A kilt is a pleated garment that originated from Scotland. Still quite popular after so many years of its existence, people are fast becoming interested in wearing kilts for various occasions and events.

When it comes to kilts, people are often confused between the difference of a traditional tartan kilt and its modern counterpart, the utility kilt. People new to kilts should know that the difference between the two is that one is traditional and represents various clans and tribes.

On the other hand, a utility kilt is its modern iteration and is not bound with customs and traditions. Additionally, it is designed with different varieties and of different materials.

Fabric:

Traditionally, Scottish kilts are made from wool in a tartan pattern. These patterns represent, as we mentioned earlier, various clans and tribes.

The fabric used for utility kilts is more stylish and advanced. The fabric being used in modern day utility kilts can be of: cotton, denim, camouflage, leather, and other blends that can be stretched easily.

Ozkilts® Utility Kilts use special high quality cotton stretch fabric no other kilt makers are using, along with vegan-friendly faux-leather. For a more stylish and comfortable kilt, our cotton utility kilts are a good choice for you.

Fabrication:

Traditional tartan kilts are traditionally handmade and are manufactured by experienced weavers who use a needle. The entire process in the manufacturing process does not involve the use of any machine. They are expensive for good reason, but still, they are in great demand.

When we talk of utility kilts, many manufacturers opt are manufactured using machines, mainly in the production of the fabrics. There are manufacturers who go full machine with only minimal handwork, making them more reasonably priced.

What sets us apart here at Ozkilts® is that all our utility kilts are handmade from 100% cotton that ensures comfort for the wearer and utility at any time of the day.

Design:

Traditional kilts carry with it the honour of tradition and history. They usually possess symbolic designs that have been utilised for centuries. Traditional kilts have a front apron and back pleats.

The apron is about 4 inches (10.16 cm) to 16 inches (40.64 cm) wide and covers the front area of the legs; one side of the apron has fringe ending, which makes the black pleat stand out. Back pleats in a traditional kilt were designed to keep the body warm during winter.

On the other hand, modern utility kilts has a front apron that is up to 10 inches (25.4 cm) wide that reaches to the middle of the legs. Additionally, modern utility kilts feature detachable cargo pockets where the wearer can keep their valuables.

Kilt fastening:

Traditional kilts are fastened by using adjustable leather straps. Each side of the kilt has leather straps that are fastened with each other.

Utility kilts can also use leather straps for fastening. Different utility kilt manufacturers use various fastening methods such as: hooks, buckles, chains, and buttons for fastening.

At Ozkilts®, we use:

• • • Velcro Fastening System with Flex Pleats – it runs along the front apron belt line, which is adjustable for a quick and perfect fit. The advantage of this system is that we can also come with criss-cross flexible elastic pleats on either side of the garment to add extra comfort and longevity to the kilt.
    • Leather Fastening System – It may not be as quick or easy to fit as Velcro, but it can still provide a wide range of rigid fit or adjustment.
    • Buckle Hip Fastening System – We no longer produce these as a standard across our range in favour of the two fastening systems above. However, we didn’t discontinue it altogether and rather offer this fastening system to special bulk orders.

It is possible to add various hooks, buttons, and buckles to your kilt to make it more appealing.

Pockets:

There are no pockets in a traditional Scottish or Irish kilt. What they do use is a sporran that perform the same function as pockets or a purse with a belt to keep their items in place.

In modern-day utility kilts, you will find detachable cargo pockets, some may even have additional hidden pockets so that people can keep their valuables safely.

Confidence in a Kilt:

The good news is that you don’t have to be of Scottish or Irish descent to wear a utility kilt. Like we said, the modern iteration is free from the bounds of tradition. The only requirement is that, regardless if it is modern and is already fast becoming a contemporary fashion choice, is that it has to be worn with respect.

Regardless of its slight deviation from its traditional origins to meet a modern facility, it is still an ode to a time-honoured piece of history that should be respected and worn with pride and confidence.

A kilt sends a clear message that you are comfortable being who you are and takes on the challenges of life as you choose. Donning a utility kilt is for people who want to stamp their own style and who knows what they want. Not only are they fashionable, but an enviable choice in many places. 

Get in touch with us at Ozkilts ® today if you need a kilt for a formal event, a sporting event, or just for everyday wear. We offer 100% cotton kilts made by hand, and we’ll cover shipping costs for free with your purchase.