Kilts and wind speed?

[Karl R]

Around what wind speed does the kilt tend to move around enough that bystanders can tell whether or not the kilt-wearer is/isn't regimental? And if it varies with the kilt (5 yard, 8 yard, 16 weight wool, 13 weight wool, PV), what should I expect within those variations?

Obviously the wind speed can change temporarily (i.e. wind gusts) or in certain locations (i.e. in downtown locations where the wind gets funneled down certain streets). But I'd like a general idea of what to expect.

[Tobus]

I'd say it depends on the kilt. Yardage and material weight, especially. I've worn my 8-yard 16oz wool kilt at Highland Games when a cold front was blowing in, with sustained winds of probably 25mph and gusts up to 40-45mph. For the most part, the only thing that moved was my outer apron corner flapping (revealing only the inner apron). At one point, my pleats blew up a little when the wind swirled around the edge of a building, but I don't think it went high enough to reveal what you're asking. And I would never worry about the front being blown up whilst wearing a sporran, except for perhaps hurricane-force winds.

[tripleblessed]

My experience is similar. I may pay more attention in windy weather, but except for architectural eddies,
mostly no problem. Do be cautious around open car doors for the same reason; getting my guitar in and
out of the back seat has been known to get a little dicey, but manageable.

[Steve Ashton]

A well made and well fitted kilt should not go up high enough to show anything unless you have a blast of air from underneath. We call this "Doing a Marilyn".

Even a full spin at full speed should not cause concern.



I was once walking down an open ladder on the Ferry and got hit by a very strong updraft. That was the only time that I have every given a show. My kilt was fully up all the way around and it blew my hat off landing on the roof two decks above.

[The Q]

Yes it's not so much the strength of wind but the direction.
Going over the Sailing club open foot bridge on Saturday night to the Burns night Dinner will be interesting, 18mph Gusting 40.., Hands down by the sides, sporran laden with coins and keys..

[Taskr]

Have not experienced an issue in 8yd to casual hiker.
And as discussed, not so much the speed (which plasters items to objects) as an updraft (causing lift)

Hammer throw, Steve?

[ThistleDown]

Wind on the west coast of Lewis reaches 22 Kph and more many days in the year. That's more than enough to lift the corner of an apron and even the pleated bit of a 16-ounce kilt. Wear a heavy leather sporran if you are concerned about your fore-parts, and forget about gusts briefly exposing your hind end. Only once, that I can remember, has anyone said anything like 'Good heaven's man, your cleavage is flashing at me!'

[tpa]

I was once walking down an open ladder on the Ferry and got hit by a very strong updraft. That was the only time that I have ever given a show. My kilt was fully up all the way around and it blew my hat off landing on the roof two decks above.

You do have to be careful on ships, there is always wind if it the ship is moving and updrafts are quite frequent in corners and on steps or ladders. Otherwise, except for very light acrylic kilts, the wind simply blows them against your legs unless other objects create an updraft effect. I have, occasionally, found the back can get lifted with a light kilt, though I doubt it is enough to embarrass anyone.

[Riverkilt]

I've seen the wind lift heavy leather kilts - me above out on the rez in the wind some years ago.

HOWEVER...I've found the secret of dealing with winds when kilted is getting out in the wind when it's windy and walking around in different directions - get use to the effect of the wind on your kilt.

Really reassuring once you get used to it and figure it out. Wind from the left may blow the outer apron, but it will hold down the inner apron. Wind from the right holds the outer apron in place. Wind from the front or back just presses the kilt against you.

Updrafts can easily lift the entire kilt up around your head - causing horror or glee to bystanders.

Updrafts happen over grates. More frequently they happen approaching a vehicle as wind accelerates under the vehicle and emerges on your side and up the kilt.

Pressure changes can also cause kilts to dance too much. Going into or out of a building is most common.

A passing truck can set air swirling up under your kilt if you're walking on the sidewalk. Passing the corner of a building when walking can suddenly put you in gusty winds

The more you practice, the more you learn to anticipate "surprise" winds and know what your kilt can deal with.

Women learn all this when young...men can learn it as adults.

If suddenly caught in wild winds we can do what the ladies do - put our arms straight down to our sides. That keeps the kilt from dancing too freely.

It's all good. Sally forth and walk kilted in the wind.

[cessna152towser]

As others have suggested, a kilt is unlikely to lift in a wide open space at ground level, even on the windiest of days, unless from updrafts and eddies between vehicles or buildings.
Best to wear a suitable kilt liner if you intend climbing up a shipyard crane. Updrafts through the floor grille can play havoc even with a 13oz wool kilt, just like Marilyn Munroe above a subway grille.4868816903_3704101ac1_o.jpg