UtiliGizmo

Just got in my latest Utilikilt and couldn't be happier. It's my first Workman and boy is it stout. Utilikilts Brand Utility Kilts are, as the name implies, kilts but with a more utilitarian aspect to them. A thoroughly American reinterpretation of the traditional kilt created by Steven Villegas out there in Seattle a number of years ago. They're made in America, by Americans, for... well, any guy who wants to live free. So to speak. You don't have to have Scottish or Irish blood. Heck, the guy who came up with them is of Mexican and Swedish, not Scottish, decent. White or black, gay or straight, liberal or conservative... it doesn't matter. Heck, I remember reading an article about a black Marine stationed, I believe, in Afghanistan, who custom ordered one in the new digital camo pattern. The ladies can wear them too, but they'd be crossdressing.

What's really nice, besides the obvious (functionality, comfort, reaction) is that, unlike pants, they're made to your actual waist size, which, more often than not, is not your pants size. Really nice for a guy like my who has a "35" waist in a world where you have the choice between a 34, which is too tight, and a 36, which is too loose. My actual waist is 37" and since Utilikilts go by waist size, not pant size, I can get one that actually fits. Not too tight and not too loose.

They're sort of a cross between cargo shorts and a kilt, without all the dry cleaning or itchy wool but festooned with functionality. A few are more functional than the Workman model that adds 'toolbelt' to the cargo shorts/kilt mix and instead of the lighterweight cotton, this sucker's made out of the same material Carhartt uses. Like I said, stout.

A little over a year ago, Up until now I've only had the Original model, three of them. A black one I wear mostly, but not exclusively, to Soul football games as well as a khaki and an olive drab one. They're great, but I wanted one I could use a bit more around the house and in my shop.



My Workman is of the chocolate variety. The thing I was curious about is that it has quite a few extra snaps. Typically, there are ten snaps that hold the kilt closed and about five more to deal with the pocket flaps. More on some models, fewer on others. This thing's got a slew of snaps. Some are for the additional pockets used for carrying tools. But the ones running laterally along the right side had me scratching my head. Until now...



Inside, you see the free end of the strap on the righthand side of the kilt. This strap is adjustable to use as a hammer hanger...




Or if run out to the loosest pair of snaps, you can use it to hang a cordless drill.



Now, they're not for everyone, and that's totally cool. They're also not to only "neokilt" maker out there. I like their quality, the company's business ethic, and general attitude. A word of caution however, if you don't like strangers coming up to you, asking you questions, don't wear one out in public.