Want to stay Kilted all year in South-East PA

[The Kilted Canadian]

Last year, I started wearing kilts. Non traditional stuff, a 5.11 TDK and a pair of Stumptown kilts. I wore them through the summer and into late fall. Once winter hit it was pants, until we hit a warm spell a few days ago. I've picked up some kilt hose and a pair of flashes, and that extends the comfort range. But I want to be wearing kilts most of the time. I'd like to have some variety, so its tempting to order a couple more casual kilts, or maybe a semi-casual, for a wee bit of variety. But I'm wondering if I might should be saving up for a 5 yard or belted plaid for winter wear?

I wont be kilted every single day, but most days. General concerns are young children currently 3y and 1y who make life disastrously messy at unexpected moments. So cheaper, washable kilts appeal there. And the temperature here range, on average from 75-85 *f in the summer to 30-20*f in the winter (of course there are outliers, but that seems to be the way of things at the moment.)

What does the rabble suggest so that I can feel the breeze on my knees all year this year?

I wear a kilt everyday, year round, from 30C(around 90F) to -30C(pretty much the same in F) and I only have one sewn wool kilt that I wear on special occasions. The rest of the time I wear a denim/cotton hybrid, or duck cloth, full cotton, i recently made a denim hybrid with fleece bonded chenille for a winter kilt. Machine washable and dryer friendly make like so much easier .
However, when it gets really cold, a kilt only does so much. A good pair of wool socks really helps, though they can be a little pricey and again, are good to a point. Leg warmers can help, even long underwear if you're going to outside all day.
Depending on what you're going to be doing, the biggest difference I found was in getting a longer coat- one down to mid calf. The difference is unreal. A wool overcoat will keep you warm in the winter, even in the lighter weight machine washable kilts.

Oh, and I do have a wool great kilt/belted plaid. It is a little warmer than some kilts, but I tend to wear it less in the winter than the rest of the year. It can be a little bulky, which make it harder for layering or wearing a coat on top. It's great from spring-fall to replace wearing a lighter jacket, to wear if you're outside all day and want a little leeway for weather changes.

[tweedhead]

Last year, I started wearing kilts. Non traditional stuff, a 5.11 TDK and a pair of Stumptown kilts. I wore them through the summer and into late fall. Once winter hit it was pants, until we hit a warm spell a few days ago. I've picked up some kilt hose and a pair of flashes, and that extends the comfort range. But I want to be wearing kilts most of the time. I'd like to have some variety, so its tempting to order a couple more casual kilts, or maybe a semi-casual, for a wee bit of variety. But I'm wondering if I might should be saving up for a 5 yard or belted plaid for winter wear?

I wont be kilted every single day, but most days. General concerns are young children currently 3y and 1y who make life disastrously messy at unexpected moments. So cheaper, washable kilts appeal there. And the temperature here range, on average from 75-85 *f in the summer to 30-20*f in the winter (of course there are outliers, but that seems to be the way of things at the moment.)

What does the rabble suggest so that I can feel the breeze on my knees all year this year?

I tried experimenting with a belted plaid thinking it would be warmer in winter, but found that the lack of structure and most importantly the lack of insulation around my core made it much cooler than I expected. For my money a tailored heavy wool (16oz+) kilt with a high rise is the warmest winter option. Lower yardage may even be preferable to keep the swish to a minimum and keep warm air trapped under the kilt.

[rmcglew3]

I remember talking to Kelley at USA Kilts a while ago (I think they were still in Phoenixville). She said that Rocky used to go skiing in his kilt, but he might have worn something underneath. You might ask him. Another excuse to visit the shop!

[008kilts]

I remember talking to Kelley at USA Kilts a while ago (I think they were still in Phoenixville). She said that Rocky used to go skiing in his kilt, but he might have worn something underneath. You might ask him. Another excuse to visit the shop!

I don’t ski anymore, but have hiked in the snow and snowshoed in a kilt. I have a wool Blackwatch and wear heavy wool hose. All is fine depending on wind chill.
008kilts

[bejt61]

Cool, I was wondering about that. I think I'll be picking up some 5 yard wool then. Though, I am going to have to ask if they by chance could do the traditional box-pleat style. They don't offer it, so I'm expecting a no, but asking never hurts. These Stumptowns just have me fond of the box-pleat.

I will not assume to speak for USA Kilts at this very moment, but I emailed Rocky about Kingussie pleating. He told me that they (USA Kilts) only do (single direction) knife pleating. His reason was essentially it is hard enough to do one thing very well. Trying to have different techniques would or could compromise their standards. I can understand and fully appreciate that.

[Woodsman]

I am quite fond of mine. I've happily been wearing them since... it looks like around April last year (excepting the winter months). They're well built. I love the snap system. the pockets are nice, though, I prefer a sporran, it's just easier to access. Getting my wallet/keys out of the apron pocket can involve some fishing around, and it looks like I'm groping myself (or I think it does anyway, and my wife has just confirmed my fears). Personally, I don't mind the trapezoidal apron. But if that's a big hang-up for you then you should probably avoid them. If you can get past that, I highly recommend them. I've been incredibly pleased. They're light (great for summer), durable, comfortable, extremely easy to maintain and a nice casual style, but can be dressed up a little.

Hope that helps, please feel free to ask if there are any particulars I've missed, about which you are curious. I'll do my best to answer.

Jumpmonkey,
I got back out to Portland and was able to make an appointment with John at Stumptown Kilts. He was nice enough to meet me on a Tuesday, the only day that I was able to get there. He's normally closed the early part of the week. Anyway I was totally impressed with his Stumptown Kilts -very well made and quite comfortable. I liked the look and feel of the rip stock cotton. Right now that includes all military camos. But he is coming out with a gray colored rip stock soon. So I'm waiting for that. John explained the design and evolution of his kilt and I understood the reasons for the v-shaped front apron. I liked the snaps and customizable snap-on pockets. Hope to be an owner of one soon.

Marty

[Jumpmonkey]

Hey, you guys revived the thread!

Well, since posting this I've gotten some USA Casual kilts, several pairs of hose, and happily, picked up my first wool kilt just an hour ago. I've found that the hose make a huge difference in the cold weather, and that wearing enough insulation up-top should be plenty to get me along through the PA winters (weak kneed as they be these days).

I wound up going with a traditional knife pleat. As regards kingussie, I don't know if USA Kilts does it or not, but that is a different pleat from the standard box-pleat (which they will do, with an appropriate up-charge for all the extra work involved.

@Woodsman
I don't wear my Stumptown kilts too much anymore, I've gotten quite into the traditional kilting thing. But let me say, they still are beloved in my heart. They have a wonderful, rugged style all their own, and when it comes time to do work that'd beat on the kilt, (my PV kilts take the abuse well, I just don't have the heart to abuse them) or when it's time for a t-shirt, short socks and boots, they rock. My style may have changed, but I still insist, that if a Stumptown kilt floats your proverbial boat, then you won't go wrong with one (or more).

Good health and good weather to you all!

[VAM]

I do not wear kilts every day, but I would if I could.
I live just a bit north of you in the Lehigh Valley, and wear my kilts year round.
I have 3 polyvis kilts, 2 of which are USA Kilts, one is self made, and I have a USA Kilts semi-trad in wool. All of these are great most of the time.
I also have a standard Stillwater Kilt, that I wore in Lake Tahoe in 8 degree weather with no problem.
I find my legs are fine when I make sure my core holds the heat that I need. Warmer socks also help.
It is easier than you might expect.

Hi from Ottsville, PA. Are there places particularly conducive to wearing a kilt in the Lehigh Valley near here?
Would love to know.

[VAM]

Last year, I started wearing kilts. Non traditional stuff, a 5.11 TDK and a pair of Stumptown kilts. I wore them through the summer and into late fall. Once winter hit it was pants, until we hit a warm spell a few days ago. I've picked up some kilt hose and a pair of flashes, and that extends the comfort range. But I want to be wearing kilts most of the time. I'd like to have some variety, so its tempting to order a couple more casual kilts, or maybe a semi-casual, for a wee bit of variety. But I'm wondering if I might should be saving up for a 5 yard or belted plaid for winter wear?

I wont be kilted every single day, but most days. General concerns are young children currently 3y and 1y who make life disastrously messy at unexpected moments. So cheaper, washable kilts appeal there. And the temperature here range, on average from 75-85 *f in the summer to 30-20*f in the winter (of course there are outliers, but that seems to be the way of things at the moment.)

What does the rabble suggest so that I can feel the breeze on my knees all year this year?

I'd be interested in hearing your experience. I really enjoy wearing a kilt but haven't left my own property in one, in Ottsville, PA, although I promised a friend to wear a semi-formal one (on order) to his church in November for St. Andrew's Day.

[mddock58]

Hi from Ottsville, PA. Are there places particularly conducive to wearing a kilt in the Lehigh Valley near here?
Would love to know.

I just wear mine as my comfortable clothes when I am not working.
The Celtic Fest is coming up next month, and they have different events throughout the year as well.
Also you can go to many of the Irish/Celtic pubs which have great music and are also favorable places to wear a kilt.
Generally I get positive comments no matter where I am, the grocery store, shopping, whatever. Most of it comes from your own confidence.

Sometimes you you do need to grit your teeth when the insensitive comments do come, but there are far more good than bad.