Premier Vs. Semi-Trad in hot weather?

**ohiopiper** · 1st January 12, 04:32 PM

So I'm tossing around which kilt to buy next, a semi traditional or a casual. The answer to the following question will determine which I buy first: Is there a difference in warmth between a Premier and a Semi-Traditional? When I do piping gigs in the summertime, my 8 yard wool is pretty warm. If the semi-trad will wive me a break from that, I'll get it next. If not, I'll stick to the wool for piping and go straight for the casual.

Either way, I plan to order a kilt in time for pre-summer delivery.

**Mikewood** · 1st January 12, 08:03 PM

I think the semitrad will give you the comfort you want with the more traditional look. My casual PV is comfortable as can be expected during very warm conditions. 95-100. Its also durable, inexpensive and easily washable. I can wear anywhere and get it dirty and a quick trip thru the washing machine and hang dry and it's back in service. If I invested more I would not be as inclined to "abuse" it. The casual is a kilt except for not having bucles and they can be added but i found the velcro works fine for me. Since you already have a tank why not get a casual?

**Sammac** · 1st January 12, 08:05 PM

I wear a semi-trad from USA Kilts in the summer quite a bit. It is much cooler than a wool kilt. I also have a casual from USA Kilts and like the fit of the semi- trad a bit better, but both excellent quality kilts.

**Zardoz** · 1st January 12, 08:41 PM

Can't go wrong with the Semi-Trad for warmer climates.

**ohiopiper** · 2nd January 12, 05:24 AM

That's what I figured, but wanted to double check. I know the casual wont be appropriate for gigs, so the semi-trad will be my next purchase. I'll order it early spring so I might have it by the time hot weather comes around.

Thanks, everyone!

**zirrow** · 2nd January 12, 11:32 AM

I have a semi-trad that I wore through Oklahoma's heat - 110° (not too much humidity though). It's as cool as you're going to get in hot weather, but the wind will certainly get ahold of it. I don't own a wool kilt (yet) for comparison, but both of my UtiliKilts stay put much better in a breeze.

**Riverkilt** · 2nd January 12, 12:08 PM

I've a passle of USA PV Kilts - about 26 (??) about half and half. I started out with casuals but found I liked the semi-trads better and went with them. Sold off the casuals and bought more semi-trads.

THEN - found the semi-trads a bit much for hot and humid so added some more casuals again. Wear them when its REAL hot and when its HUMID. Like to Hawaii and Cancun areas.

So the answer is simple - BUY BOTH...you're gonna anyway eventually.

You'll find yourself buying kilts for the tartan meaning to you - AND for the weather and situations you'll wear them in. Diversify.

**ElCabong** · 2nd January 12, 12:14 PM

I give the Semi-trad and Casual the most use. They clean up easily after a spill at work or out to eat. The Semi-trad dresses up as easily as the Premiere, although the Casual does fine for the office with a shirt and tie.

One consideration is that the tartan choices are limited in PV. However, I still have a dozen or so on my "PV would-like list".

I wear the wool Premiere in the family tartan about 1/4 of the time.

Happy kilt hunting! That is a large part of the fun!