieved until the absurdity of conversations like this is recognised by society as a whole.
Good luck!
Steve.

Thanks Steve - could you explain this though?

“you could always sew the apron closed to complete the illusion“

I’m not very au fait with kilt details and terminology!

TB,
I know they are 'over the pond', but Utkilts in Seattle are worth a look for their custom utility kilts. I have found their 'Business Edition' particularly useful, as it is available in a variety of fabrics, including lightweight plain colours, and has pockets inserted in the seams either side of the apron.

Hello, my suggestion would be to invite her on a shopping trip and ask her to pick out a skirt / kilt a skirt she would be happy to go out with you in.

- then take her on a special (for you) date wearing it.

TonautBrom wrote: ↑Sun Jul 20, 2025 8:51 am Thanks Steve - could you explain this though?

“you could always sew the apron closed to complete the illusion“

I’m not very au fait with kilt details and terminology!

OK TB,
The apron is the overlap, that and the pleats at the back are essentially what makes it a "kilt", skirt by any other name.
Other bit, the buckles fasten to the right for males and to the left for females.
Weight, fabric and above all the tartan is irrelevant but it will be a wrap garment unless you have it sewn shut and presto, no doubts a skirt.
NB all kilts are skirts except in the hearts and minds of certain people, male and female.
Show Mrs TB this if you can?
My very own version of a "kilt", I commissioned from a Scottish designer and christened it the "Nukilt".
No pleats but it buckles as for a male, the rear is my family tartan, Kennedy and the apron/front is grey Harris tweed.
The asymmetry is a reference to the Great Kilt, the authentic traditional dress of the Scots highland men which was effectively eradicated after the battle of Culloden in 1746.
Then there is this.
This far more resembles what is now considered to be a "traditional" kilt, a travesty and a confidence trick worked on a nation and ultimately the world.
Wrap round and waist buckles, apron at front pleats to the rear, it is a skirt!
The sporrans are the same but it is a UK ladies size 16 skirt in a generic off the shelf tartan check.
In this part of the world, it still comes as a surprise to many folks to be told the truth, but I do because I simply will not pretend for anyone.
Lecture over and if you take this advice, you may save some money too.
Steve

trainspotter48 wrote: ↑Sun Jul 20, 2025 10:30 am TB,
I know they are 'over the pond', but Utkilts in Seattle are worth a look for their custom utility kilts. I have found their 'Business Edition' particularly useful, as it is available in a variety of fabrics, including lightweight plain colours, and has pockets inserted in the seams either side of the apron.

Thanks, they look good and their website has picked up the fact I’m in the UK, quoting in pounds.

Susie wrote: ↑Sun Jul 20, 2025 3:38 pm Hello, my suggestion would be to invite her on a shopping trip and ask her to pick out a skirt / kilt a skirt she would be happy to go out with you in.

- then take her on a special (for you) date wearing it.

Interesting idea Susie. There aren’t many physical kilt shops around though so I’m generally looking online. And as for the dinner - well why not!

STEVIE wrote: ↑Sun Jul 20, 2025 6:45 pm

TonautBrom wrote: ↑Sun Jul 20, 2025 8:51 am Thanks Steve - could you explain this though?

“you could always sew the apron closed to complete the illusion“

I’m not very au fait with kilt details and terminology!

OK TB,
The apron is the overlap, that and the pleats at the back are essentially what makes it a "kilt", skirt by any other name.
Other bit, the buckles fasten to the right for males and to the left for females.
Weight, fabric and above all the tartan is irrelevant but it will be a wrap garment unless you have it sewn shut and presto, no doubts a skirt.

<snip>

Got it. It hadn’t dawned on me that traditional kilts are wrap garments but the buckles and pin make sense now…

Tartanista on amazon dot uk, have 100% acrylic fabric kilts for £25-£30 depending on the pattern in the fabric.
Plain Black is an available option.

Note that Tartanista's main website is down for maintenance ATM.

As well as Utilikilts, I have also bought from Stumptown Kilts. https://www.stumptownkilts.com

My black kilt is from them and I use it for times where I have to be as sencible as possible and least crazy looking Mouse. Also used for days when confidence levels are through the floor and off the scale.

I especially like the pocket in the apron and the extra pockets you can buy, that attach anywhere around the kilt on a special pocket strap.

As well as solid colours, you can also get the kilts in a camouflage print fabric, which is an acceptable pattern, other than tartan, that men can wear without fear.

They are American, so you will have to pay shipping, but I have been very happy with mine.

I'm still a big fan of Still Water Kilts.
I've had nothing but good responses from them and VERY fast shipping.
Throw them in the washing machine, on cold, then hang them to dry.
The quality is exceptional At the current prices, I can get two (2)
Still Water Kilts for the price of one (1) Utilikilt, made in Seattle.
Still Water Kilts are made in Minnesota, and they last, no matter
how often you wear them.

My last order, about 6 weeks ago, included the flashes and a tie,
all for one price

Uncle Al

just go to the womens section of any kilt maker and get a "kilted Skirt." the average person won't know the difference.