Hemp Kilts

[Jewddha]

Maybe someoen should direct them over this way, just to answer all these questions in bulk?

[highlandtide]

The owner is a member here but I havent seen him online for a long time...

[Kilted Dave]

I didnt like the look of these at all, but if anyone orders one and it comes out ok, ill be more inclined to give it a shot.

[Rigged]

I suppose if you don't like it you can just roll it up and smoke it.

[beverlonian]

I suppose if you don't like it you can just roll it up and smoke it.

....but not whilst wearing it! Nice one, Rigged.

[Pittsburgh Kilts]

...The Hilt looks a little skirty for my taste. In fact, it looks like a cross between a kilt and a Sarong.

I've been thinking about trying some hemp fabric myself. If you agree with the sentiments above but would like a hemp kilt, drop me a line.

I've got a few good sources for hemp fabric picked out, but haven't ordered any yet. I'd be glad to work with a customer or two to decide which colors/weights/weaves to order first. It looks like a hemp kilt will be about $10 more than my normal price, to cover the extra cost of the fabric.

Peace!

[Jimmy Carbomb]

I too can't speak for the kilts themselves, but I have received mounds of feedback about the fabric itself. If you're going to make a simple shirt, skirt or anything without too much "bend" in it... this is good stuff.

I was warned that the fabric is VERY succeptable to tearing and fraying when it's pleated or sewn with any frequency. If it was made into a casual kilt with the wider pleating, it might just work however. Still.. the major concern with the kiltmakers was that the fabric would detereorate rapidly with the wear. It HAS been tried in a handsewn, traditional manner but it tore and "weathered" itself quickly.

[RockyR]

Now let me say right out that I personally wouldn't be caught DEAD in hemp clothing, but I do know that it is a very strong and durable fabric. The following are excerpts from the article linked below:

http://www.fabrics.net/amyhemp.asp

"Before 1850, all ships were rigged with hemp because of its high resistance to rot and mildew. Conestoga wagon covers were made of hemp. Colonial taxes were often paid in hemp bales and soldier’s uniforms were made of hemp cloth."

"...hemp can produce four times as much pulp for paper as trees, given the same acreage. Tests have show that hemp exhibits eight times the strength of cotton. Fabrics made from hemp are more insulative, more absorbent, and more durable than cotton. Hemp has the look of classic linen and the feel of your favorite flannel"

[RockyR]

Here's another article on how to wash hemp products and a bit more about the strength of hemp as a cloth...

http://www.hemptraders.com/washcare.shtml

[Jewddha]

I think there are 2 stores here (only one is solely dedicated) that sell hemp clothing, apparently it's very durable, probably depends on how its woven.