How hard do you have to look to tell a trad from a semi-trad?

[Verlyn]

Getting back to the original question, I would say unless someone was a seamstress and REALLY knew their fabrics, they could not tell difference between one of Rocky and Kelly's Semi-traditonal and a wool tank. Having just picked up 3 semi-traditionals and one premium yesterday and because hanging around this chick that is a very good seemstress for the last 26 years, I can tell the difference in the fabric on site. As far as otherwise? Buckles are the same, construction pretty much the same and, since my wife is a seemstress, Rocky and Kelly have taken the time to show her the differences while in the shop. That all being said, the average person can't tell the difference between a casual and a tank, in my mind. Attention to detail is a rate commodity these days. Thank God USA Kilts gets it and that's why I'm "sold" on their products (not to mention over the top customer service). Bottom line, I defy anyone but a fabric/textiles/kilt making expert to be able to tell the difference between a USAK Semi and a full wool tank.

[Macman]

ronstew, I think you've gotten lots of input on the kilts themselves. I can maybe give you some perspective from the other side, since I was a member of a kilted reserve regiment like the Seaforths, only in Victoria, and many years ago. From my experience, your average kilted reservist does not share anywhere near the same interest in or knowledge of kilts that you see in the people on this board. To me, at that time, it was just a cool piece of uniform. I didn't know or see any difference in kilt weight, style or anything else. I remember visiting the mess after leaving the regiment wearing my clan tartan kilt, and most of the guys thought I'd joined a different regiment because my kilt was mostly red instead of green!

Anyway, my guess is that most people wouldn't notice, some might notice a difference, but not be able to place what it was, and nobody would really care one way or another, but just think it's neat that there was another civilian in a kilt.

[bikercelt1]

I've worn my USA Kilt to several Highland games and never once had anyone question it. Some of the people have been terrible snobs about other kilts but none of them ever said a word about my USA Kilt. (Of course I'm open to the possibility that I was involved in a Broadsword tournament at the time and questioning an armed man about his kilt was more than thery were prepared for!) Both my Sensei/Swordmaster and the folks from my local Scottish shop were surprised when I told them it was a USA Poly-V. The only "tell" was the fringed hem and only one guy picked up on that. The colors are different from my wool Anderson Modern, but everyone just thought it was ancient or weathered. You can't go wrong with Rocky and Kelly's kilts. Their kilts are not the same as my wool tank, but they're suitable for almost anywhere I'd wear my wool tank.

Jamie

[Moosehead]

Macman,

an A Company boy, was ya?

[Macman]

I was, Moosehead! No. 2 Platoon. Deas Gu Cath!

[Magnus Sporrano]

I primarily wear what I think is now called the Casual... I wear them often, and in a variety of places.

The ONLY criticism I ever get really is people inquiring if I am entitled to wear a certain tartan. My response is usually "Why the (heck) do you care? You're wearing pants!"

Being a shrek-sized man may shield me from some of the criticisms that others might face, but I somehow doubt most of the guys here get any crap for their USAK's looking in any way a "lesser" kilt than any other.

That doesn't mean that I don't want Rocky & Kelly to make me a tank. But I am very glad that they have an affordable offering to get me out there kilted & looking good without having to sell one of my children to buy a tank.

[ronstew]

For the record, since I started this thread, I came this close ----> <---- to buying a semi-trad today, but Rocky couldn't perform a delivery miracle (I asked if he could make a ridiculously short delivery), and I am still losing weight, so it will have to wait until next year. Thanks for all the help, gents.

[Colin]

While there will be a noticeable difference, to yourself as well, bear in mind that the Seaforth Highlanders have really heavy wool kilts, and they are often worn under the bloody arm pit. However since your kilt is a USA Kilts semi-traditional, it is made to look like a traditional kilt cut with the fell, the pleats, etc. so while there will be a difference, you will look better than if you were wearing a hipster casual kilt. The reviews on the semi-traditionals have been great. I saw one in person last summer and was very impressed.