Confusion. PV, wool, casual, 5 yrd, 8 yrd

[knotty]

While Im waitin for my first 2 kilts to arrive Iv been readin & searchin. With the idea of gettin a MacLean. There are sooo many options to concider. Any kilt I get, will be worn for everyday use from knockin round to out for dinner with the Lass.

My understand is that a wool kilt must be dry cleaned. The is a big negative. Im more of a wash & wear guy, & only iron when needed.

Which kilt model to get? What is the basic difference between a casual, 5yrd & 8 yrd? Once again shell be for every day use.


sanx
Craig

[cdarwin]

My understand is that a wool kilt must be dry cleaned.

You are mistaken. You can hand wash your own kilt in a bath tub. The main thing to remember when washing your kilt is to handle it is little as possible, especially if you wash it in warm water. There are a number of threads on this discussion, but rather than dig around for you, see my thread here.

Which kilt model to get? What is the basic difference between a casual, 5yrd & 8 yrd? Once again shell be for every day use.

Can you be more specific? I assume you're referring specifically to USA Kilts line of products.

USAK's Casual kilts are made of a machine washable P/V material from Marton Mills coated with teflon to resist stains. They are well constructed and machine sewn to your exact measurements and fasten with velcro on the front aprons rather than the more traditional buckles. They also come with a USA Kilts logo sewn on the from apron that can be removed at your request. Also, the edges of the pleats are sewn down all the way to maintain a sharp edge.

USAK's Semi-Traditional kilts are made of the same P/V material of their Casuals, but of a bit more material and in a more traditional manner. These come standard with three buckles and two sporran strap loops. These are also machine sewn. They have more and deeper pleats than their casuals and so the pleat edges are not sewn down.

USAK's 5 Yard Wool kilts are constructed the exact same way as their 'Semi-Trad' but in wool instead of P/V from their wide selection of available tartans.

USAK's 8 Yard Premier kilts are what we refer to here as a 'tank.' This is considered the most traditional style of kilt. It is hand sewn rather than by machine and takes considerably more time and effort. The end result is a work of art.

You will not go wrong with anything from USA Kilts. There are also some other very worthy vendors here on the forums that you should also consider.

[knotty]

Its not just USAKilts, many kilts seem to be catagorized this way or something similar.
Maybe I should have used the word fashion instead of casual. Any kilt I have should have a classic style, but I can see getting a high & low waisted kilt. I have no desire to own a kilt suited for a scene of "Spartucus".

I assume the difference between a 5 & 8 yrs is the "under plait" or the material you dont see. Isnt that what makes the kilt lay down & provide the "swoosh"?

You are mistaken. You can hand wash your own kilt in a bath tub. The main thing to remember when washing your kilt is to handle it is little as possible, especially if you wash it in warm water. There are a number of threads on this discussion, but rather than dig around for you, see my thread here.



Can you be more specific? I assume you're referring specifically to USA Kilts line of products.

USAK's Casual kilts are made of a machine washable P/V material from Marton Mills coated with teflon to resist stains. They are well constructed and machine sewn to your exact measurements and fasten with velcro on the front aprons rather than the more traditional buckles. They also come with a USA Kilts logo sewn on the from apron that can be removed at your request. Also, the edges of the pleats are sewn down all the way to maintain a sharp edge.

USAK's Semi-Traditional kilts are made of the same P/V material of their Casuals, but of a bit more material and in a more traditional manner. These come standard with three buckles and two sporran strap loops. These are also machine sewn. They have more and deeper pleats than their casuals and so the pleat edges are not sewn down.

USAK's 5 Yard Wool kilts are constructed the exact same way as their 'Semi-Trad' but in wool instead of P/V from their wide selection of available tartans.

USAK's 8 Yard Premier kilts are what we refer to here as a 'tank.' This is considered the most traditional style of kilt. It is hand sewn rather than by machine and takes considerably more time and effort. The end result is a work of art.

You will not go wrong with anything from USA Kilts. There are also some other very worthy vendors here on the forums that you should also consider.

[cdarwin]

Its not just USAKilts, many kilts seem to be catagorized this way or something similar.
Maybe I should have used the word fashion instead of casual. Any kilt I have should have a classic style, but I can see getting a high & low waisted kilt. I have no desire to own a kilt suited for a scene of "Spartucus".

I have no idea what you're on about.

I assume the difference between a 5 & 8 yrs is the "under plait" or the material you dont see. Isnt that what makes the kilt lay down & provide the "swoosh"?

The difference between 5 yards and 8 yards is 3 yards. In reference to the kilt, it means how much square yardage the kilt is made from. A higher yardage kilt will (generally) have more (smaller) pleats as more material is being used in the (rear) pleated portion of the kilt.

[Tobus]

What the heck does Spartacus have to do with kilts???

Folks can explain the differences in kilts all day long, but what's really going to matter is what you're looking for in a kilt. Will you wear it casually, where it can get dirty? Or will you only be wearing it for nice occasions? Do you live in a hot environment or a cool one? Do you want to look traditional (i.e. in the proper Scottish tradition), or does it matter to you?

From what I've seen so far, you will likely be wearing this casually, like a pair of blue jeans or shorts that you can 'wash and wear'. In which case a 5-yard PV casual kilt would do just fine. Wool kilts and higher-yardage kilts will cost more, require more maintenance, be hotter, etc. But they will also look better, be more traditional, and be more suitable for special occasions. It all depends on what you want out of a kilt.

[Spartan Tartan]

I'm confused about a couple things...
1. As others have said/asked, what does Spartacus have to do with this?

2. This is really more my confusion. Why are you asking about the different kilts AFTER you already bought 2? I'd think you would have asked this before buying, not one, but two kilts. My question in return is, what "types" of kilts did you buy, and why? I assume you bought more casually designed kilts--as this is what you suggested you wanted.

[Pyper]

I'm thinking the Spartacus reference means that he doesn't want a twill or canvas kilt, but only tartan.

[Ryan Ross]

I have no idea what you're on about.



The difference between 5 yards and 8 yards is 3 yards. In reference to the kilt, it means how much square yardage the kilt is made from. A higher yardage kilt will (generally) have more (smaller) pleats as more material is being used in the (rear) pleated portion of the kilt.

I have no idea what you're on about.

Square yardage has nothing to do with kilts. Eight yards, four yards, etc... refers to the linear yardage of the kilt.

AND WORD TO THE WISE- He means he doesn't want a leather kilt or anything of solid color ("contemporary kilts" are likely the no-no, as opposed to proper tweed kilts). That seemed fairly plain to me.

[cdarwin]

I have no idea what you're on about.

Square yardage has nothing to do with kilts. Eight yards, four yards, etc... refers to the linear yardage of the kilt.

AND WORD TO THE WISE- He means he doesn't want a leather kilt or anything of solid color ("contemporary kilts" are likely the no-no, as opposed to proper tweed kilts). That seemed fairly plain to me.

Thank you for clarifying my mistake and for interpreting the confusing mess above.

[longhuntr74]

...and what's up with the testy, confrontational tone on this thread?