Casual vs. Semi-Traditional?

[Thebigeman77]

Well, having successfully graduated from high school and having some nice graduation cash and a set of practice bagpipes on the way, I have been considering purchasing a 2nd kilt.

my main issue is I've been leaning towards a Prince of Wales casual or semi-traditional USAK. I'm a little hung up on the Velcro vs. leather strap enclosures. I quite like the leather straps on my Stewart Black SWK standard. However I feel like being a little more frugal on a purchase and I do not need a formal kilt currently, just one for everyday wear. I am not sure whether or not the Velcro is good or not, and I'd like to know what any of your opinions are of the differences between the casual and semi-traditional.

All advice, observations, ideas are fully welcome. Thank you!

[RockyR]

While I'm sure lots of others will chime in with their $.02, I thought I'd point out our own comparison guide on our site:

http://www.usakilts.com/which_kilt_is_right.php

Also... one thing to think about. It's always easier to dress a nice kilt DOWN than it is to dress a casual kilt UP.

Hopefully Ron (riverkilt) will chime in with his thoughts as he's owned 11 or so Casuals and 11 or so Semi Trads...

[Thebigeman77]

Thanks, I have read through it and there's a bit of a fine line between my preferences at this point. Either one should suit my "needs" but they both have their pros/cons for what I'm looking for.

I quite like the straps and fringes of semi-traditional, but the price is probably the highest I would go right now. on the other hand, I like the custom make and much more frugal price of the casual, but it does lack the 'dressier' feel.

[Monkey@Arms]

Remember, the search feature is your friend:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...x.html?t=20338

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...x.html?t=31132

Best regards,

Jake

[Thebigeman77]

Ooo, thank you, those look like two very helpful threads.

[Verlyn]

I started out with the casuals for the price reason and to get started with having more than one kilt. Now, I really only go with semis. I really like the casuals, but as Rocky points out, its much easier to dress down a semi than dress up a casual. The semis have more pleats and a heavier look and feel and just feel dressier. I currently have 4 casuals and 4 semis. I do prefer my semis. On an interesting note, my wife tells me the semis are actually easier to iron than the casuals. So, while both are great values and custom made, any new kilts will either be semis or premier.

My $0.02 for what its worth.

[Thebigeman77]

yeah, I'm leaning toward the casuals right now because of price and it's still a good kilt from everything I've read/heard. If occasions arise where I should have a more formal kilt, I can use my SWK standard which I wore to my prom with some makeshift jacket and sporran (I still have to post pictures).

I mainly want a nice kilt in a (more or less) welsh type of tartan (national) that I can wear around very informally (most often with a t-shirt).

in comparing the 2 I looked at Ron's pictures and looked through some of the casuals and semi's (particularly the Prince of Wales casual) and the casuals still look very nice.

My main concern it fitting well with the velcro, though I can always slap on a belt.

[Panache]

I'm considering the same thing right now. As much as I love my semi-traditional USA Kilt a casual model could be worn while going through Airport security.

Cheers

Jamie

[pdcorlis]

Here's my two cents worth... I think Rocky and Kelly's Semi-Trads are one of today's real values. Excellent quality for the asking price and the customer service is tops!

[Monkey@Arms]

I only own a semi-trad (which I love) but I'd still consider getting a casual in the future. I've seen them worn at formal events (just order it without the patch) and it didn't stand out among the sea of kilts.

Best regards,

Jake