On the fence between casual or semi-trad

[Andrew Green]

Wow. This is a very tough choice. I am on the fence between the casual, and the semi traditional. Both look like good pieces for the cost, not too mention the email response times to my inquiries to USAK has been incredibly fast... and helpful in regards to information, but not towards making my mind up any better.
This is more for you USA Kilt owners out there, those who own both, or only one... feedback is feedback. Pros and cons of each make? I am leaning towards semi traditional... as I like the extra fabric, and the fringed apron, and the non-fringed selvedge, as I have never seen that on any other kilt besides a USA (the fringed selvedge).
I know the beltloops on the casual can be made to fit a larger kilt belt. This is encouraging, as I am currently awaiting a new kilt belt, and I can quit wearing the one for my trousers. The velcro closure, while not traditional, does seem rather convenient.
Does anyone know how much of a fringe there is on the bottom? How much do you feel it when walking? I have yet to shoot these questions to Rocky, as I feel that I have asked a lot of questions for one day.
Input is always appreciated.

[cavscout]

Casual or Semi is totally up to you. You can't make a wrong choice there unless you have a specific purpose in mind htat one is better suited for.

The selvedge fringe was a concern to me also but I really like the rugged look it gives to the casual kilt.

My best advice is go with the casual if you don't already have a casual kilt. They are perfect for any type of wear from hiking to dress up events. I even wore my casual to a wedding with a PC style outfit and it looked great (if I do say so my self )

You can always get a semi later

[Andrew Green]

This much is true I suppose. It is a tough call, and well, it would help stave off the jonesing. Not too mention give me an idea of the overall product (hey if the casual is good, it can only get better, right?)... plus it gives me another garment to put into rotation.
Don't the casuals also have a perma-pleat something or another that makes them very low maintenance (even in the context of PV)?

[Tattoo Bradley]

I loooooove my casual. I'm sure the semi is a fine garment as well, but I'm not experienced with that one, so can't really give feedback on that one. As far as the "fringed selvedge" you refer to on the casual... I'm not at all sure what you mean. The selvedge on my Ireland's National is not frayed :confused: . Hey, you could also get two casuals for about the same price as a semi

Oh, and the perma-pleats are awesome. It's a small "hem" of sorts down the length of the pleat... right at the edge. great.

[Andrew Green]

Oh no, the cost factor has come across my mind... make no mistake. I have considered getting two... but I don't think that is the most prudent move at this time.

When I talk about the fringe on the selvedge, I am talking about the casual... not on the apron... there appears to be a small fringe on the selvedge/bottom. Apparently it is not a distracting feature. Also, if I do get a casual (which seems likely), I will be getting larger belt loops... that is just something that I think would be out of place not to have (unless there were no belt loops used at all, then that would be ok).

[StoneCold]

Without having gone back over your previous posts to know how many you have or where you wear them, you can't go wrong with the semi-traditional. My first kilt was a Bear casual, still have it and still love it. I then got a couple of different model Stillwaters, which are great bang for the buck. I then had the good fortune of getting some remnant tartan from Fraser and Kirkbright.

After emailing Rocky with numerous questions over a period of time, I sent him the material. While I'm sure my questions drove him nuts, he was always prompt with a reply and very cordial. They made me a semi-traditional in the BC tartan. I absolutely love it! It is an extremely well made garment and it looks just beautiful. I will be sending him more material in the next few weeks to make me another semi.

You really can't go wrong with either choice. You'd have more money for accessories or another kilt if you went the casual route. You'd have something that is a lot dressier and looks more like a traditional kilt if you went with a semi. I don't have a casual from Rocky. I wouldn't hesitate to get one though. However, if you forced me at gunpoint to come off the fence, I'd go with a semi-traditional. Rocky and Kelly do great work, and they're extremely good people to boot.

[pdcorlis]

I think the Ireland's National is the only PV tartan available at USAK that has a traditional kilting selvedge edge - the other PV tartans don't - thus the fringe. I bet Rocky will sort this out soon enough.

[Tattoo Bradley]

I think the Ireland's National is the only PV tartan available at USAK that has a traditional kilting selvedge edge - the other PV tartans don't - thus the fringe. I bet Rocky will sort this out soon enough.

Well, I'll be darned. I did NOT know that. :rolleyes: