Bit of help on what to work for?

[KennethSime]

I'm in a pretty similar boat as you man.

I wore a traditional 8-yard for weddings and such on a semi-regular basis for the past 20 years. I've worn a few utility kilts while hiking, but it never became a regular "daily" thing.

Over Shelter In Place this summer, I decided to buy a kilt for more everyday wear. I settled on Sport Kilt because I knew the name from attending Highland games as a kid, and because they offer pockets on their kilts which I figured was essential. I wore it around a bit, walking the dog and took it on a few hikes and was happy enough. And then I found the Kilts & Culture podcast/YouTube show from USA Kilts!

After watching the last two years worth of Kilts & Culture, I figured it was time I upgrade from the Sport Kilt. First I ordered a 5-Yard Wool, but that was delayed by the woolen mill. So to fill the void, I ordered a Casual Kilt. The 5-yard is still on order, but I've been wearing a Casual for a few weeks now and am very, very impressed.

The Casual Kilt puts the Sport Kilt to shame. The fabric is more substantial, drapes better, and pleats better. On top of that, the thing is built rock-solid: excellent sewing, sturdy velcro, and really great looking pleats! Whereas the Sport Kilt feels almost delicate (like a t-shirt), the Casual Kilt feels more like denim. In short, the Casual Kilt is more like a real kilt, and I feel better about wearing it because I know I look good. The worst part is that I spent significantly more on the Sport Kilt (in order to take advantage of their "custom features," which I don't miss at all.

Then, USA Kilts launched their big sale on 8-Yard last month, and I had to order yet one more to take advantage of that savings. In fact, the sale is still on! You can get a Made-In-Scotland 8-Yard Kilt right now for a bit less than USA Kilts typically charges for a 5-Yard Kilt. If you're at all interested in getting a traditional kilt, now's the time! My only advice would be to measure for it like a traditional kilt: 2 inches above the navel down to the cap of your knee (or mid-knee), and double-check those measurements.

My understanding is that the Semi-Traditional Kilt is built basically like their 5-Yard Wool Kilt, only made from Marton Mills PolyViscose, the same fabric as their Casual Kilt. This means it is machine washable, though you should only wash it on cold because of the scotchguard-like teflon coating. I wouldn't hesitate to order another Casual Kilt, but I think my next USA Kilts order will be for a Semi-Traditional kilt. For a bit more money, you get the same great every-day machine-washable fabric in a more fitted garment that looks 100% like a "real kilt." In other words: the pleats will swing better, the apron will hang better, and you butt will look better.

Hope this was helpful.