I need another one of these already

**turpin** · 21st May 07, 10:25 AM

I just took delivery on my first (but not last) Renegade Kilt. I have been wanting one of these since I tried one on last year at the Hartwell Highland Games. IMHO, Alan Warwick (Alan is his XMTS name) is a much under-utilized resource to the forum members, especially those bemoaning the current situation with UK. Alan makes these to measure, not stock, and is easy to work with for small customizing requests.

The pics were taken by Alan last night and there isn't a good one of just the front, so I'll have to get that one in a bit later.

This kilt is black 10-oz cotton canvas with a good enough selvedge that hemming was not needed. The under-apron wraps nicely around my left leg. This was a comment I made on the one I tried on last year, that it felt funny, and Alan has made the change ever since. The top apron is the traditional A-shape, and conforms nicely without the pleat kick/roll you see on many of the rectangular aprons of contemporary kilts.

The pleats of this Renegade model have 1 1/2 inch reveal, sewn all the way down inside and out. The fell is fully sewn down. The pleats are cut out at the waistband the same as a handsewn kilt, and the waist is fully lined. Alan doesn't sew down the first and reverse pleats because he says the kilt moves better that way. I'll have to see whether the extra movement is worth the occasional ironing that may be called for. He left off the sporran loops at my request.

I had Alan put on only the waist straps and buckles; this lets the apron fall between the legs much more easily than having a hip strap. With the way this fits my hips (like a gentle hug), there's no need for the third strap. He also used quick-release plastic buckles to make the garment airport-friendly, because I will use the kilt a lot for air travel.

This thing gets more flexible as I wear it. It feels as supportive in the mid-section as any wool tank I have. As I sit here typing, though, there is less "butt-sweat feel" that when I wear the woolies. This should be a great kilt for the upcoming warm weather.

For the $150 price tag I am very satisfied with this kilt, and don't hesitate to recommend Alan's work to anyone. One caveat is that kiltmaking is not his full-time job, but he works part-time anyway. With summer coming up and the kids out of school he says his time will be more flexible. His website lists a limited number of materials but he can likely accomodate specific requests. It doesn't hurt to ask.

Now, what to order next... digital camo? Khaki? Brown?

hmmmm.