On the fence between casual or semi-trad

[Riverkilt]

Andrew,

As has been said, you can't go wrong. Much depends on where you live and what you intend to wear the kilt for.

I waited WAY too long to order my first USA Kilt. Figured all the praise was just shilling. I started with a semi-traditional, liked it and got another. Then finally got around to ordering a casual and liked it so well I've ordered ten of them so far. Have 8 in and two on order. And, I added another Semi-traditional.

Have pics in my galleries if that helps, but have to add pics of the last three casuals this week on my trip to Tucson.

Casuals are just that. Semi-traditionals are just that. And be sure to check the tartans available for both models...there are some tartans on the casual list that aren't on the semi-trad list, but both are available either way. Like I have a Prince of Wales in the Casual.

My suggestion is to order one of each and then see which you want more of...my guess is you'll want more of both.

There are some threads with a lot of great info on USA kilts with comparisons farther back on this forum.

Don't be dumb like I was and wait too long.

And, get you a Black and Decker Gizmo to steam out the few wrinkles you'll get. PV responds to steam like a dream.

Ron

[Andrew Green]

Hey Riverkilt. I think I am going to go with a casual. Something inexpensive... just a way to get a feel for the company. If the bottom end product is nice, it'd be hard to imagine the higher end stuff being bad, ya know. I'll check your photos though. I did look at a customer gallery on the site, and there were a few casuals in there... you could barely notice the fringe. All looked really well made, and everyone seemed very happy with them. I emailed Rocky and asked what tartans are available in PV. That should shed a little light on things.

[cavscout]

Fear not the fringe.

Looking at the pics on Rocky's web site, the fringe doesn't look too good and it caused me a lot of concern, though the alternative was a hemd bottom edge which causes a hole nother set of issues with pleats "kicking out" at the bottom.

The fringe is only about 1/8" long and really gives it a nice masuline look. However, if you want Rocky has been known to put a hem on the bottom of the casuals if you request it. Here's a couple pics of my Gordon Modern from USA

http://community.webshots.com/photo/...69831397TOTkKb

You can barely make out the fringe unless you know what you're looking for.

Best thing to do, ask Rocky for ALL the things you want on your kilt and he'll let you know if it's doable.

Fair warning though, you better keep a few bucks on hand because when the first one comes in, you'll be on the phone ordering the next one

[RockyR]

Just to clear 2 things up (one was already addressed):

1. The ONLY PV tartan the DEFINITELY has a "proper kilting selvedge" is going to be the Ireland's National. OCCASIONALLY, we'll get a batch of one tartan or another with a kilting selvedge, but this is NOT common and is NOT a "requestable item". The only time I CAN request it is when I order 250 M of a single tartan to be custom woven (and I pay much more for it).

2. As stated above the only PV tartan to have a "kilting selvedge" is the Ireland's National. Since BOTH the Semi Trad AND Casual are made from PV, this means that they'll BOTH have the "frayed selvedge".

How does it feel on the legs? Honestly, I don't (and I think 99% of the people up here) even feel it. It's not ideal to have the selvedge frayed, but it won't come unravelled and it DOES give it a different look than anyone else.

I'll step back and let the comparison resume...

[auld argonian]

Since I've been wearing my USA casual a lot lately, I'm chiming in. Got the Hunting Stewart casual and love it. Mine has a selvedge hem though...which is perfectly fine for me...I was dubious about the fringed hem as well but it wasn't a problem. I forget if I specifically asked for the selvedge or not...

The velcro is quite all right...the belt sort of holds everything together and all is very secure. My next one will in all probability be a semi-trad from USA...I really like the material and more of it and a lining will be sweet. Wearing it on your hips instead of up about your navel is different but not uncomfortable. If you're getting that middle age "gut", it's hanging out over the top of the kilt as opposed to the sort of "girdle" effect that the trad styles seem to provide. This may not be a problem for you...actually, my gut is rather flattening out (hooray! I must be getting more exercise.) and the "hang over" is diminishing nicely...though I may have to tighten up my Stillwaters a bit.

Bottom line: Casual - invaluable addition to any kilt wearer's wardrobe...Semi-trad - same quality and attention to detail and a step up. Hard to decide? Yes.

Best

AA

[Riverkilt]

I wasn't too keen on the fringe when I was first considering a USA kilt. Seemed, perhaps, too dainty...but figured it was tradition of some sort and what the heck.

I certainly don't feel it "tickle" my legs. I do feel the hems of my UKs on the back of my legs.

Being a tad obsessive, or is it compulsive, or is it both?? sometimes when the white threads on the fringe are askew, and not "straight" and I'm sitting down I'll straighten them out...sort of like picking a beard whisker off my shirt...

Another reason I love my Black and Decker Gizmo with my USA Kilts...easy to straighten out any white threads in the fringe that are marching to the beat of a different drummer.

Bottom line, the fringe looks nice and its not an issue. Don't think the non-kilt world even notices it.

Ron

[Colin]

I don't own a kilt from USA Kilts, but I do have a few casuals from another company that makes a very similar product. I loved wearing the casuals for the longest time, but since getting a traditional kilt the casuals only come out in the extreme heat or when I know it will be a messy day. I prefer the higher waist and the sewn down fell of the traditional (semi-traditional in USAK's case).

If this will be your only kilt for some time, go for the quality and traditional fit of the semi-traditional. After that decide if you want a kick around type kilt (casual) or a premier kilt. Each has it's merrits, but seeing as the semi-traditional is the middle of the road for Rocky and Kelly, I doubt you could go wrong with the quality, diversity of use, or look of the semi-traditional.

[Andrew Green]

Yes, both would have their merits. Right now, I am looking for something comfy, and relaitvely inexpensive (I know $240 for a semi-tarditional isn't expensive). But I really want to give the casual a try.
Rocky, thanks for chiming in. I was trying to get some feedback and opinions on the forums, because I had already shot you a number of emails! Ha ha ha. No one worries about the fringe, so I won't worry about the fringe.
Colin: Nope, not my only kilt, nor will it be for some time. I want to get one to check out a new (to me) kiltmaker who has a very good reputation on the boards. Also, I have read that you can wear the casual where ever you want to on the waist, as all of that is up to you, and where you measure.

[billmcc]

I have read that you can wear the casual where ever you want to on the waist, as all of that is up to you, and where you measure.

This is true. Some wear it low like pants. I wear my Casual higher like a traditional kilt (with the top edge two inches about my navel).

[Andrew Green]

Well, I went ahead, and ordered a USA Kilts casual kilt. I ordered it in the Caledonia tartan. Bonus... Rocky told me that the Caledonia fabric has a kilting selvedge on it... but that is the exception not the rule. Should be a neat piece.