Casual or semi-trad for first kilt?

**Mike M.** · 16th February 12, 02:18 PM

I'm about to pull the trigger...and the title says it all. Casual or semi-trad? I'm trying to lose weight, so I'm leaning toward the former...but the semi-traditional probably will look better on a Gentleman of Substance. TIA.

**auld argonian** · 16th February 12, 02:38 PM

Well, coupla' factors.

Have a causal and it's very nice but a semi-trad would be a lot more versatile...got one on my list fer down the road.

How much weight/inches do you figger you're gonna lose? The semi's have straps and you might discuss things with the proprietor so that you'll be on the outermost holes on the straps now and can tighten up as you tighten up. If it looks radical, you might discuss it and plan on making the kilt so that you can use a set of extender straps now and lose them when you get slimmed down. I reckon anything's possible and that the folks at USAK are very good at working stuff like this out.

Best

AA

**Tartan Tess** · 16th February 12, 02:52 PM

I think it depends on where you want to go kilted more??

**auld argonian** · 16th February 12, 03:20 PM

Actually, I recently saw some "extra long" kilt straps listed somewhere...apparently these give you another couple of inches leeway...another possibility if the kiltmaker thinks that it can work out.

Best

AA

**rlloyd** · 16th February 12, 04:18 PM

Personally, I would go with the Semi-Trad just because I like the look better. The suggestions others have made are great ideas. Rocky (owner of USAKilts and XMarks frequenter) will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have, just shoot him an email; his customer service is great!

**Singlemalt** · 16th February 12, 04:36 PM

I have both and wear them both. To me its kind of a seasonal with a formality factor. The semi traditional is kind of like a pair of business casual pants. Certainly not a tux but you can still dress it up or down within a wide margin and still look pretty good. The Casual is more like a pair of shorts, light cool comfortable but best suited to a polo shirt and casual around the home type wear in warmer weather.

**ElCabong** · 16th February 12, 05:20 PM

I have both and wear them both. Both do fine at the office with shirt and tie. The only kilt I wear for formal so far is the 8-yard wool Armstrong, but I would have no problem wearing the semi-trad with the PC.

**zirrow** · 16th February 12, 05:29 PM

I have both and would recommend the semi-trad. For the money, a casual is awesome, but I think my first one is going to be my last. The waistband on the semi is much more comfortable as the straps sit below the top hem, so the kilt turns over a bit; whereas with the casual, the Velcro is right along the top, so you have a sharp edge along the top.

**Sammac** · 16th February 12, 06:14 PM

I have both as well. They both are well made garments but I like the semi a little bit better. I like buckling my kilt up rather than having velcro.

**RockyR** · 17th February 12, 04:30 AM

If you're only going to wear the kilt casually, then get the Casual as that's how we designed it... going to the pub, the highland games, kicking about, etc. It's great for what it is. A CASUAL Kilt.

If you want to be able to dress it up a bit as well as wear it casually, then consider the Semi Traditional. It's made to look more like a Traditional kilt, but we make it from PV cloth, so we call it the SEMI Traditional.

The weight loss thing is tricky... you can always order an inch or so too small on the waist and hips (so it'll be on the loosest fitting hole, giving you 2.5 to 3" to lose and still fit), BUT it's a risk. If you don't lose the weight (or gain weight), you'll have a kilt that doesn't fit well.