Defeat in Victory

**Graham** · 3rd August 04, 04:28 PM

I've been slow to post this, but my new Victory kilt arrived.

I put it on, (it fitted perfectly) I looked in the mirror, and after cleaning up the broken glass I decided that it was not for me.

Nothing was wrong with the kilt, even my wife agreed it was a tough kilt, very well made, it's just me.
I really don't believe I would feel comfortable wearing it outdoors in our community. I'm sticking to tartan for now.

Rocky, knowing beforehand of my reluctance had offered to take it back if I really couldn't wear it. It was not his normal policy and I understand he can't make enough of them so it won't be wasted.

To his enormous credit, he is replacing it with a tartan. Now that's service you don't get in your local store!!

After having time to think about it, looking again and the photos, I would say this....
It's not the plain colour (ie lack of tartan) that concerns me, but the style of kilt.
I suspect that if the kilt was made traditionally - 8 yard, small pleats, softer, flowing material, I guess like a traditional Irish kilt - I could wear it.

For now tho' I'll stick to tartan, traditional and casuals.

Huge thanks to Rocky for giving me the opportunity to try it, otherwise I would go to my grave wondering....what if...!!

He could not have tried harder to please an dcertainly went the "second mile".

I'll post piccies of the new kilt when it arrives, this one I know I will wear with pride.

**richardljohnson** · 3rd August 04, 05:52 PM

Graham, sorry to hear about the kilt. BUT, I will admit that Rocky is a class act and this is why I stick with him...No Rocky, I'm not butter you up, I really mean it!

By the way, what kilt are you getting?

RLJ-

**Rob Wright** · 3rd August 04, 06:05 PM

Graham, at least you gave the victory a shot, and I'm glad to hear that the lack of tartan was not the reason for the kilt not working for you. I enjoy my victory kilt, but I only wear it at work when I'm cooking (and whats funny is that more people ask what clan when I wear the victory than when I wear my tartan kilts). With my victory I learned that the more it gets washed the more it acts like a traditional kilt, there is more sway in the pleats and the hang of the material is pretty good. I've put my victory through its paces and its held up like a champ, I don't worry about messing it up doing stuff like one would with a wool kilt.

Rob Wright

**GMan** · 3rd August 04, 06:13 PM

Graham,

My hat goes off to you for giving it a try. I understand your reluctance on getting a solid color kilt, but you did try, and for that you have my admiration.

I am glad that Rocky is working with you, gives me another reason to like Rocky. Cannot wait to see the tartan kilt!

**Graham** · 3rd August 04, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by GMan

Graham,

My hat goes off to you for giving it a try. I understand your reluctance on getting a solid color kilt, but you did try, and for that you have my admiration.

I am glad that Rocky is working with you, gives me another reason to like Rocky. Cannot wait to see the tartan kilt!

Thanks Rob and Richard
Glen the kilt Rocky is replacing with is the Black Watch I mentioned.

It will be the same as the Stewart Hunting, so its guaranteed to fit and look great. (It's a "safe" buy

)

**Rhino** · 4th August 04, 12:53 AM

Oh dear I hope I don't feel the same about my tartan, I'm already excited/nervous.
Sorry you didn't like the solid kilt Graham I felt sure you'd wear it a few times and love it as much as your tartans.
Each to his own, but try an Irish kilt when you've recovered from this experience

Three cheers for Rocky who as you've said went the extra mile in customer service.
Cheers Rhino

**Graham** · 4th August 04, 06:05 AM

Originally Posted by Rhino

Oh dear I hope I don't feel the same about my tartan, I'm already excited/nervous....

No chance!! you'll love your tartan, it's impossible not to!

**Blu (Ontario)** · 4th August 04, 03:38 PM

Graham, I'm just a little unclear about what you found so dislikeable about the solid kilt. Was it the solid color, the pleating arrangement, or something more specific. What did your other half think about it. Did you take a picture or two for posterity???

blu

**Graham** · 5th August 04, 08:27 AM

Originally Posted by Blu (Ontario)

Graham, I'm just a little unclear about what you found so dislikeable about the solid kilt. Was it the solid color, the pleating arrangement, or something more specific. What did your other half think about it. Did you take a picture or two for posterity???

blu

Blu, as i said earlier..

After having time to think about it, looking again and the photos, I would say this....
It's not the plain colour (ie lack of tartan) that concerns me, but the style of kilt.
I suspect that if the kilt was made traditionally - 8 yard, small pleats, softer, flowing material, I guess like a traditional Irish kilt - I could wear it.

My wife's first remark was "it doesn't suit you" or words to that effect, but she was impressed with how well it was made.
I took to the kilt to show a friend who is also a kiltwearer and who has a business making clothes. He was also impressed at how well it was made.

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 5th August 04, 09:34 AM

G,

I think the solids in that style are primarily a North American thing. UtiliKilts spawned AmeriKilts which started the whole trend really. When the first one had wider pleats and a rugged material, the next one tried to fix what folks complained about... like lighter material and pleat flow. By the time the other companies did their versions, there were a load of vendors with basically the same thing. UtiliKilts has the tough-made versions, AmeriKilts has the lighter versions with the sporran, Pittsburgh has the various materials and add-ons, Buzz Kidder has the canvas ones with traditional straps, USAK has the Victorys...

and Bear has... wait... those are free-flowing Poly/Viscose solids in three styles?