sport kilt casual versus usa kilt casual fabric

**jeanfor** · 24th June 13, 03:43 AM

I want to get a couple of new casual kikts for the summer. I like the fabric of the sport kilt casual for summer wear. Has the usa kilt the same type of material or is it heavier. Usa kilts seem to have a better fit since they take the hip measurement.

**Geoff Withnell** · 24th June 13, 05:37 AM

The USA Kilt Casual kilt is made from what feels to me like slightly heaver fabric. However, the pleats are MUCH crisper, and as you say, the fit is better. Also, the USAK fabric is teflon treated. Got ice cream spilled on mine yesterday at Celtic Fling, and a couple of napkins and a damp cloth later, it was fine. It was quite humid and warm yesterday in Manheim Pa, but I was very comfortable in the USAK Casual.

**Couper** · 24th June 13, 05:53 AM

If I were to order two casual kilts right now I would likely get one of each. The USAKilts Casual certainly has a "more crisp" look and feel but the SportKilt has a softer feel. As I type this, I am enjoying morning coffee while sitting on our front porch with my bride of 39 years (as of yesterday) and I am wearing a SportKilt. YMMV

**Friday** · 24th June 13, 06:06 AM

Originally Posted by Couper

sitting on our front porch with my bride of 39 years (as of yesterday)

Congratulations on 39 years, I enjoyed 35 years with my bride as of last April. Tell your bride for me that it take a special woman to put up with a man for 39 years and may she enjoy 39 more special years.

**MacMillans son** · 24th June 13, 07:23 AM

In my less than scientific opinion, the Marton Mills PV that USAK uses is a little heavier than the SportKilt material. The pleats are crisper in the USAK kilt because they are sewn down the whole length of each pleat, creating a permanent crease. In my limited experience, the rear of the Sportkilt will go all 'fluffy bustle' on you within a few wearings if not maintained. I would go with the USAK Casual long before considering another Sportkilt. The only reason we purchased a Sportkilt, for the boy, was that we could receive it in record time. We are both in CA., and due to poor planning, a few days in shipping time made a difference for an upcoming event.

I would not buy another Sportkilt, nor recomend them, as there is no benefit to them over the USAK Casual and some significant shortcomings when compared to them.

**Couper** · 24th June 13, 08:02 AM

While I love my USAKilt Casual and am about to order a semi-trad from Rocky, I "do" recommend SportKilt for a couple of reasons.
1) Sewn-down pleats can be ordered and still have a lower cost than a USAKilts causal. In my size 37 waist/40 hips, that's about $38 less.
2) Pockets are available. Yes, pockets. Sometimes I want to go really casual (no sporran needed) - all I need carry is my cell phone (my leather iPhone case holds my license, one cc and some folding money) and one car key.
3) Email sign-up provides additional discount pricing.

So far I have not experienced "fluffy bustle" on either of my SportKilts or on my wife's. Machine washing, machine drying until "almost" dry and hanging on a good hangar with waistband clips seems to be all the maintenance either the SportKilt or USAKilt casuals need.

**jeanfor** · 24th June 13, 10:13 AM

I also have my sport kilts with sewn down pleats. I will probably try a usa kilt and get another sportkilt.
I usually always iron my kilts after wear.

**Zardoz** · 24th June 13, 10:35 AM

Having the Sportkilt pleats sewn down helps, but the elastic waistband will still generate the aforementioned "fluffy bustle" effect. I have two SKs, and they are great for what they are, but personally I'd go with the USA casual if I wanted a super casual kilt. If money is a big object, maybe a Stillwater Thrifty or Economy

**TheOfficialBren** · 24th June 13, 01:46 PM

I have to jump in here...the pleats on the USAK Casual are sewn down at the fell...they are not sewn to the selvedge. The Casual is, essentially, a traditional kilt 'shell' made from Marton Mills' high quality polyviscose but without a liner or stabliser and utilising a velcro closure system rather than a bluckle closure. They are a very high quality garment and the comparrison is really like that of casual dockers slacks (USA Kilts Casual) to sweat pants (SportKilt).

I would (and have successfully) wear my USAK Casual with tshirts all the way up to smart business casual.

Is this a garment appropriate for formal wear? No. It isn't. But, you said you wanted casual so this meets your criteria.

The USAK Casual is far more versatile than the Sportkilt. It is better-constructed, properly tailored, and composed of better materials. USAK Casuals are also available in a wider variety of tartans (excellent weave, very vivid and rich colours).

Happy Hunting!