Which silk lining.

[HarveyH]

... It's abrasion resistance is only moderate.

I realize that Matt lines his kilts with silk (I have one of his kilts on order). But as was also noted, silk does not necessarily hold up well to sweat, and a well cared for (but well worn) kilt may have it's lining replaced at least once over it's lifetime because of these factors.

Silk is nice stuff. But it's not indestructible.

I quite agree that a lining may have to be replaced in the lifetime of a kilt, but that is true of cotton or linen. A good raw silk would be significantly harder wearing than many cottons.

Also I have to say that the weather in the UK, and perhaps up in Argyle more so, is such that sweat is not really going to be such an issue.

[tpa]

Also I have to say that the weather in the UK, and perhaps up in Argyle more so, is such that sweat is not really going to be such an issue.

In the winter perhaps, but hiking uphill through the bracken in the summer? Midges and ticks permitting of course.

Using Steve's definition of lining as opposed to a liner, that job would be best performed by a slip/petticoat/under kilt, which for those of us who are allergic to wool, is more or less a necessity. Regarding silk, I can only say that my silk long johns and vests, which I wear for outdoor winter activities, such as skiing, have a nasty tendency to fall apart after a while.

[Stoff]

I do not know how well silk would do, but if I were to use silk I would use raw silk. My big experiences with raw silk is in making pre-18th century shirts and SCA style fencing armor. My experience there is that it wears like iron. In field testing 4 layers of raw silk seam to be able to resist 500-800 newtons of concentrated force. other than that is is extremely comfortable.

As to kilts, I have made three and they were all lined with linen. The one I still have is around 25 years old and I have still to need to replace the lining.

I hope that helps.

Stoff