Value vs. Tradition

**Panache** · 13th August 09, 08:10 AM

Another vote for saving for a wool handsewn kilt.

It will take longer but the kilt will last you a lifetime and will be all the more wonderful for the wait.

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

**longhuntr74** · 13th August 09, 08:56 AM

Well it seems unanimous!!! I don't intend to buy another kilt right away...but I do have plans to own an Army Tartan kilt eventually. I was seriously considering a PV kilt as I figured that I already have a quality 16oz 8 yard kilt on downpayment in another tartan and envision that I will be wearing kilts casually (just kicking around town, out to drink, hiking, etc) more than at any formal affairs. The comments about how a quality wool kilt is multi-purpose and will be just as fitting worn with a Tshirt at a highland games as with a black tie at a formal event has me thinking that perhaps I should seriously consider the wool over the PV. I've got plenty of time to contemplate it...in truth I don't know how much use I will get out of my two current kilts as I haven't had the opportunity to wear them yet...but I hope to wear them OFTEN!! If that is the case...then I'll seriously consider the investment for the Army Tartan!

**Jock Scot** · 13th August 09, 09:17 AM

Longhuntr74.

I could not help but notice where you are posting from and I assume that you may be rather active! When you return home you could well put on a fair bit of weight, be careful when you get measured up for your kilt------by the time it arrives, you could be too big for the kilt, or the kilt might be too big for you!

**dfmacliam** · 13th August 09, 10:07 AM

I agree with that last comment by Jock... I weighed 215 when I arrived in Beirut in 83, I left weighing about 175 but after returning Stateside I slide back to 210-220 range for a bit... I was infantry. If you gain/ loose weight, I'd wait bit to let things settle down.... Before you measure for your kilt.

**Smayniac** · 14th August 09, 04:04 PM

I'm not arguing against quality, but Scooby will rapidly pass through my size in a couple of years never to look back. I also have no Scottish or family connection meaning that the tartans I choose may have no meaning for him when he is grown anyway. I'll probably own a tank someday, but it'll be for me alone.

Bob

**Spartan** · 14th August 09, 05:33 PM

My own experience is that I started out with a couple of casual kilts and then ordered my "good" one, hand-sewn by Kathy Lare in 16 oz wool. I thought that this would be the one just for special occasions, as you mentioned. What I discovered is that, even with 5 other kilts in the closet, it's my kilt of choice for many occasions. It fits better, it looks better, and I feel better wearing it. It also doesn't need a lot of care. Don't think that once you get your good kilt that you'll only use a few times a year.

And, I second everything that Ron said about Kathy Lare's work!

Kilt on!

**longhuntr74** · 15th August 09, 03:23 AM

Yeah....I'm a staff weenie now...I sit at a desk all day and send emails, make powerpoint slides, and attend meetings. That being said, I've worn 32x32 pants for the past 10+ years. I've fluctuated in levels of fitness and weight to some extent, but I typically hover between 180-195. Valid point for many though...good inputs.

The other thing that has given me food for thought, though, is Matt Newsome's thoughts on the merits of a 4-6 yard kilt over a 9 yarder....with the weight, heft, etc. I may consider going with a heavyweight quality wool but doing the box pleat thing...as that would seem to be "fitting" for an Army kilt.

**The Guy in the Kilt at UC** · 20th August 09, 10:50 AM

You get what you pay for I say.

**ziggy** · 20th August 09, 11:11 AM

Yeah....see me, I haven't dabbled in casual kilts, i went right for 8 yard kilt in heavy wool. Mostly because it fitting higher on my torso mattered to me.....and well my friends often say I have two speeds....off or *beeping* on ..... it holds true here.

Just the same I think I will be satisfied... quality does not dissapoint.

**muirkirkca** · 20th August 09, 11:15 AM

I am more than happy with my wool 16 oz. strome Lochcarron 5 yd. machine sewn kilt by Burnett and Struth. Certainly would consider 4-5 yd. box pleat as an alternative. Cost and weight a consideration of an 8 yd., but not the only ones. However one has to go with their own wants as to what they purchase.