USAKilts Semi Traditional Review

[Zardoz]

We see posts and photos here all the time about how much someone really likes their new USA Kilts Semi Traditional kilt, I know I've posted a few! But, in the interest of folks who might like a more detailed review, I thought I would do one on my new Bluebonnet Semi-Trad. This is my first attempt at such a review, so bear with me!

First, let's discuss what we're talking about,

The USA Kilts Semi Traditional model has most of the elements one expects in traditional kilts, like being made to your measurements, 3 buckles, knife pleats with a sewn down fell, sporran strap/belt loops on the back, and tapered and fringed front apron. that's the "Traditional" part.
The "Semi" part comes into play when we look at some of the details, primarily that these kilts are machine sewn from an 11 oz machine washable Poly Viscose fabric. They use 5 to 7 yards of the PV, depending on your measurements, and they do not use a stabilizer and lining like a traditional kilt would.
I personally find PV to be a good 'wool analog', it has a similar hand, wrinkle resistance and crease holding, and is cooler in warm climates like I live in. On to some photos;



Here's some views of the front apron and rear pleats. This kilt (waist size 43) has about 5.8 yards (17.5 feet) of tartan in it.


Detail of the right-hand buckles.

Left-hand buckle and a belt loop.



This kilt has 25 pleats (including the reverse pleat) just under 1 1/8 inches wide, and 2 1/2 inches deep. Be aware these numbers will vary based on the kilt size and tartan sett.


Here's a shot of the fringe and leather straps, from the outside....

and inside, notice the reinforcement gusset.


Here's the inside of the pleating area. This shows the biggest difference from traditional kilt constrution, the lack of the stabilizer and the lining that covers it. Since the inner pleats are not cut out in this kilt, I feel like the stabilizer is not as necessary.


Photo of inside the under apron pleat, which has been turned up to make a small dart shape hem so that the fold won't stick out below the apron. You can also see the tuck "kilting" selvedge edge of the fabric here, be aware that some of the tartans used by USA Kilts have a "fringed" edge instead, so check with them if this is a question.

This is my 5th Semi Traditional Kilt from USAK, and I have always been quite pleased with the customer service and quality of the products. For more about USA Kilts models, pricing, and contact info, go to http://www.usakilts.com/