3 New Kilts Today USAK Blaklader

**cessna152towser** · 14th November 07, 11:53 AM

You hope the postman will bring you one of the kilts you are waiting for then three arrive on the one day. This is a "Value Classic" Wallace from an e-bay seller Fredonline321 from whom I have had some cheap kilts before. As this is the cheapest kilt in his range, at just £16, I was surprised to find the maker had bothered to hold the pleats together with basting stitches.

Basting stitches removed and time for a trial fit. A very basic acrylic kilt for casual wear. Yes I know the hose don't match but I was about to head out in my Black Watch kilt when the post arrived.

There are about 20 pleats at the back, but no fell. There are three belt loops. The only lining in the kilt is a small semi-circular patch at the back. Verdict - will do the job I bought it for - leisure wear - and fair value for money - you get what you pay for.

By the time I arrived home from work and had an opportunity to try on my new USA Kilts semi-traditional MacLeod Hunting, darkness had fallen. At an exchange rate of more than two dollars to the pound, and being pleasantly surprised not to be charged any import duty, I have obtained a quality hand made kilt here at a real bargain price. I was surprised at how rough the selvedge looks on this kilt, but I like the way this gives the kilt a rugged looking macho finish. The certificate which came with the kilt says it was built by Rocky.

A full set of pleats at the back, and a great fit. Well done Rocky.

Now for the Blaklader craftsman kilt, about which Cloves recently posted a thread. I had posted on another forum that the Glasgow based seller advertising them on e-bay (Armadillo Workwear) did not have any listed in my size and the supplier e-mailed me to say he now had a range of sizes in stock. The kilt cost about £52 including value added tax and carriage and looks to be good value for money, with lots of pockets and attachments. Similar to the denim kilts from Union Kilts, there is a shorter front overlap than on a traditional kilt but the overlapping aprons fall to opposite legs when sitting, creating the impression of long shorts. You need to be sure you order the correct waist size as this kilt fastens with studs rather than adjustable straps. I ordered a waist size 38 and it fits perfectly.

The kilt is slightly longer than a traditional kilt, at 25 inches, reaching to below knee on me. There are about eight shallow pleats at the back. Narrower belt loops, suitable for use with a trouser belt. The seller tells me that the kilt won the Swedish clothing industry's fashion garment of the year award. A very comfortable casual kilt in heavy duty cotton which I will wear for the remainder of this evening. Comes with a lifetime guarantee on the seams. Europe's answer to Utilikilt?

**beloitpiper** · 14th November 07, 12:29 PM

I'd be interested to see the Blaklader compared to the UK or Amerikilt...

**McMurdo** · 14th November 07, 12:57 PM

Congratulations on the new kilts Alex, they look good. I was also surprised with the selvedge on the USA Kilt, but overall I really do like it. Congratulations again.

**Tattoo Bradley** · 14th November 07, 01:26 PM

Of my 3 USAKs, one of them has the "frayed" selvedge. I quickly forgot about it. I'm sure you will too. It's a great kilt, and the PV is really the only way to go as far as synthetic tartans.