Left hand buckle is hidden...unusual!



Well in arrived! the tartan I've been looking forward to.
I promised I would post piccies and a review.
It's not always wise to speak about a kilt after first glance and a quick try on, but if I don't do this now I'll never get around to it.

Cost:
$275US
This is an expensive casual, mostly because of the cost of the wool.

Construction:
This is a 5 yard casual. I requested a more traditional style with sewn waistband, side fringe, selvedges edge, and sewn pleats because the wool is very open weave and I think difficult to hold a pleat.

While this kilt was built to a price and we all know you get what you pay for, I was dissappointed with how it was made when compared with other casual kilts.
The pleats are not sewn, and they go right to the top instead of being sewn at least down from the waistband.
The waistband is narrow and is mearly a continuation of the pleats, rolled in and sewn down, rather than a 'proper' waistband.
There are only two thin leather straps, the left hand strap is hidden under the apron rather than the traditional outside strap.
The lack of a third strap causes a little ballooning of the kilt and combined with the other factors give an overall "skirty" look.

There are no belt loops.
If it looks a bit long it's because it's longer than I asked for.
The kilt has a nice side fringe.

Tartan:
I think it is called Braveheart, it is the same tartan from the same mill as was used in the movie Braveheart.
It is coarse, open weave and not the most comfortable, but I expected that having seen a sample. This contributes to the very earthy, rustic feel to the tartan. The colours are lovely.

Time will tell how much use I get out of the kilt, not a kilt for windy weather.
I've confident that the beauty of the tartan will override it's shortcomings.