Sport Kilt yes or no

**Mel1721L** · 19th August 14, 07:33 AM

This summer has almost passed but there is plenty of hot weather left yet, plus there is always next year. What is your opinion of the sport kilt for hot weather use in the home and maybe walking the dogs? Is it worth having the straps and other additions? Probably not for those uses. I was thinking about the black one, maybe it may get used to go out in but probably not.

**Father Bill** · 19th August 14, 07:51 AM

You know, it totally is up to you for your budget and your application. A lot of fellows will tell you how wonderful they are, and if they feel that way when they wear one, that's great, but it isn't my idea of a kilt or application for it. I'm a heavy wool guy, and I'd rather save until I can buy a wool casual or box pleat, or even heavier kilt.

**Angela Kaye Bodine** · 19th August 14, 07:59 AM

Mel1721L , I do not have sport kilts, I am thinking on getting one a mix cotton blend, mine are all wool..But I have worn my wool kilts alot every weekend this summer, I had no problem with them.. it was hot/ humid too. I felt cooler in them, then my shorts.. Not sure how Spain's weather is, but just give it a go. I have gone on small hikes, walk dogs a lil gardening in mine, I just try to be careful.. so far so good. I admit normally August is alot hotter but this year its not, cool in the morning and at night which is odd lol. ... Good luck... Angie

**Dughlas mor** · 19th August 14, 08:18 AM

How about something like a USAKilts casual in 12 oz PV fabric? The price is right, it would look a lot more like a "real" kilt, and in my experience, is quite comfortable in hot weather.

**Hawk** · 19th August 14, 08:19 AM

Have at least one SportKilt....it has it's moments.......

Hawk

**Tarheel** · 19th August 14, 08:24 AM

I will add that all the serious Motorcycle club members (bikers) that I know have begun wearing kilts at rallies. They all opt for the cotton-blend or canvas utility kilts. We tend to be rough on our clothes and there are two purposes for their choices: economy and disposability. A fine kilt is like formal suit, reserved for weddings and funerals.

**MinusHD** · 19th August 14, 08:50 AM

I'm both a non-traditionalist and somewhat of a kilt newbie, which means my opinions should be taken with the appropriate grain of salt. My first kilt was an "Original Sport Kilt" - the one with no straps. I did wear it out on the town once - the first time I ever wore a kilt in public. I caught the kilt bug and soon acquired an 8 yard wool kilt from USA Kilts, and I simply love it. Even my wife, who is very pro-kilt, thinks I'm a little strange for wanting to wear it as often as I do (which isn't all that often by XMTS'ers standards).

Many may disagree, but for relaxing around the house, doing the chores, walking the dog around the block, working the barbecue grill out in the garden, etc., a Sport Kilt would be quite adequate – especially because it’s machine washable. I even jog in my Sport Kilt sometimes. The designer of the Sport Kilt originally designed it for quickly changing out of cycling shorts after a bicycle race - not as highland attire. The business has clearly expanded from that to offer options that attempt to mimic some of the appearances of highland dress. Most would argue that adding straps to a Sport Kilt doesn't make it traditional, and I would agree. However, for $60 US it was worth the experiment to see if I even wanted to pursue wearing a kilt. Now I have a very nice kilt as well as one I don’t have to worry about getting dirty or torn up.

In agreement with Father Bill, and based on my own experience, you may want to at least consider looking into a lower yardage wool kilt if you’re interested in having a truly versatile garment. Depending on the features you want out of a Sport Kilt the price can add up quickly until you’d be better off spending a little more for a wool kilt. A moderately featured Sport Kilt “Ultimate Kilt” can cost over $240 US, depending how “traditional” you want it to appear. In that case I would save for a wool kilt. If you just want a kilt to be comfortable around the house and neighborhood go for the basic Original Sport Kilt.

Don’t forget there are some in-between options as well, such as USA Kilts “Casual” and “Semi Traditional” kilts which seem to be affordable products of very high quality (and have a more traditional style than a Sport Kilt), based on feedback found on here XMTS. I'm sure others will be able to recommend more.

Best of luck, and happy kilting!

**Tarheel** · 19th August 14, 08:51 AM

Getting to know you Hawk, in the brief time we've chatted, I expect every kilt you own has had a moment of notoriety. I can only admire and aspire to your tenacity and knowledge.

**Hawk** · 19th August 14, 08:57 AM

Originally Posted by Tarheel

Getting to know you Hawk, in the brief time we've chatted, I expect every kilt you own has had a moment of notoriety. I can only admire and aspire to your tenacity and knowledge.

Thank you, but I defer to those with much more knowledge in this area having more wisdom.....but I'm learning as I go.....

Hawk

**CMcG** · 19th August 14, 09:02 AM

To me, a Sportkilt is the equivalent of a pair of sweatpants or gym shorts: ultra comfortable but not much to look at. I don't believe any other kiltmaker uses elastic in the waistband, which, combined with the very soft and lightweight fabric, makes my Sportkilt the most comfortable garment I own. I love it for bumming around the house in the hottest weather or for intense hiking. I have a Works model in my clan tartan and my girlfriend thinks it was worth the extra money for the fringed apron and straps because it looks more kilt-like.

I've had excellent customer service from them too. My Sportkilt had a problem four years after I purchased it and the owner asked me to send it back so he could look at it. He ended up sending me a brand new one!