Advice on a total Knock-Around Kilt

[nh_maclean]

I own a Sportkilt and think it sounds right for your needs, especially the Works model. The advantages over your other options are: sewn down pleats (vs. SWK Thrifty), buckles (vs. SWK Thrifty and USAkilts casual), fringed apron (vs. USAkilts casual), custom length (vs. SWK), velcro closure (vs. SWK Economy), belt loops (SWK Thrifty).

My lass feels that the addition of the fringe and buckles makes a knock-around kilt more presentable for wearing outside of sports, which is one of your requirements... to her, these features help to distinguish a kilt from a skirt.

The buckles and belt loops aren't necessary in terms of function because the velcro closure system is sturdy and adjustable. It's nice to hike up the side of mountain, wipe off the sweat, throw on a belt and sporran, then head to the pub looking sharp! That's exactly what I did in my Sportkilt this past summer on the Grouse Grind in Vancouver, BC.

I was looking at the Works model actually - mainly for what you just said... it feels more versitile for me (I really do prefer buckles for some reason on my kilts) and the reality is, while I'd probably wear it to run, do sports, I'd probably wear it more about town and hiking.

What about the piling of the fabric for SKs? I think I remember reading PV doesn't pile or snag as much as the acrylic? How deep are the pleats?

Thanks!
Noah

[CMcG]

I can't compare Sportkilt PV to either SWK acrylic or USAkilts PV first-hand, but the rabble seems to prefer the USAkilts PV.

My Sportkilt has held its pleats through hiking, lounging, and machine wash/hang dry without ever being ironed. The material is soft and light weight, is a PV/cotton blend, and is definitely the most comfortable piece of clothing I own.

It has pilled on the apron, especially where my sporran has rubbed against it, so I bought a pill remover at a fabric store for $2 and it rectifies the situation quite easily... also useful for my sweaters and sweat shirts that have the same problem!.

The elastic in the back of the waistband (velcro in front) makes it very easy to slip on and off. The elastic, while great for active wear, does bunch a little bit, so if I'm wearing it out, I either wear a belt or don't tuck my shirt in.

As I mentioned before, the buckles don't actually serve a function because of the velcro and elastic in the waistband. It should be noted that there are two of them, and they are on the right side only.

On my MacQuarrie tartan Sportkilt (size medium) there are 12 pleats, 2" deep. It is pleated to the stripe, which appears to be standard.

[fluter]

I was looking at the Works model actually - ...

What about the piling of the fabric for SKs? I think I remember reading PV doesn't pile or snag as much as the acrylic? How deep are the pleats?

My Sportkilts have moderately sized pleats. The fabric has varied a bit over time, but on average is very attractive. I wear them daily, when I get up and when I'm knocking around the yard; I've experienced mild pilling in one kilt that's 2.5 years old. My most worn SK's are MacGregor and Wallace hunting; both are very nice fabric. I have a US St. Andrews ("USA tartan") whose fabric seemed to come from a different source. That one suffered more pilling after a few washings, but still looks good; it just has a softer feel and finish, more cotton-like than the others.

I believe SK would be excellent for sport, because they have a huge "deep pleat" (the first pleat on the left). Note that the sewn-down pleats are cylindrical (not tapered), and gathered at the waist with elastic in back.

Finally, I'd skip the straps/Works model, and otherwise order the features you want. Sewn pleats, yes. Belt loops, yes. Fringe optional to taste---they do it nicely. I don't especially like the look of the straps (about 1-inch wide), and they negate the advantage of Velcro; unless you're just going to step in and out of it instead of opening the aprons. Others are quite fond of the Works model, so that's just one guy's opinion.


The USAK casual is made from Marton Mills PV fabric, a cut about the SK. As others have noted, it's made to measure. IMO it will "dress up" more nicely. I love it for air travel, since it has no metal at all.


The SWK standard (acrylic fabric) also has a nice, traditional look. It has real straps, and a reverse pleat. I have one, and it shows moderate pilling after a good year of frequent wear and washing. I believe it can be addressed by a fabric shaver, but have not yet made the experiment. It's been mostly retired from church-going duty, to around the house or shopping. SWK's have a standard taper (about 6-inch difference between waist and hips); and if that fits you, it should look good.

I hate to say it, but in their price range the SK, USAK casual, and SWK standard are all wonderful. Each has its features and partisans, but I like them all.

For sport or active outdoor wear, SK or USAK will probably hold up best to laundering.