opinion on a "knockabout" kilt?

[CMcG]

<snip>
Acrylic is darn near a throwaway demolition kilt. Doesn't hold creases well, very light, very inexpensive.

I have a heavyweight acrylic from the Frugal Corner, which I hear is similar to the Stillwater Standard. It is definitely not light and the material has a coarser, thicker feel than P/V or wool. It holds a crease ok, but just not super sharp one. Not a bad kilt at all, though relatively inexpensive. Not a tank either tough!

There are of course lighter grades of acrylic but I have not experience with these.

[MacMillans son]

So the short version, if I've read right, goes like this.

Wool is a minefield. Expensive, much homework is required as to the individual mill involved, samples should be ordered. However, the money spent is reflected in quality.

Second runner up is PV. 11 oz is pretty standard. Good color, holds pleats well and can handle daily wear like a champ. Alot of bang for your buck.

Acrylic is darn near a throwaway demolition kilt. Doesn't hold creases well, very light, very inexpensive.

Does that about sum it up?

Yes, generally speaking, BuchananBiker and a little more.

I wouldn't refer to wool as a minefield. It is expensive, but worth the price to most of us for its intended use. That being, ordinary wear in non-abusive situations. The cost outlay warrants getting swatches before you buy in order to ensure the colors seen on line match those in real life.

PV, by Marton Mills, is lightweight (aprox 11 oz) but is agreed by most to be the next best thing to wool relative to feel, looks, and behavior. The PV made in the east, which some vendors apparently, in spite of what they advertise, report to be acetate, is heavier (advertised as 16 oz in some places), somewhat stiffer at first, and much less expensive (8 yard Asian PV kilt aprox $80 US vs $200+ for Marton Mills depending on vendor).

From reports, as I don't own an Acrylic kilt, Acrylic is fuzzy, pills easily, and is less fire retardant (actually goes up pretty quick when exposed to fire and/or significant spark). Can be nearly as thick as some wools.

There is also PolyCotton blends that are reported to be very lightweight, hyper prone to wrinkling, and are usually constructed in a casual style ie. using Velcro closures without straps, buckles etc.

[CDNSushi]

Yeah, it really depends on how much "knock" you need to have in your "knockaround." I certainly wouldn't waste money on ANYTHING wool that I know is going to be abused...

However, having said that, SWK's heavyweight (wool) kilts are about cheap enough to use in such a manner without feeling too terribly guilty.

[Ian.MacAllan]

. . . Wool is a minefield. Expensive, much homework is required as to the individual mill involved, samples should be ordered. However, the money spent is reflected in quality. . . .

Wool is a minefield only if you don't trust the vendor or are very particular about color. Several ethical & dependable kiltmakers appear frequently on this board, are accustomed to running interference between wearers and weavers, and will gladly supply swatches at nominal cost. They're superbly skillful at kiltmaking, too.

IMHO the only serious threats to wool kilts are moths, strong acids & alkalis, dyes & bleaches, and ignorant drycleaners. A USAK semi-trad is as close as you'll get to being immune to all of these. I have one that I consider ideal for dressy but hazardous activities such as church picnics.

Because I enjoy dressing like a slob I have three knock-around kilts: an AmeriKilt, a SWK standard, and a SportKilt Hiker. I like each (for different reasons) but I won't shed a tear for any.

.

[seanachie]

However, having said that, SWK's heavyweight (wool) kilts are about cheap enough to use in such a manner without feeling too terribly guilty.

That is absolutely correct, I have a green heavyweight shadow tartan and it really holds up quite well. It is not worsted wool but it is wool and I have worn this for a lot of "active" pursuits and 2 dogs that love to play.

[BuchananBiker]

Ok, so to rephrase, wool is expensive and worth every penny. And just as you wouldn't by a car or motorcycle blindly, a wool kilt shouldn't be bought blindly either. Give the purchase the respect that the garment and the cost are entitled to. Buy it, love it, cherish it and keep it for special occasions.

I'm a rough handed, blue collar guy. I hike. I hunt. I camp. I ride. A good PV kilt will serve me well in my day to day life and still look good.

Is that more accurate?

I'm not looking to be a headache, just want to make sure I've got it straight before I buy my first kilt for general daywear and then plunk down money for a good, proper 8 yard wool kilt (I have daughters, I'll need to dress nice sooner or later).

[Spartan Tartan]

I'd say you pretty much got it.

[Newfoundlander]

I think you fair landed it lad =)

My kilt is heavyweight wool, a special order weave done as the Newfoundland tartan is not generally stocked, and it's a full 8-yard beauty. It's fantastic and is worth every bob that I paid for it, times two. I wear it fairly often. Buchannan, I'd certainly go wool for your first traditional kilt. Choose a good kiltmaker, go with a trusted weaver, and traditional heavyweight or regimental weight cloth.

The knockabout that I was inquiring into with launching this thread was for a decent kilt to take on a trip overseas, to wear when hiking, packing or shopping up wood, etc, and more regular daywear. Things I wouldn't want my "good" kilt subjected to, and much of the same things you like to do too it seems.

From the overwhelming responses and great knowledge shared here, I've done a bunch of homework, and talked to a number of the companies mentioned. It seems that PV is the way to go, and USAkilts have a great reputation for their 11oz PV. I think they made-to-measure approach will be of superior quality and their tartan selection is vastly superior to the UK off-the-peg kilts for only a modest increase in price. I want to make sure that this kilt comes back from my overseas trip and is still in fine form to last a long time after... The only question is now is to choose the semi-traditional or the casual kilt, and decide between the Irish National, the MacDonald, or the Ramsay (htg) tartan...

or all three :P

[chrisupyonder]

About pleat holding and non wrinkle. I am also after the same type of kilt as Newfoundlander for daytime going out. I have my 16oz wool tank for best.

I have a pair of pants/trousers made of as stated on the label, 100% polyester. They are branded Farah. I have had them for about 5 years and they have been washed in a washing machine many many times.
They have never needed pressing and the creases are still as sharp as new.
The creases are not stitched or glued and I have looked with a powerful magnifier.

So how is this done and are there any kilts made with this stuff? and if not, why not?

Is polyester the same as polyviscose etc?

Chris.

[LitTrog]

I realize I am a little late to add anything except a confirmation of your decision to go with USAK. Just wore mine on the 11th and it got slightly soiled...



The guy in the middle and the one second from the right (me) are both wearing USAK PV casuals.


Machine washed it Monday morning, hung it to dry, and it looks perfect. No dirt and pleats completely in order. Will provide a picture if you need verification, but it'll have to wait until I get back home on Thursday.