Kilts in Winter

[BozemanboB]

Hi, all.

Once again, winter's coming. And it can get bleedin' cold up here in Montana. And windy, too.

Now I've heard people before say "I wear my 8-yard and hose and I'm fine in the winter!" When it's so bloomin' cold that I'm freezing in flannel-lined carhart (pants [ick]) I have a hard time believing that I'd be comfy in a kilt and hose. When it's 3 degrees (F) out there I don't see too many women in skirts, and it's easy to figure out why. Well I'm on my Bifurcation Eradication Mission, and I have to come up with a solution that doesn't allow frost bite to my...

How about some other options? Knitted tights with or without hose? Is that too feminine looking? What do other you far-Northers wear in the dark and cold months? Or do I just need to accept that I don't live in a climate that will allow me to wear kilts full-time year-round?

Thanks for the tips and such.

[James MacMillan]

Two things come to mind for REALLY cold weather.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inverness_Cape
and
http://www.empirecanvasworks.com/stormcape.htm

Please remember that the Scottish Highland, the birthplace of the kilt, is a pretty cold place in winter!

[Arlen]

Bear in mind that a lot of Scotland is on the same bearing as a lot of Alaska...
I wear a kilt in winter and I'm just fine. With a good pair of hose it keeps out the rain, snow and the VERY cold winds. And because the rise on a kilt is so high and there is so much pleating in the back, it keeps your innards nice and toasty,too.
As for your family jewels, a kilt acts like a bell and keeps all the warm air underneath it. So unless you are in a habit of lifting your kilt above your head you should be just fine.

Try it out and see how you feel. If not, a good pair of thermal boxers under your kilt isn't going to shame you.

[McMurdo]

I started wearing a kilt in everyday in March in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and 2 or 3 times a week for the few months leading up to it. I wear an 8 yard 16oz wool kilt in the winter months, all my lighter weight kilts will stay in the closet, hose up, even if I am wearing boots in winter (sometimes even the rules of good fashion must be broken) also anytime I plan on going out I make sure I am correctly protected, and covered from the elements, am I cold, sure some times, however I was colder in jeans before.

Last winter in the first really big snowstorm we had I was stuck at the side of the road, as my old car broke down at the side of the road, anyway there I was in a blinding snow storm in a broken down car waiting for over an hour in a kilt, well the only part of me that was cold when the tow truck finally got there was my feet.

[Ayin McFye]

I'm not sure if this will help alot from protecting your... ... but you could probably wear a long "leine"(sp?) and button it like a baby's onesie. As far as I know this is actually historically acurrate that someone wearing a kilt would wear a long white shirt called Leine, and it could be button between their legs. this might help with the cold.

Can anyone out there confirm this for me?

[pdcorlis]

Granted, north Idaho is not as chilly as Bozeman in the winter but I still wear kilts all winter long. For me its partly about the socks and kilt weight - but mostly about my gloves and headwear. I find that if I keep my head and hands warm I can tolerate cold much better.

[mkmound]

Bob,

If you search around, you should be able to find the threads from the last couple of winters.

A couple of keys:
1. Warm kilt -- a good source is What Price Glory, which is a militaria vendor. Jerry Lee offers reproduction regimental kilts in Cameron Highlanders, Gordon Highlanders, and Black Watch. These are 22 oz.!! (Think "blanket"!) A number of folks on XMTS have Jerry's kilts, and are very satisfied with his product and service. There are a few XMarkers, however, who have worn the SWK kilts in winter climates.

2. Warm clothes on the torso, and warm socks, and hat / gloves if you're outside. A prime key to staying warm is keeping the torso and head warm.

One major difference between women's skirts and kilts is that a skirt is (typically) only one layer of fabric. The kilt is two layers in the front, and 4-6 in the back, so there are more layers to trap air for insulation. A second difference is that skirts typically aren't made with as thick / heavy a fabric as a kilt.

Good luck!!

[Archangel]

Instead of the cape (one use, $$$), I've just ordered an Outback Low Duster from Cabelas. Third outback style duster I've owned. It can get pretty cold here and I just vary the sweater/vest/polartec combination.
If it's too cold for that, it's probably too cold to go out, kilted or not.

btw: the UK/Alaska bit, you forgot the Gulf Stream effect, which is fading fast with the ice cap melting but, hey, we're stylin'.

[cessna152towser]

Surprising as it may seem, you will find you are perfectly warm in a heavyweight wool kilt with knee hose even in the coldest weather.

[auld argonian]

I don't see many women in skirts here in Chicago...period...whatever the temperature.

You'll be amazed at the insulating power of the kilt. One thing that I heard early on and has proven to be true for me so far is that as long as your head and feet are warm then the rest of you feels comfortable.

Best

AA