Wearing two kilts at once.

[Robinhood]

Recently I've lost a bit of my gut (and I'm not looking for
it either) and have been moving the buckles on my kilts.
I didn't bother with the heavy wook kilts because it was
it was pretty warm, and I had plenty of time before cold
weather set in.

Now I'm recovering from shoulder surgery and can't
use one hand at all. Of course now the weather turned
cold and I'm stuck without a warm kilt that fits. So I
decided to put a heavy wool one over a cotton canvas
one.

Other than being a lot of weight it seemed to do
the trick. I really like the feel of wool against my
skin, and I'm sure it would be warmer that way,
but reversing the layering didn't work.

Now I'm thinking my belted plaid under the large
kilt may really be the thing to wear when the
mercury goes down out of sight. I just need
to find a way to pleat it with one hand. (The
belted plaid, while 100% wool, is pretty light,
having been made for the warmer renfaire
season.)

You may have guessed I'm not too concerned
about how it looks, and you would be right.
You might be surprised that the combination
I wore today didn't look at all unusual. The
second combination may be a little more challenging,
but could probably be similarly fashionable.

[Kilted KT]

as long as the two kilts are the same tartans, there shouldn't be a problem. I don't think you will need the second kilt, as the first one is plenty warm.

I've been going around in my swk heavyweight Irish Saffron, and I'm very warm.

[KiltedKnight]

Now I'm recovering from shoulder surgery and can't use one hand at all. Of course now the weather turned
cold and I'm stuck without a warm kilt that fits. So I
decided to put a heavy wool one over a cotton canvas
one.

I know exactly what you're talking about. Exactly two months ago today I had rotator cuff surgery on my shoulder and it is a real bear to put the kilt on and no easier putting pants on but luckily I have a good wife that helps me with dressing and even tied my shoes when I was in a sling. I have to have the other shoulder done sometime around the end of January if my first surgery progresses favorably but the timing is good, I should have great mobility from Christmas time to after Burns supper time so I shouldn't miss out on too much.

Chris.

[Riverkilt]

Good idea.

The only time I've worn two kilts at once was to use a Utilikilt as a poncho over my shoulders in the rain in addition to the kilt I was wearing...

Ron

[Kiltedfirepiper]

I remember seeing somewhere tht in WWII in africa that Scots wore a canvas apron over thier wool kilts to protect them from damage.. wouldnt wearing a UK over a wool kilt pretty much serve the same purpose?


I have also dont the "greatkilt/short kilt " combo for SCA one or two REALLY COLD desert nights...I was almost TOO hot


Scott

[macwilkin]

I remember seeing somewhere tht in WWII in africa that Scots wore a canvas apron over thier wool kilts to protect them from damage.. wouldnt wearing a UK over a wool kilt pretty much serve the same purpose?


I have also dont the "greatkilt/short kilt " combo for SCA one or two REALLY COLD desert nights...I was almost TOO hot


Scott

It was the South African (Boer War) and WWI, actually, that kilt aprons were worn, partially to protect the kilt, but also to camoflauge the tartan.

However, I don't think it's the same as wearing a UK over a traditional kilt -- the apron was just that -- an apron. It wasn't a full-fledged kilt, just a front & back held together over the kilt.

T.

[McClef]

It would be interesting to find out if these aprons are still being made anywhere or where they might be seen in a museum as they could have a practical modern day application.

I have seen them in TV historical dramas etc, but never in enough detail and they are not on screen for long enough.

I might be going to London next week and if so will try to get to the Imperial War Museum if I get a chance.

[Jerry]

I don't recall seeing a "kilt apron" at Matts tartans museum, in NC, but it would make an interesting kilt exhibition. Maybe he might acquire one if it isn't already there and I just missed seeing it.

[chasem]

doesn't Jerry at WPG sell kilt aprons?

[Robinhood]

Well, KT, the canvas kilt isn't plenty warm.
That is why I tried putting the second kilt
over it. Additionally, having cotton against
the skin isn't the warmest way of layering,
as any winter-sports site will confirm.

The belted plaid is quite thin, and while
it is 100% wool, it is NOT plenty warm.
It is nothing like a SWK heavyweight,
but the oversized kilts are. That is why
I'm layering with them. As far as matching
the tartan's, it is close. Both are
Black Watch, but they are still
different enough for me, and probably
most of us here to notice. The rest of the
world may not see any difference.

Wearing the oversized kilt alone isn't
an option, because it is so big that
I can't get it tight enough to not
act like a wind tunnel. So far the
canvas wool combo is only marginally
warm with the temperature in the
low 20's fahrenheit.

I'm encouraged by your experience, Scott.
What king of temperatures do you get in
Tucson? Was it really windy there like
it is here in Maryland?

I tried pleating the belted plaid with one
hand, and it almost worked. It seems
that you only really need to pleat the
waist, and the rest will fall nearly perfectly
into place. The problem with being one
handed it getting the waist pleated while
several yards of upper and lower selvedges
are resisting.

Once it is on, dealing with the upper half
is a bit if fun. Also fun is doing this indoors
while wearing a heavy wool sweater and
hose. That is definitely too hot. I never
made it outside because I got so sweaty
I was afraid I'd get a real chill should the
garmets prove to not withstand the
icy blast that was going on outside at
the time.