USA Kilt Casual v Semi-Traditional

[Knouse]

I am in the market for my first kilt.

I'm looking at USAKilts Casual for everyday use and since the town is so casual, the entry cost is low, and I can figure out how much I will wear it.

But I'm also looking at the Semi-Traditional.

I've read their Which Kilt is Right for Me page a number of times. The semi has more material, straps vs velcro closure, more & narrower pleats than the casual; and it's $120 more.

What are the other objective and subjective differences between them? -- e.g. the look, feel, swing.

Thanks,

Steve Knouse
Round Rock TX
Intro post

[cck]

glad to have another kilt wearer in Austin.

[RockyR]

The Semi Trad will "swing" better b/c it has more cloth in it.

Basically, it comes down to this:

1) The Semi Trad will be able to be dressed up a bit. The Casual is intended to be worn... well... casually.
2) If you want a kilt that can be worn for many different things (Casual to Semi Formal), get the Semi Trad. If you're JUST going to wear it casually, get the Casual.
3) If you have an "addictive personality" and can see yourself getting multiple kilts, then maybe save a few $ on your first one and get the Casual and if you like it, get a Semi Trad for the next one.
4) Only YOU can decide which is right for you.
5) Are you going to look back after purchasing the Casual and say "Darn it, I should have upgraded to the Semi Trad"? Then get the Semi Trad.
6) Are you going to look back on buying the Semi Trad and say "Darn it, I missed my house payment and should have gone cheaper"? Then buy the Casual.

My $.02.

[Liam]

As per Rocky's post point 4. Only you can decide.
Cheers and welcome to the forum.

[Couper]

I have both a USAKilts Casual and 5-yard wool in the Celtic Nations tartan. The Casual was the first I purchased on my first visit to Rocky's store and is the only one I had to take on a cruise (a few years back). I "dressed it up" for a formal night and the Captain stopped me to compliment me on my outfit. Soooooo, you can dress it up if you want. It might not look as good as my wool kilt but it still looked (obviously) good enough.

There are are two kilts (out of my eight or so) that I get the most use out of. One is a utility kilt and the other is a USAKilts Casual in American Heritage. Only you you can decide which is best for you but I'm happy to have started with the (more affordable) Casual.

[Richrail]

I also have USA kilts in Casual, Semi-trad, and 5 yard wool. For all purpose the Semi-Trad is the way to good simply because of it's versatility. I love my Casual's for summer time hiking and knocking about the yard or out to the local pub but not out to a nice dinner. As Rocky said the ultimate choice is yours.

[Knouse]

I also have USA kilts in Casual, Semi-trad, and 5 yard wool. For all purpose the Semi-Trad is the way to good simply because of it's versatility. I love my Casual's for summer time hiking and knocking about the yard or out to the local pub but not out to a nice dinner.

How about the semi-trad for "summer time hiking and knocking about the yard or out to the local pub"?

[Tomak]

How about the semi-trad for "summer time hiking and knocking about the yard or out to the local pub"?

I have a semi-trad and my son has a casual, so I have evaluated them side-by-side. My personal opinion is spend the extra cash for the semi-trad since it can be dressed up or down to suit the situation. I had mine for about 2 years and them added an 8 yard wool for formal events. Those 2 kilts are used for everything from knocking about in the yard to formal events and everything in between. But again, that is my OPINION. Rocky is the expert concerning his kilts and the points he made are spot on, ultimately you have to weigh the pros and cons and make your choice.

[GrainReaper]

I have a casual in the Albannach tartan and my 5 yard wool Wallace hunting, both are fantastic in their own way, I love the casual for summer nights out, pub crawls and casual whatnot. The 5 yard wool is better suited to a nicer evening out, cooler spring and fall weather, and unless you are planning on a long walk in the winter blowing snow, it will get you through winter as well.

I honestly don't think you can go wrong with either, a non kilt wearing bloke on the street will be quite impressed with the casual, and the kilt wearers all appreciate the casual for the versatility and ease of maintenance. The 5 yarder looks great to both the trained eye and the schlub on the street, dresses up or down quite well, but does cost more

[Knouse]

After a long talk with Eric who did a great job of answering my questions, giving me a number of suggestions and allaying my doubts, I placed an order for a semi-traidional kilt in US Army tartan, matching flashes, navy & bottle green hose, Rob Roy day sporran and rampant lion kilt pin.

I paid the rush fee and asked if possible it be delivered by Nov 12 as I would like to wear it to the Scottish Games in Salado, TX on Nov 14.

Thanks, Eric.

Steve Knouse
Round Rock TX