Most comfortable kilt? At any price.

[KiltedPilot]

I've got some dollars burning a hole in my pocket , and I'm interested to know, from those with varied kilt kollections, what they consider to be the most comfortable kilt, and why.

I want, of course, my new kilt to look sharp, but am putting comfort ahead of look for this next purchase. It doesn't have to be a economical kilt, and can be a custom hand sewn.

Though many have a 8 yard, hand sewn, 16oz, "tank" as optimal for appearance, I doubt that it's top of the list for comfort. What wins for comfort?

Does PV win over wool? Does 4 yard win over 8 yard? Is lightweight always more comfortable that heavyweight? Does above the knee win over below the knee? Box pleats over knife pleats? Traditional vs modern?

What other characteristics are important? Cutting the pleats below the waist band to remove bulk, of course -- suggesting a custom traditional kilt. Other?

Personal appearance often feeds into 'mental comfort'. I never find a sporran physically comfortable, but often feel more mentally comfortable wearing one. Likewise when the thermometer climbs, it's physically more comfortable to drop the hose, but I mentally feel more comfortable with them.

What kilt makes you comfortable?

KP

nb. I'm assuming mild weather, rather than extremes of wind or cold.

[Ayin McFye]

I think you post a good question, but i believe it's a very "what works for you" kind of question.

I live in Arizona where it's very hot. For me I like the 4 yard knife pleat lightweight polyviscose kilts. They breath really well plus it's not a lot of weight to carry around. I've never owned a box pleated kilt so I can't comment on that, but they look nice.

someone in Canada or in a much colder environment might enjoy a 8 Yard Heavyweight wool kilt more than I would.

Again I think you post a good question. I curious to see what others will say are their favorite kilts. Cheers!

[Yaish]

Some may debate whether it is a true kilt or not (honestly, I am not so sure) but you can't beat the UK Spartan for comfort.

It is like wearing naked.

Sportkilt is probably a close second, and everything else after that.

[starbkjrus]

I think Ayin's right - It's what works for you. What works for me depends on what I'm going to be doing. If I'm going to be sitting a lot (say for a Burns Supper, theater etc.) I really like my four yard box pleated kilt. It's very comfortable to sit on. If I'm driving or flying I like cotton (Utilikilts) or PV. Not itchy. I love the swing of my 8 yard tank but I wear it to cocktail parties or dancing where I don't have to sit on all those pleats too much.

Nothing else considered, my absolute most comfortable kilt is an old sport kilt that I lounge around the house in.

[creativeaccents]

Here in Atlanta where it has been HOT and humid for so long, the comfort factor is especially important. The northwest might need heavy pockets, all manner of accessories, and heavy studs and brads, but at 100F plus I want SIMPLE, something like hiking or cargo shorts, but with a very light weight, breatheable material, and maybe mid knee length at the most, no attachments, no hooks, no chains, no sporran, but with the panel and simple pleats so that it doesn't look like an A line or straight skirt. Trying to describe this here, something distictly kilt, but shorter, simpler, and definitely fitting low on the waist and several loops for a standard dress belt. Ever seen such a pattern?

FWIW, for Fall, I have ordered the fabric to begin a couple X-quilts! I even snagged a good Singer complete with Cherry table with drawers and plenty of surface space for local pickup here at 17.00! Now, how to fit this thing around my all too prolific dunlop and posterior!

[Big Mikey]

IMHO, and I usually do have one, I have found that the material and style are less important than length.

I have found (with some nagging from The Wizard of BC) that I really prefer the fit and feel of a highrise or traditional height kilt. It does take some getting used to but eventually you accept it.

Not having the belt and buckle digging into my assorted body parts is the biggest advantage but there is also a certain dgree of comfort having all that material and leather "hugging" your middle.

As previously stated, there is something to be said in favour of NOT sitting on 8 yards of material for extended periods. For a good, all around, all weather kilt I would suggest a contemporary style, cotton or cotton blend, highrise. This material choice is strictly for ease of care. PV would work but requires a little more caution in use.

FK, CCK, and USAK are the makers I would research first.

Good luck.

[davedove]

One factor of comfort is fit, and nothing fits like a kilt that is made to your measurements. Some of the off the rack kilts, while certainly economical, might not fit as well.

[Ayin McFye]

I think Ayin's right - It's what works for you. What works for me depends on what I'm going to be doing. If I'm going to be sitting a lot (say for a Burns Supper, theater etc.) I really like my four yard box pleated kilt. It's very comfortable to sit on. If I'm driving or flying I like cotton (Utilikilts) or PV. Not itchy. I love the swing of my 8 yard tank but I wear it to cocktail parties or dancing where I don't have to sit on all those pleats too much.

Nothing else considered, my absolute most comfortable kilt is an old sport kilt that I lounge around the house in.

You bring up another good point. It definitely matters on what you plan to be doing. If I'm going to a formal event, like a wedding, then it's all the bells and whistles time, regardless of comfort. If i'm going to the bar for a pint after work, then a $50 kick around the house kilt will do fine. My new favorite is the one I just got yesterday. I own 4 kilts now, none of them cost more that $100, and the SWK Thrifty kilt i bought for $25 bucks yesterday is great.

I still plan to buy 3 or 4 more cheap kilts, before I purchase a 8yrd tank. But I'm hoping by Christmas i'll be able to spoil myself.

[CameronTaylor]

I don't have a vast kollection but the best fitting, most comfortablest kilt I own is the dress model FK. Due to Steve's measuring instructions it fits as good as my favorite jeans
( what? two-legging it am I??? yes, deal with it - at least I don't wear baggy shorts or trendy pants)

CT - never met a kilt I didn't like

[Ozman1944]

Personally my Stillwater Thrifty is the most comfy. (I have 17 different kilts, AK, UK, Tartans etc. but no wool) It's pretty much a 'wraparound'. Add belt & sporran and you're good to go socialising. Very cheap, but really comfortble as well as versatile. Quick to put on- and take off.