Experience with Wool Blend kilts

[JWeild]

Hi,
new member here, a border and highland piper from the far Buenos Aires. In my pipe band years I've worn our band's kilt (traditional, 8 yards, handmade woolen kilt) but after I left the band I'm kiltless and without means to afford something like that.

After some research I've found the PV kilts with a reputable dealer (USA Kilts) and also the Wool Blend kilts by The Celtic Croft. Did anyone here has experience with the acrylic wool blend? I would like to know how warm they are, if they start to form pills after some time, and overall experiences. If there is any user with experience wearing both PV kilts and wool blends, any comparison between them will be appreciated too.

Thank you all!

[Kiltedjohn]

Welcome from a Scotsman living in the English midlands. I'm not able to answer your question, but hopefully you will get many replies from people more knowledgeable than myself!

[JWeild]

Welcome from a Scotsman living in the English midlands. I'm not able to answer your question, but hopefully you will get many replies from people more knowledgeable than myself!

Thank you for your welcome!!!

[KennethSime]

Welcome, from California!

Do you have a set budget in mind? If we know your budget, we might be better able to recommend a "best bang for your buck" kilt option. Generally with kilts, you get what you pay for, and if you can save up over time to buy something nicer, you'll be happier in the long run.

I have two "Casual Kilts" from USA Kilts, which are made with PolyViscose tartan from Marton Mills. MM is based in Yorkshire in the UK. The PV tartan is a 12 oz twill, holds up well over time, comes with a stain-resistant teflon coating, and is machine-washable. It's a nice option for warm weather, or casual outings, and the cost is between $100-150 USD. If you can spend more like $220, their Semi-Traditional kilt is made more like a 5-yard wool kilt, while still using Marton Mills PV Tartan. If you can spend more like $300, their 5-yard wool kilt is an excellent option.

Acrylic/Wool blends do tend to pill. Acrylic doesn't breathe as well as wool, so it is warmer for its weight. On the plus side, it might look a bit more like a wool kilt than PV, if it's made well.

One thing you might consider is finding yourself a secondhand or vintage kilt. You can save a lot of money and still get nice, heirloom-quality clothing that way. MinistryOfTaran.com is one option, but a lot of folks have luck on eBay also.

[KiltedDixon]

Welcome from Texas!

[JWeild]

Welcome, from California!

Do you have a set budget in mind?

Acrylic/Wool blends do tend to pill. Acrylic doesn't breathe as well as wool, so it is warmer for its weight. On the plus side, it might look a bit more like a wool kilt than PV, if it's made well.

One thing you might consider is finding yourself a secondhand or vintage kilt. You can save a lot of money and still get nice, heirloom-quality clothing that way. MinistryOfTaran.com is one option, but a lot of folks have luck on eBay also.

Thanks for the input and welcome! I can stretch to USD 150, I know it's a low budget. I wasn't aware of a secondhand kilt market but it's a great idea and Ministry of Tartan has great prices.

[KennethSime]

Thanks for the input and welcome! I can stretch to USD 150, I know it's a low budget. I wasn't aware of a secondhand kilt market but it's a great idea and Ministry of Tartan has great prices.

Hey, that's a great budget man, and a-ok. We've all got to live within our means.

The nice thing about kilts (and highlander in general) is that the good stuff, made in Scotland, will last a lifetime. I've purchased quite a bit of my highlandwear second-hand, and am very pleased with the quality. Celtic Vintage Finds is a great little Scottish Etsy shop with really awesome prices. They don't have the largest inventory, but if you're patient you'll find some incredible deals. eBay is another great option, specifically eBay.co.uk.

The other thing to keep in mind is that you don't have to buy everything all at once. Buy the best kilt you can afford, and it'll last a long time. You can add on little things like jackets, belts, sporrans over time.