wool alternatives for kilt

[bricelythgoe]

Now, there's a question. I have to laugh. I guess the answer to that is to read through this forum for about 3 months, and you'll KNOW.

"properly"...is a tough thing to state. If t he kilt is supposed to be a band kilt, then it will be constructed in the same manner as the rest of the bands kilts...narrow pleats and lots of them, pleated to sett/stripe to match the other members kilts, three buckles in the same color as the other band members kilts, a well sewn-in liner, hair canvas, straps, etc.

But to explain all that in one post would take volumes. Honestly to REALLY know, you'd have to read Barb's book. The best way to get to understand what makes a really fine traditional kilt is to hold one and look at it very closely, concentrating on the details of how the waistband, pleats, and so on are constructed.




If the kilt is to be worn in different situation, then it might be that all those flippin' details aren't necessary. If you want a traditional-looking kilt that's well-made, and constructed mostly out of polyester-viscose, buy a USA-Kilts semi-traditional model and be happy. If you want even MORE pleats then ask Rocky to throw another yard worth of material into the semi-trad and you'll get 4-8 more pleats, and the pleats will be narrower.

Understand that not ALL tartans are available in polyester-viscose.. The company that weaves the stuff is Marton Mills. I would check availablility before you proceed too far down this road.

Thanks. I what I understand from this is it is up for debate. I have realized that although some follow the strict "traditional" rules of kilts, many just wear them how they want to. I appreciate the help. I am wearing my kilt to work on Friday and will take some pictures. You will have to let me know what you think of it.

[Alan H]

Thanks. I what I understand from this is it is up for debate. I have realized that although some follow the strict "traditional" rules of kilts, many just wear them how they want to. I appreciate the help. I am wearing my kilt to work on Friday and will take some pictures. You will have to let me know what you think of it.

What do YOU think of it? That's a lot more important than what I think of it.

Truth is that without having it off of you and in my hands...and actually without a seam ripper if it has a liner, I can't tell you if it was "properly" made according to the extremely traditional standards of some of the members of this board.

Do YOU like it? If so, then wear it and enjoy it and quit stressing over whether it's "proper" or not.

[bricelythgoe]

What do YOU think of it? That's a lot more important than what I think of it.

Truth is that without having it off of you and in my hands...and actually without a seam ripper if it has a liner, I can't tell you if it was "properly" made according to the extremely traditional standards of some of the members of this board.

Do YOU like it? If so, then wear it and enjoy it and quit stressing over whether it's "proper" or not.

I am wearing to work on friday in honor of the Burns holiday (also so I can drive my students crazy). I will take some pictures and see what you guys think. I am comfortable with what I have, but I still like to have input from others. Thanks for the advice.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

This has been a helpful thread. I recently purchased a PV kilt, only because it is less expensive than a wool. Since I am a teacher, money is a little tight in my house so a nice wool kilt is out of the question right now. How acceptable is a PV kilt in a formal situation?

There is ABSOLUTELY nothing wrong with wearing a PV kilt in a formal situation. As long as your shoes are shined, your finger nails clean, your hair is combed, and you aren't wearing white socks, you'll be fine. Don't have a PC? Don't worry. A black Argyll will do fine. What? No Argyll? Okay, a Crail (or similar), blazing white shirt and dark tie will do just as well. The point is to make YOUR BEST EFFORT to be well dressed. If you haven't got everything right now, well, you will probably have it eventually and any gentleman in the room will understand that. And not care. No gentleman ever thinks ill of another gentleman whose means limit his wardrobe. What gentlemen do resent are those ill-mannered louts that refuse to make the effort.

So, wear your best and enjoy the evening.

[bricelythgoe]

There is ABSOLUTELY nothing wrong with wearing a PV kilt in a formal situation. As long as your shoes are shined, your finger nails clean, your hair is combed, and you aren't wearing white socks, you'll be fine. Don't have a PC? Don't worry. A black Argyll will do fine. What? No Argyll? Okay, a Crail (or similar), blazing white shirt and dark tie will do just as well. The point is to make YOUR BEST EFFORT to be well dressed. If you haven't got everything right now, well, you will probably have it eventually and any gentleman in the room will understand that. And not care. No gentleman ever thinks ill of another gentleman whose means limit his wardrobe. What gentlemen do resent are those ill-mannered louts that refuse to make the effort.

So, wear your best and enjoy the evening.

Thanks for the advice. Honestly, I don't know when I will have the opportunity to go to a formal even. They have two burns suppers in my area, however in is two the south about 2 hours and the other is to the north about 1 ½ hours. Kind of out of the way. For now I stick to my semi-formal stuff to wear to school (work). Thanks for the help.

[xena]

No gentleman ever thinks ill of another gentleman whose means limit his wardrobe. What gentlemen do resent are those ill-mannered louts that refuse to make the effort.

Hear, hear!

Can we have this inscribed in a banner somewhere?! Please!?

[O'Callaghan]

Viscose is UK-lingo for what we call rayon in the USA.

"polyester-rayon"...it sounds HORRIBLE, doesn't it? It sounds like a bad joke full of sweating and leisure suits.

It's not. The material is great. I own three kilts in it, and wear them all frequently.

Not exactly true. That may indeed be the common usage, but the fact is that Rayon is a trademark and polyviscose is the correct generic name for Rayon and several other related materials. Calling it PV reflects that fact that it probably isn't Rayon (TM).