The O'Neille Kilt

**Andrew Green** · 19th December 06, 11:30 PM

Alright! I just got this thing in... had to give it a go... yeah, it's 10pm here...so what?

First off... there were a few delays due to O'Neille not getting the velcro he wanted for the closures. This is OK in my book, because it shows that he isn't willing to sacrifice qaulity for speed. I will take a little bit of a wait for quality work any day. I know, one of the downfalls of custom tailoring is the wait, this is something that comes with the territory, so no sweat there. He isn't joking when he says stout velcro either... this stuff is beefy! O'Neille also tossed in a free kilt pin for the wait. It's one of the little "KiltsRock.com" mascot guys with a brushed finish and a black sporran/belt combo. Not necessary, but a nice little addition to make up for the wait time (which was an unexpected courtesy as well).

Secondly, this is the largest waist size he has made so far, as I was told when I ordered that the largest O'Neille had made was waist size 45. O'Neille: It turned out quite nice, rest assured that your handiwork is just as solid for the larger guys!

The fabric is a nice black poly/cotton blend that is very durable, and reminds me of the military poly/cotton used in BDUs. Translation: It feels very durable. It isn't as warm as my other kilts... but hey, this isn't wool... it is to be expected.

The kilt is a box pleat, and looks rather sharp, the aprons are well formed, and the taper on the garment is excellent. The stitchwork looks to be very robust, seams are nice and even, the hem job on the selvedge is well hidden, and I have no fears of it coming apart. One neat little detail that I didn't expect is that there is a fringe on the outer apron. I expected it to be a solid hemmed edge. It's looks nice, and shows attention to detail; not something I expected in a non-traditional material. There isn't as much of a swish factor in this kilt, as the material is a little stiffer than traditional wool, but I also expected this... this is also straight out of the box, so there hasn't been any "break in" time.

This kilt feels like it could dress up well. It also has a number of belt loops (I want to say 5, but I didn't count them, there are 3 on the back, and 2 in front from what I noticed). They don't seem wide enough for a wide kilt belt, but it is of little concern, since those aren't really necessary (the loops), but would accomodate a standard belt, like most guys would wear... meaning that this would also make a great casual, everyday piece as well... you could still look good on a budget. I haven't tried putting my kilt belt through it though, as my wife is asleep at this point, and I don't want to wake her. I can always try a little later after she goes to work.

This was a custom tailored piece all the way through, built to measurements I provided: waist, hips, drop, and fell... which I have noticed that many makers don't ask for a fell measurement. I wear most of my kilts with a fairly high rise from the navel, and this thing drops about perfect. I'm wearing this to work/school tomorrow, and can always post more later about its performance "out and about." So far though, I am very pleased.

I would recommend this to anyone who wants a nice, solid colour kilt. O'Neille may be able to make kilts using other fabrics and designs... but you'd have to inquire to him. I would call it a good value for the money, and easily matches up to other modern kilts, based on observation. The whole transaction was a pleasant experience, and O'Neille is a great guy to do business with; very accomodating, and understanding.