Kilt That Covers Up Builder's Bum

Jan 27 2008 By Euan Hamilton

BUILDER'S bum could become a thing of the past in Scotland - thanks to a denim kilt made in Sweden.

The heavy-duty "craftsman's kilt" has become a big hit with Scandinavian workers.

It features two reinforced nail pockets, a loop for carrying a hammer and a knife-holder.

And makers Blaklader Workwear describe the 100 per cent cotton kilt as "the ultimate Scottish symbol of masculinity".

Now they have begun exporting the garment - which prevents an unsightly rear view when the tradesman bends over - to the UK.

Jeff Adams, boss of Blaklader Workwear in the UK, said: "We asked design college students in Gothenburg to create a functional working garment based on a traditional design.

"Student Marcus Jahnke came up with a craftsman's kilt. He made a prototype and we initially used it for marketing purposes.

"We used it on the front of our catalogue and people saw the kilt and it caught on from there.

"It has been a pleasant surprise to see it take off. It is now one of our most popular products."

The company have sold more than 5000 to tradesmen in Sweden and across Europe.

They have also created a highvisibility version of the kilt for road workers, in bright yellow with reflective stripes.

And the kilt was named product of the year by the Swedish Textile and Clothing Association.

Mr Adams added: "There are certain similarities in the nature of the people in Sweden and the UK.

"Once we knew how successful the kilt was in Sweden, we thought it would also catch on in the UK.

"Plumbers, electricians and joiners who want to stand out from the crowd are snapping them up.

Susanne Kristianson, of Blaklader, based in western Sweden, said: "We launched the kilt as a sort of experiment.

"We thought only a small number of daring men would wear it. But it proved to be surprisingly popular."