What's the best choice for casual use?

[lucienrau]

I've had much the same questions recently and here's what I've found the options to be for casual:

1. A traditional kilt made out of some other material (PV, light wool, acrylic) with or without pockets (high rise waist). Usually off the rack sizing so it won't fit like a custom tank. This seems to be a pretty common option. I'm not sure what the PV material feels like. They look pretty much like traditional kilts, with machine sewing & lighter materials. Can be pretty inexpensive, but sometimes that means cheap. USA kilts, Freedomkilts (pocketed models), scotweb, stillwaterkilts and quite a few others have models.

2. Casual tartan or solid color kilts, there are both off the rack and made to order options. Scotweb has some examples, as does USA Kilts. Low rise (fitting at a jeans waist.) Can be made out of a wide range of materials from 10-12oz wool, PV, acrylic etc... PV of this style seem to be lighter than MUG options. They usually don't have pockets and have a more traditional look. The equivalent of a good pair of slacks/khakis.

3. Non-traditional kilts, utilikilts, alphakilts, Freedomkilts cargo model. These vary in options and are often off the rack. They tend to fit at a jeans waist (though freedomkilts gives you plenty of options.) Materials can vary, often a cotton/synthetic blend similar to most slacks. Often have pockets, but can look like cargo pants unless the pockets are internal. I've got two utilikilts and they're great, but pretty warm. I like the simpler look of Alphakilts. Generally the equivalent of cargo pants or jeans, though there are one or two dressier models.

I started wearing a kilt with my tank that I bought for my wedding. Later I got fat and bought a utilikilt. I'm getting skinnier now and am looking at going kilted more or less full time. I like the low waist for working outside, child care, etc... as it makes bending a bit easier. A high waist can feel like a girdle sometimes. I like the snaps on my utilikilts for ease of putting on/off as opposed to models with straps. They're great for just messing around. Though I find the mocker model very warm in summer, but I tend to be warmer than most people around me.

My list of ideal kilts for all occasions for me would be: my tank for dressing up, an alphakilts aberdeen model (since it has clean lines and no cargo pockets) for daily use, a freedomkilt cargo model with slash pockets and no cargo pockets (to replace slacks), and a casual tartan kilt in my clan tartan for going out & hiking since I don't like pockets while hiking (internal kilt pockets often have your wallet bouncing around your inner thigh.)

[KFCarter]

Great info, lucienrau, thanks.

I hadn't thought about the high-rise v. low-rise issue for working around the house, etc. I actually love the feel of the traditional high-rise but I can see how a lower-rise might work for what I have in mind. I want to actually feel some PV before I go with a choice like that, I tend to prefer natural fibers so I hope to check out some actual examples at our Highland Games next month.

[lucienrau]

I prefer natural materials too, which is why I'm looking at 11 oz wool for my casual tartan, in spite of the need to dryclean. I think wool breathes much better than most other materials. I'll get it eventually... It takes so stinking long to take weight off. No time at all to put it on though.

Let me know what you think about PV if you get a chance to look at it. I've never had a chance to handle it.

One thing I like about the less traditional options besides liking the difference in styling (the thinner apron can make sitting a bit easier) is that they are usually from cotton blends rather than all manmade fabrics.

[Weasel Mender]

If you have access to a sewing machine and a small amount of skill and determination the "X-kilt" is very much an option, the new instructions (written in "male") are up and not that hard to do

Weasel

[nab2488]

I have 2 sport kilts and I love them! But keep in mind the pockets that you can add to them are kind like pants pockets not cargo pockets. If you want to do any yard work or carry a lot of items they are not great. If you want cargo pockets they have a new kilt called the ultimate kilt which based on their website looks like a utilikilt just in a tartan fabric. That however is a bit pricey at $169. I just depends on what you want this kilt for more, work or comfort. My first kilt was a original sportkilt with pockets and it is the most comfortable thing ever! I wouldn't however wear it to a formal occasion or working in the yard. So if you want comfort more than work I can think of little that would be more suited for that than a sport kilt original.

[KFCarter]

If you have access to a sewing machine and a small amount of skill and determination the "X-kilt" is very much an option, the new instructions (written in "male") are up and not that hard to do

Weasel

I'm thinking about that, we do have a sewing machine that was a gift, but no one in the house has ever used it. Pretty good chance I'd end up with a thumb stitched into a pleat, but I still might give it a go eventually.

[csbdr]

One word....Apocokilt

[Panache]

So my question is this: for a devotee of the traditional tank, what casual or contemporary kilt would make the best choice?

Based on your reequirements I would go with a USA semi traditional model kilt made of poly viscose.

It is going to be durable, washable, comfortable in hot weather, and is going to be closest in looks to a traditional kilt for what you are looking for.

They are made to your measurements, there are about 60 tartans available in PV, and even though it is intended for casual wear you can still dress them up quite nicely if you need to.

A USA semi traditional kilt is going to be a little more than some other options but it has the look you like and the durability you need.

The only thing they don't have is pockets, but Stillwater kilts sells a sturdy nylon cargo sporran with compartments (a matching nylon belt can be found at any hardware store for about $5)

Cheers

Jamie

[KFCarter]

Based on your reequirements I would go with a USA semi traditional model kilt made of poly viscose.

Thanks to all who responded... this thread has been a huge help.

And particular thanks for your post, Jamie. I spent a good hour on USAK site today comparing the different choices and your comment reinforces what I was thinking. I do want to actually feel some PV in hand before taking the plunge, but I think I will likely go for it unless the material feels really over-the-top awful to me.

I love the 16 oz wool so much, but on the other hand, I went to the opening night game of our local minor league team and was wishing I was in a kilt... and also glad I wasn't in my beloved tank. I don't think mustard and strome would be a happy match.

I'm going to take advantage of our upcoming Games and take a first hand look at some PV and if it passes the "feel" test, I think I'll take a shot with a USA.

Thanks again to everyone who responded.

Slainte

[billmcc]

...I'm going to take advantage of our upcoming Games and take a first hand look at some PV and if it passes the "feel" test, I think I'll take a shot with a USA.

USA Kilts uses PV material made by Marton Mills. Its quality is better than that of other PV material. If you want to feel the material USAK uses, email or call Rocky and ask him to send you a swatch.