acrylic

**elperrogrande** · 30th June 18, 02:30 PM

i wanted a kilt for my brothers wedding in sutherland tartan . as far a cheaper it is only available at highland kits and it is acrylic. are they really that bad? i have read so many negative post about acrylic. it would be almost a one time thing with the exception of the odd ather wedding or highland games or something. not a single person in my circle other than one would have a clue if it was a 99$ acrylic or a 500$ kilt.

**Steve Ashton** · 30th June 18, 03:14 PM

I am one of those who does not have a problem with the Acrylic kilts. I think that they have their place. We call them pub/sport kilts because they are perfect for going to the pub and if you spill a beer on it you can throw it in the washer. They are also perfect for those guys who toss telephone poles for a living. The will destroy a kilt pretty quick so need one inexpensive enough to toss it out and buy another without crying.

The negative you usually hear has more to do with the advertising practices than the kilt itself. These are often sold as full traditional kilts when they are not. You will see them listed as heavy-weight when in actuality they are thick like polar fleece but not heavy in weight which is what we usually associated with the terms 'heavy-weight'.

Acrylic has the potential to be the most wool like synthetic fiber. If it is worsted and hard spun and hard twisted before being used to weave into fabric.
The trouble is that most acrylics are spun and twisted into yarn very loosely and then woven loosely.

Most of the Acrylic kilts because of the loose spinning and loose weave do not hold a crease very well and is prone to wrinkling and pilling.

But they are perfect for the guy who just wants a kilt to wear once or twice or a guy who needs a kilt that can be thrown away after a few wearings.

**Mike S** · 30th June 18, 04:55 PM

As a Sutherland myself, I am aware that Marton Mills produces the Sutherland Old in modern colors in their Poly Viscose line of tartans. A number of vendors provide ready made kilts in this material. That is a step up from Acrylic, and a good upgrade while still at a reasonable price, if that is what you are seeking.

Additionally, Clan Sutherland (as well as Campbell and a few others) also utilize the Black Watch tartan as a clan tartan on occasion, so that is a readily available option.

**Steve Ashton** · 30th June 18, 05:40 PM

I'm sorry but Marton Mills had discontinued Sutherland in their Poly/Rayon Balmoral line. It does not show up on their current stock list.

It is available in the Modern colorway in their 16oz wool Jura line though.

**Dollander** · 30th June 18, 08:22 PM

The thing with acrylic kilts is that, since they're usually mass-produced, they tend to taper the the entire pleat instead of just the fell (the stitched portion between the hips and waist). So rather than the pleats hanging evenly, you get that wavy, shower-curtain effect. And that's not even getting into both the look and durability of the fabric itself. But if you get a Semi-Trad from USA Kilts, you'll know it'll be a well-tailored garment that'll look very similar to (and dress up as well as) a traditional wool kilt while still costing considerably less.

As for your insistence on the Sutherland tartan...if you're that sure the other wedding attendees won't know the difference between an acrylic kilt and a wool one, would they be any more aware of what tartan you're wearing? And I do understand the desire to stick to tartans specifically related to one's heritage. You mentioned in your other thread that your grandfather served in the Gordon Highlanders, so have you considered the Gordon tartan? Both the regimental and dress versions are still available in PV, and USA Kilts stocks them both. And as I mentioned in that thread, the Sutherlands share a common ancestry with the Murrays, so Murray of Atholl is also an option. Though if you really do feel that uncomfortable wearing any of those, there are numerous universal tartans available in PV as well.

I realize you don't expect to wear said kilt very often, but even so, do you wanna risk one day looking back at your brother's wedding photos like "Ugh, that's hideous. What was I thinking?" Whereas with a nicer kilt, you may even find yourself looking for any excuse to wear it instead of just to weddings and Highland games. Perhaps it would indeed be worth your while to spring the extra hundred bucks for a wool 5-yarder in the Sutherland tartan...

**elperrogrande** · 30th June 18, 09:07 PM

Originally Posted by Mike S

As a Sutherland myself, I am aware that Marton Mills produces the Sutherland Old in modern colors in their Poly Viscose line of tartans. A number of vendors provide ready made kilts in this material. That is a step up from Acrylic, and a good upgrade while still at a reasonable price, if that is what you are seeking.

Additionally, Clan Sutherland (as well as Campbell and a few others) also utilize the Black Watch tartan as a clan tartan on occasion, so that is a readily available option.

thank you Mike. i think i might go with either the black watch or the Gordon and maybe get a Sutherland kilt pin to go with it. i also like the Scottish national tartan. i would be interested to learn more about the Sutherland wearing the black watch tartan. is there a reference on line somewhere ?

**Mike S** · 30th June 18, 09:43 PM

Mention is made in most of the detailed books published on the clan's history, usually IDed as "Sutherland Hunting" tartan. It was also outlined with illustrations on the Clan Sutherland Society webpage, however I see that the page was redone recently. Most of the more interesting material culture articles are now absent unfortunately.

Nevertheless, here is some potted history references for your perusal:

Possible origins of the Clan's usage:
"Black Watch tartan, originally dated Threadcount taken from Logan's 'Sutherland' tartan. This was the tartan adopted by the Government for use by the Black Watch, and later by other Highland regiments, sometimes with the addition of distinguishing lines."

https://albanach.org/a-tartan-by-any...e-d042bbc57499

Lord Alistair Strathnaver (2nd from right in photo), son of Elizabeth the Countess of Sutherland-our clan Chief, also wears the Sutherland District tartan (Essentially Black Watch) on occasion instead of the Sutherland Old tartan:

The R.R. MacIan print for clan Sutherland:

https://www.lochcarron.co.uk/sutherl...tartan-fabric/

https://www.dcdalgliesh.co.uk/fabric/499730

https://www.dcdalgliesh.co.uk/fabric/432427

**Mike S** · 30th June 18, 09:57 PM

BTW,

After what the Gordons did to the Earl of Sutherland and the clan after marrying into the family, I don't think it would be a good idea to mix Clan Sutherland regalia and that of the Gordons. At least not around any Sutherlands.

**elperrogrande** · 30th June 18, 10:03 PM

now i noticed on stillwater kilts they offer a wool version of the black watch for 156 . or usa kilts has a semi traditional in pv for 219. would the cheaper wool be better? also could i get away with wearing the casual kilt from usa kilts to a wedding? sorry for all the questions

**Dollander** · 30th June 18, 10:13 PM

Originally Posted by Mike S

BTW,

After what the Gordons did to the Earl of Sutherland and the clan after marrying into the family, I don't think it would be a good idea to mix Clan Sutherland regalia and that of the Gordons. At least not around any Sutherlands.

Not to mention that it's in general considered a faux pas to wear the badge of one clan with the tartan of another. So history aside, you should still go with a universal tartan (such as the Scottish National) if you plan to include a Sutherland kilt pin.