Irelands National Tartan?

[TJ Kelley]

Getting ready for to order my first USA Kilt.
After hearing everyone rave about your product, I'll give it a go.

Looking through the website, the photos are not identified.
Is this photo of your Irelands National?

I was originally going to order a Casual this week, my budget could support the cost of a Semi Traditional in a couple weeks.

Does the Rabble think the wait would be wise?
As always... thanks for all your help.

[unixken]

I don't own any kilts from USA Kilts, so I can't speak to them, specifically. But when I think "traditional vs casual", the first thing that comes to my mind is where on the torso, the kilt is designed to be worn. In general, traditionals are worn high, coming to just under the short-ribs, just about where a cummerbund is worn, with a tux. On the other hand, a casual cut is meant to be worn lower, down at the "pants waist."

Using that as a starting point, remember you can always wear a t-shirt or polo shirt with a traditional kilt. But wearing a low-cut casual kilt with a decent jacket and tie, just wouldn't look right at all. You would likely find the traditional to be the more versatile of the two cuts, as far as level of dress options. Trying to hike a low-cut casual up higher than it was designed for, reveals too much leg and changes the fit of the fell. Dropping the traditional down to your pants waist will cover too much leg, and again will change the fit of the fell.

If you already have other kilts in your wardrobe that work well on dressier occasions, then the decision is less critical. But if you this is your first kilt, save for a couple more weeks and opt for the semi-trad. You'll appreciate the flexibility.

[mookien]

You can view the Ireland's National tartan on the USA Kilts web site at ....

http://www.usakilts.com/semi-traditi....html/?___SID=

If you click on the postage stamp view, you will see a larger (electronically produced) swatch.

That photo does look like a kilt made from Ireland's National tartan, but check with USA Kilts to make certain.

If you have definitely decided to acquire a PV kilt, by all means wait and purchase a Semi Traditional kilt. With buckles it has a much more traditional look. I think it would be a wise choice to make.

[TheOfficialBren]

I own one of these casuals in the Holyrood tartan.

The very first question that I asked before placing my order was where the selvedge fell. It does, indeed, fall at the proper place (top-to-middle-of-the-knee).

These kilts can be made for jeans-cut (just specify in advance), too, but standard is a traditional-styled proportion (at least, mine is).

[MNlad]

Have to agree with mookien. The Semi Traditional is a much more versatile garment, easily dressed up or down. It's a great value.

[Madadh]

I own three of Rocky's casual kilts and had them made to traditional hights (24"). They are great for summer time wear and to work.

[sailortats]

I have both a USA casual and a semi-trad. By all means wait the couple of weeks and get the semi-trad. You will be much happier with it.

[RockyR]

Getting ready for to order my first USA Kilt.
After hearing everyone rave about your product, I'll give it a go.

Looking through the website, the photos are not identified.
Is this photo of your Irelands National?

Yes, that is a photo of the Ireland's National (larger sett) pleated to stripe.

Also, here's a video which highlights the differences between our different kilt models:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6dLEBAH3mo

[Richrail]

I have both and live in Reno, NV and I must say this summer I lived in the casuals just for the sheer ease of on and off. But it is true the Semi-Trad does dress up a lot better. I guess it just depends on how you dress the majority of the time.

"Holyrood" Semi-traditional

"Fraser Hunting" Casual

"Douglas Ancient" Casual

[seanachie]

I don't own any kilts from USA Kilts, so I can't speak to them, specifically. But when I think "traditional vs casual", the first thing that comes to my mind is where on the torso, the kilt is designed to be worn. In general, traditionals are worn high, coming to just under the short-ribs, just about where a cummerbund is worn, with a tux. On the other hand, a casual cut is meant to be worn lower, down at the "pants waist."

Using that as a starting point, remember you can always wear a t-shirt or polo shirt with a traditional kilt. But wearing a low-cut casual kilt with a decent jacket and tie, just wouldn't look right at all. You would likely find the traditional to be the more versatile of the two cuts, as far as level of dress options. Trying to hike a low-cut casual up higher than it was designed for, reveals too much leg and changes the fit of the fell. Dropping the traditional down to your pants waist will cover too much leg, and again will change the fit of the fell.

If you already have other kilts in your wardrobe that work well on dressier occasions, then the decision is less critical. But if you this is your first kilt, save for a couple more weeks and opt for the semi-trad. You'll appreciate the flexibility.

I would disagree with the pants waist comment. I own a few of Rocky's casual kilts and I wear them at the true waist not the hips. Certainly if one chooses to wear them at the pants waist that is their prerogative. I just don't believe it is "meant" to be worn lower.