The Most Comfortable Kilt

**CMcG** · 10th July 12, 08:44 AM

The summer heat is here and, IMHO, there is nothing more comfortable than a Sportkilt for lounging about the house. I put this thread in the Contemporary sub-forum because, even though my Sportkilt "Works" model is in the MacQuarrie tartan, I'm really talking about modern design innovations. I LOVE my traditional kilts but scratchy, heavyweight wool and a high waist just can't compete in this department

First of all, the fabric of a Sportkilt is very soft and lightweight. This is not, however, unique and there are other, inexpensive, casual, P/V or acrylic kilts that could also do the trick. I know many Xmarkers favour the USAkilts casual over a Sportkilt because it uses better quality P/V, is custom made to one's measurements, and is of comparable cost to a Sportkilt that has "extras" like a fringed apron and belt loops.

The elastic waistband is what really does it for me. I don't even open the velcro, rather I can just slip it on or off in an instant. I would liken the comfort level to wearing an unbifurcated pair of pyjamas or sweatpants

A Sportkilt might not look as nice as other casual or "beater" kilts, so I tend not to wear it outside of the house unless I were doing something athletic. But I don't wear sweatpants out and about either

Is there any other kilt maker who uses elastic in their waistband? Is there any other kilt that can compare to the pure comfort of a Sportkilt and, if so, how or why?

**Stout** · 10th July 12, 09:06 AM

I LOVE my StillWater Thrifty. It doesn't have elastic, but it has so much velcro that you can adjust it however you like. I wear it to throw heavy stuff in and hang around the house. Haven't gotten up the nerve to run errands in it yet... but soon! I just couldn't justify a 100+ bucks for a sportkilt (the cost goes up for being fat and wanting loops, etc.) I paid 28.95 for my black Stewart and have spoken to Jerry personally several times. I'm going to order a back up from him soon as all of the goop/chalk/tape/accidental fork sticks/lunch/etc. has made its mark. Most guys I throw with have the SK's, and if I had a bigger budget I would have started there - but glad I didn't. Enjoy!

**CMcG** · 10th July 12, 09:16 AM

Originally Posted by Stout

I LOVE my StillWater Thrifty...

Does the Thrifty still come without much of a fell i.e. do the the pleats start at the waistband rather than being sewn down a ways?

**Stout** · 10th July 12, 09:17 AM

If I'm thinking correctly, they drop down a bit before the pleat starts. I could answer you from home later if you really want to know. You could also just email sales@stillwaterkilts.com, they get back quick.

**unixken** · 10th July 12, 09:34 AM

I too, have found my Sportkilt to be VERY comfortable around the house. I have a "Team Kilt" (solid black on the outside, Buchanan Tartan within the pleat "reveals"), with optional pockets and buckles. If I iron the pleats, it looks respectible enough to wear for an afternoon on the range, but I usually just throw it on around the house without a thought to what the pleats might look like on any given day.

**CMcG** · 10th July 12, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by unixken

... I have a "Team Kilt" (solid black on the outside, Buchanan Tartan within the pleat "reveals"), with optional pockets and buckles. ...

That kilt sounds really interesting with the combination of solid colour outside and tartan pleats. Do you have a picture of it?

**unixken** · 10th July 12, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by CMcG

That kilt sounds really interesting with the combination of solid colour outside and tartan pleats. Do you have a picture of it?

If you scroll down on this page, you'll see an example of a Buchanan "Team Kilt"...
http://www.sportkilt.com/category/70...Team-Kilt.html

**Larry124** · 10th July 12, 07:56 PM

For me it's been Elkommando Kilt, Sport Kilt Hiking, Sport Kilt specialty fabrics, especially tropical prints (not currently available), and AmeriKilt cotton. Only. Anything else is too heavy.
For most of us in the middle to lower USA these humid and warm to hot half-years are not going away anytime soon. IMHO.
So kilt sellers should ALL consider giving their customers a choice in a very lightweight fabric.

**Mael Coluim** · 11th July 12, 03:55 AM

Yep, I’ve been lounging around the house in a Sportkilt since 1996. It was my entry way into kilt wearing. Initially, I used them after a bike ride to get out of my sweaty bike shorts when I headed to the pub with my fellow cyclists.

**David Thorpe** · 11th July 12, 07:36 AM

Originally Posted by Larry124

For most of us in the middle to lower USA these humid and warm to hot half-years are not going away anytime soon. IMHO.
So kilt sellers should ALL consider giving their customers a choice in a very lightweight fabric.

Marton Mills PV is 11 ounce, cool, washable and holds pleats very well. I recently finished an 11 oz. wool 6.5 yard kilt in clan tartan specifically for the purpose of wear to Highland Games. It is quite comfortable even on hot, humid days.
Most kilt vendors DO offer lightweight options.