|
Introducing the Utilikilts Switchback
|
We've been hard at work evolutionizing the Utilikilts brand utility kilts, yet again!
And now, the new adjustable sizing system we call "The Switchback" will be featured on all new Utilikilts in production from here on out. This design adds about 15% more wiggle room to that fluctuating belt line of yours.
It also means we've shifted our sizing paradigm to reflect the good ole American standard. Which is to say, if your pants say size 34, your Kilt will too. How's that for ease?!
The Workmans Kilt model will remain the same rugged garment as ever but with the addition of the Switchback feature, Survival-type modesty closure system, reinforced lap pleats, and the option of New Split Color Schemes.
|
As you can see in the photo below, the Switchback utilizes a 2" military grade Velcro band in the waist. Below this we laced ⅛" shock cord through heavy-duty metal eyelets that run from the bottom of the waistband to what we affectionately call the "booty line."
|
Now, the center-rear panel can ease out by adjusting the super tough Velcro material. It is intended to ebb and flow with the gradual fluctuations of your belt line and derriere. So unless you master an overnight fat camp, or go full tilt piggy, this feature should keep your UK with you to love you more long time.
|
|
|
Your daily on and offs will still be regulated by the Utilikilts trademarked 6-dot military grade snap front panel and the four snaps at the belt line. We are also adding reinforcement fabric at the lap pleats. All new models come with our Toggle Loop Modesty Closure system, and a soft cotton twill liner is built into this new construction masterpiece.
Colors offered at this time are Caramel, Brown, and Black. Split color schemes of Brown and Caramel (as seen in sneak foto), and Brown and Black will also be available. The first color will designate the color of the apron, Cargo pocket lids, and upper body, the second color will designate the color of the pocket bodies and pleats.
The price will be the same as our old Workman's, $260. Can you Freaking believe it?
How can we afford to do this when a bonafide "handmade in the good ole US of A" label ain't so easy or cheap to come by these days? Well, since we set the precedent for this kind of garment back in 2000, there have been a number of utility kilt impostors who create inferior knock offs borrowed from our old designs. We can't say we never saw this coming, but it just means we had to flip fast forward and come up with another revolutionary new design sooner than later.
|
|
Utilikilts Trade-Ins Program
"Freedom isn't Free"....but it can give you some money in the meantime
Because we know that our wares aren't cheap (or inexpensive), we are making a vigilant effort to acquire old Utilikilts that are gently worn, really worn, grown out of, or simply no longer in use. We will offer you up to 20% of the original value purchased based on model, size, length, color and condition, and forward the credit towards your next purchase. This is our effort to provide something for our more financially challenged friends. As you know, Utilikilts are designed to last and last and last, longer than most marriages, love you long long time, so share the love! And gift your less fortunate kin the privilege of Freedom!
For an appraisal, please send detailed pictures highlighting any wear or damage to trade-ins@utilikilts.com.
|
|
Death to the Utilikilts Honest Inch System!
More Blah Blah Blah about our switch to more standardized sizing.
This is a section elaborating upon our new sizing. In short, it says that with the upcoming release of our New Utilikilts Brand Switchback Models, you may simply order a kilt in the size you normally wear your pants (if you still own any). So, if you wear a size 34 pants, simply order that size from us. The new model UKs are adjustable, see? And you can pre-order them now by phone only for the next two months before they come available on the website and to the general public.
Call now! 206-282-4226
This first big change comes as a revision to our sizing metrics. No, wait ..... strike that. An abandonment of our previous sizing metrics. Conceived by rebellion, initially Utilikilts Utility Kilt Size, or use of the "Honest Inch Method," has been a contrast to the Industry Standard. As it is a measurement of the actual inches around your waist or belt line, it is generally two or three inches larger than the arbitrary number on your Levi's tag.
(There is much pleasant copy about this on our website if you feel like reminiscing:
http://www.utilikilts.com/index.php/sizing see: "How do I figure out my kilt size" and "What is the fat bastard tax?" also see: http://www.utilikilts.com/index.php/faqs)
The chart below compares the New Utilikilts with adjustable Switchback sizing to the old Honest Inch method (ie: the number on the tag at the back of your kilt, or what a tape measure says when you run it around your middle.)
Utilikilt w/Switchback Smallest "Honest Inch" Size > adjusts to > Largest "Honest Inch" Size
Size 30 31" 34.5"
Size 32 33" 37"
Size 34 35" 39.5"
Size 36 37" 42"
Size 38 39.5" 45"
Size 40 42" 48"
Size 42 44.5" 51"
So, if your current Utilikilt is fitting well as a size 37, then our new size 34 is going to fit you well. If you are only going to get larger from here up until you die, then order at the bottom of your size with room to go bigger. If you are a size 37 now but you are at your biggest then order at the middle of your possible size. Be a size 34, baby! Our sizing should now be about the same as your pants.
In offering this flexibility, we are also hoping to make it easier for first time buyers to purchase their UK, or for anyone to buy them as gifts for others.
Now that we have discussed belt line sizing, let's talk about length shall we? Here is my pretty self explanatory chart.
Height Suggested Length
62" - 66" 20"
66" - 70.5" 21.5"
70.5" - 75" 23"
75" - 80" 24.5"
80" -> 26" - custom length + $25
If you have a much longer torso or legs, and want to be certain, the best way to get the best length is to take a side measurement from the top of the waistband to the floor while in the kneeling "Our Father" position using a yardstick (not measuring tape).
Or see http://www.utilikilts.com/index.php/sizing
|
|
You Gotta Read This!
Review of the New Workmans Switchback Utilikilts brand utility kilt - by Jay Craig
I hadn't planned on getting my first kilt but I had a local TV station coming to film a piece about the bagpipes I was making and I thought I'd look more authentic in a kilt. So I went over to this guy's shop who just moved in next to mine. We had a couple beers and I thought he was a little off, but he had some kilts and I needed one in a hurry. I asked to borrow one and he said, "No. No posers. If you want one you gotta buy into it."
'What the hell?' I thought. 'I brought beer, for Christ's sake...' But by now he had a couple employees and I figured I'd just return it when he wasn't around.
I bought one and wore it around for a couple days and then went home and declared to my wife of ten years, "I'm never wearing pants again!!" and ceremoniously threw all my jeans in the dumpster. She left me in a week, but that's another story.
The brown Workmans is what I wear and I've probably gone thru two dozen of them. I've lost them to resin, paint and torch burns but they last. As you know. I spent a year at Utilikilts in Production and I was amazed when I first saw how much work went into them. There was something like 280 items that had to be checked by QC. The attention to detail is what makes separates the Utilikilt from the knock-offs. I thought the Workmans was perfect.
And then, a couple weeks ago, Krash handed me a prototype of the new Workmans.
The new Workmans, called the Switchback, is beyond perfect. This one will probably last me ten years of heavy use. It's got added reinforcement panels in front! It's got an inner apron in front and one in the back so the center seam doesn't crawl into your buttcrack when you squat down! It seems to somehow float below the waistband! And it's adjustable!!
My weight fluctuates depending on what kind of beer I'm drinking. For instance, did you know that Redhook ESB has 176 calories per bottle, while Guinness Draught has only 126! That's a huge difference. So instead of having 38s and 40s, that can be too tight or too loose, I only need one size. This one, more-durable, adjustable kilt will take the place of four kilts. And the Switchback will be the same price as the original Workmans, even though it cost more to make.
I've been around Utilikilts since its' inception, either as a drinking buddy or in the thick of it, and this new Workmans Kilt is the best thing I've ever seen come out of this company. You will not be disappointed.
|
 |
|
