What's the best choice for casual use?

[KFCarter]

A tank is a tank and I consider myself lucky to have been able to start my "kilt career" in one. I'm hooked and I'm sure I'll always lean toward the traditional.

That said, I've already realized that when I'm going to lounge about with the kids, putter around the yard, rummage in the shed, do laundry, etc., etc... that I'm going to want something lighter, that I won't mind abusing a bit and won't cost so much.

I've been reading the threads on contemporary and non-traditional kilts, visiting the sites, etc. and frankly feel overloaded on information.

So my question is this: for a devotee of the traditional tank, what casual or contemporary kilt would make the best choice?

my priorities for the choice in descending order:

"abuse-ability"
easy to clean
practical features (i.e. pockets)
price

I'll welcome any and all suggestions, viewpoints...ridicule

[SteveB]

The closest to the traditional tank IMHO is the USAK semi-traditional. It is the same basic construction in polyviscose material that takes thrills and spills quite well. This is a made to measure garment. It can be dressed up or down, but has no pockets.

The next closest is a Freedom Kilt in polyviscose tartan. The look is similar to the traditional, but a different construction that includes pockets. This is a made to measure and specification garment. Steve is great to work with if you do not get between him and the coffee pot.

Both of the above can be sewn in a tartan and take a lot of abuse and are easy to maintain.
Rocky's and Steve's websites can be consulted regarding price, as that is affected by the size of the kilt wearer and the options desired.

I hope this is of help to you.

Slainte

[bricelythgoe]

I agree with Steve B. Although it might depend on what you want to spend. I have a USAK casual that I really like. It was only 100 dollars.

Brice

[Dave K]

I don't have a tank but I do like SportKilt. It's the most comfortable thing I own. When I order another it will have pockets, belt loops, and sewn down pleats. I'll avoid the fringe and "Buckle Closure" this time.

Looks like they may have just lowered prices too.

Good luck

[O'Callaghan]

You can get pockets for $20 extra in a SportKilt, which comes in a wide range of tartans. They were originally designed for highland games and don't resemble a 'tank' in weight, fabric or number of pleats. You did say something lighter, though, and they certainly are.

OTOH, Stillwater Kilts offer standard and heavyweight kilts that more resemble a tank and are much cheaper than a tank. No pockets available, though.

Freedom kilts (an XMarks sponsor) do a 'Tartan Model' which is tartan and has lots of pleats as well as having pockets. It's more expensive than the first two I've mentioned, but I suppose less than what the vast majority of 'tanks' cost. They appear to claim that they are the only tartan kilts with pockets, but not only isn't that true, they cost more than twice the price of a SportKilt. The higher price might well be justified, but I don't really know for sure, because I've no experience of that firm myself. The question is, do you want to pay for higher quality if you're going to wear it for knocking around?

ETA: Everything costs extra at SportKilt, but you should be able to get one with pockets for around $100, depending on your size and what options you pick, whereas a Freedom Kilts Tartan Model is $285, but that may be Canadian money?

[Riverkilt]

Soooo many options is right. Ain't it wonderful?? One thing that might help is go to the next Highland Games or Ren Faire you can and check out all the options.

For work work, don't over look Utilikilts as an option to consider.

Ron

[KFCarter]

Soooo many options is right. Ain't it wonderful?? One thing that might help is go to the next Highland Games or Ren Faire you can and check out all the options.

For work work, don't over look Utilikilts as an option to consider.

Ron

Good suggestion, Ron. The Savannah Games are less than a month away... I should be able to make myself hold off that long...

[The Barry]

I like my SWK for casual wear. I've heard nothing but good things about USAK as well. Sportkilts are also popular, and get a lot of good press by their customers.

What the hell, buy one of each!

[KFCarter]

What the hell, buy one of each!

I think you nailed it, Barry.

But the post above will help me decide the order to over-indulge in.

Thanks all... very helpful!

[Jerry]

For something to knock about around the yard and such, you might try downloading Allan's Xkilt instructions and giving it a go at making your own kilt.