Kilts...
UK is by far, the leader in non-Scottish kilts in the USA, and perhaps the world. in fact, i can think of no other UBG that is as generally popular. That's for several reasons. First, they have been doing it for a long time - since at least the mid-1990s. Second, they are well made. Third, they have a high "butch factor" so thy are easier for guys new to the whole UBG scene to get into and try wearing in public. That's my take on it anyway.
Utilikilts are easy to wear -- like slipping on a pair of favorite jeans. The product line-up is extensive and now includes the Original, the Workman's, the Mocker, the Survival Kilt, a leather model, denim model and now a light nylon model for sports. That's a lot of kilts! The Original and Workman's seem to remain the most popular models based on price and features. If you order one, be sure to privide accurate measurments, as demanded by the web site. UKs are custom fits, for the most part. The drawback of the UK is price - the basic model has a base price of $125.00. The Workman starts at $185.00. However, you get what you pay for. That includes good solid construction and a patented pleating system.
Amerikilt is a pretty cool outfit from Philadelphia, PA offering relatively simple modern kilts for a reasonable price. Their unique feature is the detachable sporranlike pouch. They are somewhat similar to the Utilikilt, but lack the special pleating system, so you may find you need to recrease once in a while (I don't own one, so I can't say for certain). Amerikilts come in only one basic style, but there is a selection of colors in pre-shrunk cotton as well as corduroy and denim options. Price is key here - $95 gets you into a durable kilt.
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Scottish kilts made to order by some Canadian Celts with a cool attitude. After all, they invented the "MacBitseach Clan" tartan! (right) |
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Freedom Kilts Freedom Kilts, located in Vancouver, Canada, produces custom, one-at-at-a-time kilts with intense attention to detail. Freedom kilts are available in a number of solid color and camouflage fabrics. |  | |
 | USA Kilts USA Kilts works in classic Scottish tartans, but offers them in modern Poly Viscose or cotton-blend fabrics (in addition to traditional wool kilts.) I hear very good things about the quality and workmanship of USA kilts. This small company does custom work. Your kilt will be made to order. |
Stillwater Kilts , in business since 2002, makes a broad line of products from light-weight economy kilts to heavy-weight 100% wool kilts. Their quality is excellent. products are available in a variety of tartans and solid-color "shadow tartan" patterns as well as Scottish and Irish National patterns. if you want good-quality traditional, check these guys out!
Sarongs...
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www.RedTreasureBox.com Genuine Indonesian tube sarongs! These are the traditional cotton garments of all classes of Indonesian men - from farm laborers to business tycoons and kings. Like the rayon wraps below, they are very cheap - usually under $20. |
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Genuine Kikoi from East Africa. Kikoi have the light cotton fabric of a sarong, but measure about 64x40" like a wrap sarong. These are a bit more expensive at $30. |
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This is where I got my two groovy sarong wraps. In fact, I own the one pictured above. The other is a rusty brown and black "Celtic" design. For cheap unbifurcation, you can't beat a sarong at $12-$20. OneWorld carries a standard size wrap - 66x 44" , though they also have some that are 82" x 48" inches including a plain black one. See the Sarongs page for more info on what to look for and how to wear.
Skirts...
The Macabi began life as an outdoor travel skirt for women. Then someone at the company got the brilliant idea of selling pretty much the same design to men. The result is a very efficient travel skirt which has gained some popularity with hikers and whitewater rafters, but I am not sure who else wears them.
The Macabi offers features for the outdoorsman - it can easily be hitched up to form a sort of shorts-like arrangement which is great for wading a stream. It can also be "bifurcated on the fly" if you have some need for that. The fabric as well as the lack of pleating means it breathes well and is lighter than a kilt. Pockets are relatively simple, but very large. The length of the skirt lends protection from prickers and other sharp things on the trail. The Macabi is also quite affordable at $76.95. It also does not require the same precise measurements that a kilt does (or at least, the makers do not stress the need).
However, if you are concerned about odd looks from the general public, you may not want this UBG. It is a skirt - no option of saying defensively, "It's not a skirt, it's a kilt, man!"