describe the general features of your "ideal" kilt

[KiltedSkeleton]

Lightweight Cordura in MARPAT or CADPAT. High waist like a traditional. Box pleats. MOLLE straps. Some cargo pockets for odds and ends. This is what I want to play paintball in. Cordura for easy cleaning. CADPAT is my teams uniform but MARPAT is close. MOLLE for pod and tank pouches. The pockets for swabs, towels, cleaner...that sort of stuff.

[TheBlueCow]

Hmm... I think my ideal style for a casual, every day wear kind of kilt would be something like this:

• The top of the fell would be at the top of my hips, and I would do either no waistband and 1.75" belt loops (very casual) or more likely a 2" waistband with 2.25" belt loops. Because it would be a jeans-waist kilt, it would have to have a slope so the back would be higher than the front.
• I would want it to fall at about mid-knee.
• The apron would be 1/3 width (10" on my 30" waist)
• Symmetrical pleating. First and final pleats (rear-facing) would be 1/12 width each (on me that's about 2.5" each) and would finish up the front 1/2 of the kilt. The back 1/2 pleats would be symmetrical and forward facing, 6 pleats with a 2" reveal, and a rear center box pleat with a 3" reveal. Or maybe 8 pleats with a 1.5" reveal and a 3" rear center box pleat.
• Probably a snap closure. Though I'd like to add up to 2" of size adjustment for "fit"/waist variation
• Soft, mid-weight material that is preferably stain and wrinkle resistant.
• Front slant pockets, just for somewhere to put my hands.
• Side cargo pockets for my stuff.

Or something like that. I've been thinking about this for awhile myself

[Superspence1]

Hmm... I think my ideal style for a casual, every day wear kind of kilt would be something like this:

• The top of the fell would be at the top of my hips, and I would do either no waistband and 1.75" belt loops (very casual) or more likely a 2" waistband with 2.25" belt loops. Because it would be a jeans-waist kilt, it would have to have a slope so the back would be higher than the front.
• I would want it to fall at about mid-knee.
• The apron would be 1/3 width (10" on my 30" waist)
• Symmetrical pleating. First and final pleats (rear-facing) would be 1/12 width each (on me that's about 2.5" each) and would finish up the front 1/2 of the kilt. The back 1/2 pleats would be symmetrical and forward facing, 6 pleats with a 2" reveal, and a rear center box pleat with a 3" reveal. Or maybe 8 pleats with a 1.5" reveal and a 3" rear center box pleat.
• Probably a snap closure. Though I'd like to add up to 2" of size adjustment for "fit"/waist variation
• Soft, mid-weight material that is preferably stain and wrinkle resistant.
• Front slant pockets, just for somewhere to put my hands.
• Side cargo pockets for my stuff.

Or something like that. I've been thinking about this for awhile myself

oror
with features like this
ith:

[ccga3359]

Lightweight Cordura in MARPAT or CADPAT. High waist like a traditional. Box pleats. MOLLE straps. Some cargo pockets for odds and ends. This is what I want to play paintball in. Cordura for easy cleaning. CADPAT is my teams uniform but MARPAT is close. MOLLE for pod and tank pouches. The pockets for swabs, towels, cleaner...that sort of stuff.

Interesting thought but in Multicam.


My ideal feature for my ideal kilt is a lady's hand resting upon my knee heading north. let's see if Steve or Robert can get their hands busy on that feature!

... I mean, produce that particular kilt .

[g koch]

I miss slash pockets!

[The Wizard of BC]

If weavers would only start producing true 13 to 16oz. Poly/Rayon fabric in Tartans and solids.

I don't really look at the features of the Kilt because as a Custom Kiltmaker I can try and do almost anything listed above. And probably have. I too list many of the same things as the others above. So I designed and made them.

If I'm talking features then...

My Tartan Model is my "Ideal" style for dressing up. That's why I make it. It is also why I designed my Side Slash Pockets to be invisible and not ruin the shape or Swish of the Kilt. If I could get 14-15oz P/V fabric I would never make another Wool Kilt.

If I want to dress casually, or are working, I use my Cargo Model. So to me it depends on what I am doing in my Kilt to be "Ideal" for the activity.

I know this answer is cheating but I really do have two Kilts that I wear all the time and both are "Ideal" for me.

This is what I love about being able to make my own Kilts. I can wear a new design or try out an idea and if it doesn't work I abandon it and try something else.


Now if we could just get the fabric mills to create fabrics specifically for the Contemporary Kilt market. To me it is the fabrics which will make or break an "Ideal" Kilt.

[Alan H]

To me it is the fabrics which will make or break an "Ideal" Kilt.

Oh, yeah.....Yes sir, that observation is spot on.

[The Wizard of BC]

Because I has put quite a bit of time and thought into my designs and have tried almost everything I have found one true secret to a good looking Kilt and one that satisfies the customers ideas of "Ideal".
That secret is "Get the highest quality fabric you can find and afford."

Almost every one of the features listed above has been done or is being done by someone out there. The beauty of this world we call Kilts is that if you can think of it you can find someone who is doing it.

But in the end it will be the quality of the fabric and the time, thought and pride put into the manufacture that will prove itself and last over time.

I've said it before and I'll keep on saying it. The difference in fabric you buy at WalMart for $2.99 and a high quality fabric that costs $10.00 or more is only a couple of cups of coffee.

NEVER, EVER skimp on the fabric!

[Makeitstop]

I've said it before and I'll keep on saying it. The difference in fabric you buy at WalMart for $2.99 and a high quality fabric that costs $10.00 or more is only a couple of cups of coffee.

NEVER, EVER skimp on the fabric!

As someone who tried using that $2.99 fabric, I have to agree (though in my defense, I'd never sewn anything, so it was better than ruining something nice)

As such, for my ideal kilt I would have to talk to the guys at MIT about integrating nanotechnology. Just imagine a kilt with self pressing pleats. Not only stain resistant, but water, fire, and bullet proof. It could detect a strong breeze and stiffen to prevent fly ups. AC for the summers, heating for the winters. And never worry about the right color, pattern or tartan, because it can change colors. If you get bored the apron doubles as a tv.

[Panache]

...My Tartan Model is my "Ideal" style for dressing up. That's why I make it. It is also why I designed my Side Slash Pockets to be invisible and not ruin the shape or Swish of the Kilt.

When I read this thread I immediately thought of the wonderful IoS tartan Freedom Kilt I have.

It is my ideal kilt

Cheers

Jamie