At worst [Utilikilts] will read as a bit geeky, I think.

More than a bit; they're a very strong geeky signal. But they're expensive, not unflattering on many builds, read as masculine, and don't suggest that you're trying to look like an action hero nor that you overimprinted on hipster fashion from five years ago, which makes them better than some of your options.

I still wouldn't wear one outside of Burning Man or a few other geek-heavy events, though.