USA Kilts Casual Kilt Package

**backwoods** · 25th March 12, 11:03 PM

I am in the process of choosing an initial kilt and am presently leaning most heavily toward purchasing the USA Kilts Casual Kilt Package - I already have a pair of hose and flashes from a few years back but the general package (including sporran, kilt pin, etc.) seems to be a bargain in lieu of buying the extra items piecemeal and I could always use an extra set of hose and flashes.

What are your opinions on the USA Kilts Casual Kilt? I noticed that this is Velcro closure rather than straps and am wondering if Velcro closure gives more customization for fit than the straps.

My only potential clan affiliation would be Cameron (Chambers sept via my mother's surname) - as that clan tartan is not specifically offered and I am not formally affiliated I am thinking about going with a "general" tartan for the time being, leaning toward Black Watch. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

**Geoff Withnell** · 26th March 12, 03:17 AM

It's hard to beat a USAK Casual as a first kilt. The velco doesn't really give much more fit tolerance than the straps, both give about 3" total. Talk to Rocky or his staff, and follow their directions on measurements, you will be fine.

**Santa Kona** · 26th March 12, 05:44 AM

I also have one of Rocky's kilts and I am very happy with it.

**Joshua** · 26th March 12, 06:49 AM

Originally Posted by Geoff Withnell

It's hard to beat a USAK Casual as a first kilt. The velco doesn't really give much more fit tolerance than the straps, both give about 3" total. Talk to Rocky or his staff, and follow their directions on measurements, you will be fine.

The main benefit of the casual kilt is that if you lose weight, it's no big deal to move the velcro over, as I recently did with mine.

I've heard it's no big deal to take straps in on a kilt either, but as inept as I am with sewing I'd probably botch it.

**David Thorpe** · 26th March 12, 08:17 AM

Originally Posted by Joshua

I've heard it's no big deal to take straps in on a kilt either, but as inept as I am with sewing I'd probably botch it.

An inch is no big deal. Two or more IS a big deal. Moving the straps and/or buckles that far causes bunching of the pleats between the strap and buckle. The pleats no longer lay nicely.

**Zardoz** · 26th March 12, 10:54 AM

I don't think the velcro is that big a benefit unless you are planning to loose or gain a lot of weight. A USA Kilts Semi-Traditional kilt will be made to your measurements, and I think it would be a better looking option if you want to dress it up at some point. It's easier to dress down a nicer kilt than dress up a more basic one.

**Mikilt** · 26th March 12, 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by Zardoz

I It's easier to dress down a nicer kilt than dress up a more basic one.

***

Check out the "1 kilt, 10 looks" sticky under General Kilt Talk. A Semi traditional from USA Kilts is ideal for casual or formal wear and everything in between.

**backwoods** · 26th March 12, 11:50 AM

Much appreciation to all for the insight and advice, most helpful. I will check out the "1 kilt, 10 looks" thread per your recommendation Mikilt.

I am hitting a festival this weekend so I am going try and see if I can spot who is wearing what among the crowd kilt-wise...

As I have been window-shopping online for the last several weeks so it will be nice to actually see a few of the brands/types worn out and about.

**Santa Wally** · 26th March 12, 07:58 PM

I have 3 USAK Casual kilts. They are great for, as the name implies, casual wear. For just a bit more than the Casual Kilt package, you can get a USAK Semi-Trad kilt (but without the accessories) which would give you a much greater range of uses beyond the casual look.

I don't have a Semi-Trad, but my other USAK kilt is a 5 yard wool kilt which I use in more formal settings. It's all how you plan to use the kilt, the look you want to achieve and what kind of events you'll be attending.

Just my 2 cents.

**fluter** · 27th March 12, 08:33 AM

You cannot go wrong with USAK. If you could spring for a semi-trad, it will dress up a bit more nicely than the casual. I have both, and love them both.

The difference I notice when wearing the casual, is that it lacks the reverse pleat on my right.

The semi-trad is built much like a traditional kilt---deep pleat to the left of the apron, reverse pleat to the right---with shallower pleats. It moves just like a trad kilt. Being about a 5-yard kilt, it does not need the internal construction of an 8 yard kilt (pleats cut out, steeking, interfacing).

With respect to any package, weigh the use you'd get out of the components versus the savings of buying them together. The current special on the casual package is pretty attractive! I might upgrade the sporran to the Rob Roy: that is a very nice one & may have a tad more room.

Choice of tartan: I'd consider Rocky's own American Heritage tartan, which is absolutly gorgeous. You might like his German Heritage, if your people are from the "Dutch Fork."

Isle of Skye is always nice, or Caledonia is a classic red/green dating at least to the early 19th century.

I have a well-loved tank, but this USAK semi-trad the kilt I wear most often:

usak-pleats-s by arcturus1997, on Flickr