USA Kilt Casual v Semi-Traditional

[Knouse]

I am in the market for my first kilt.

I'm looking at USAKilts Casual for everyday use and since the town is so casual, the entry cost is low, and I can figure out how much I will wear it.

But I'm also looking at the Semi-Traditional.

I've read their Which Kilt is Right for Me page a number of times. The semi has more material, straps vs velcro closure, more & narrower pleats than the casual; and it's $120 more.

What are the other objective and subjective differences between them? -- e.g. the look, feel, swing.

Thanks,

Steve Knouse
Round Rock TX
Intro post

[cck]

glad to have another kilt wearer in Austin.

[RockyR]

The Semi Trad will "swing" better b/c it has more cloth in it.

Basically, it comes down to this:

1) The Semi Trad will be able to be dressed up a bit. The Casual is intended to be worn... well... casually.
2) If you want a kilt that can be worn for many different things (Casual to Semi Formal), get the Semi Trad. If you're JUST going to wear it casually, get the Casual.
3) If you have an "addictive personality" and can see yourself getting multiple kilts, then maybe save a few $ on your first one and get the Casual and if you like it, get a Semi Trad for the next one.
4) Only YOU can decide which is right for you.
5) Are you going to look back after purchasing the Casual and say "Darn it, I should have upgraded to the Semi Trad"? Then get the Semi Trad.
6) Are you going to look back on buying the Semi Trad and say "Darn it, I missed my house payment and should have gone cheaper"? Then buy the Casual.

My $.02.

[Liam]

As per Rocky's post point 4. Only you can decide.
Cheers and welcome to the forum.

[Couper]

I have both a USAKilts Casual and 5-yard wool in the Celtic Nations tartan. The Casual was the first I purchased on my first visit to Rocky's store and is the only one I had to take on a cruise (a few years back). I "dressed it up" for a formal night and the Captain stopped me to compliment me on my outfit. Soooooo, you can dress it up if you want. It might not look as good as my wool kilt but it still looked (obviously) good enough.

There are are two kilts (out of my eight or so) that I get the most use out of. One is a utility kilt and the other is a USAKilts Casual in American Heritage. Only you you can decide which is best for you but I'm happy to have started with the (more affordable) Casual.

[Richrail]

I also have USA kilts in Casual, Semi-trad, and 5 yard wool. For all purpose the Semi-Trad is the way to good simply because of it's versatility. I love my Casual's for summer time hiking and knocking about the yard or out to the local pub but not out to a nice dinner. As Rocky said the ultimate choice is yours.

[Bohica]

The Semi Trad will "swing" better b/c it has more cloth in it.

Basically, it comes down to this:

1) The Semi Trad will be able to be dressed up a bit. The Casual is intended to be worn... well... casually.
2) If you want a kilt that can be worn for many different things (Casual to Semi Formal), get the Semi Trad. If you're JUST going to wear it casually, get the Casual.
3) If you have an "addictive personality" and can see yourself getting multiple kilts, then maybe save a few $ on your first one and get the Casual and if you like it, get a Semi Trad for the next one.
4) Only YOU can decide which is right for you.
5) Are you going to look back after purchasing the Casual and say "Darn it, I should have upgraded to the Semi Trad"? Then get the Semi Trad.
6) Are you going to look back on buying the Semi Trad and say "Darn it, I missed my house payment and should have gone cheaper"? Then buy the Casual.

My $.02.

I agonized over the semi trad or casual but finally said The "hellwith it" and went for the full 8 yard tank. I never looked back. fabulous . absolutely. My bank account is telling me that I must get perhaps a semi trad next from Rocky but I am sure it will be as impressive as one would expect from USAK. Simply marvelous people to deal with. I am sure the casual or any other product that they put forth will be above expectations.

Dean

y.

[Knouse]

Monday I got my US Army tartan semi-traditional as well as the Cameron of Erracht Anc. 5 yd that was on flash sale.

I love them both.

Thanks, Rocky & crew!

[cck]

Hope to see your new attire at the Salado Scottish Festival.