Kilted Full Time?

**McElmurry** · 19th April 11, 08:21 PM

Has anybody tried something like this?
It might have to be hemmed a bit.

http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/p...l?evar3=search

**Nighthawk** · 19th April 11, 08:32 PM

I am full time kilted. I have 3 winter kilts- 2 Stillwater Kilts heavyweights and one 16 oz hand sewn. The hand sewn I save for my Sunday best. I have two 5 yard wool knife pleated kilts for spring/fall wear- mild weather! And I have modern kilts, 2 Amerikilts and 2 Flamingo Kilts for summer. I also have a 5 yard box pleat and an 8 yard knife in PV. The 8 yard PV is my Sunday best for the summer. All in all, it works out really well. I know it sounds like a lot, but you have to consider the fact that I have been slowly phasing out my pants for several years. It's not going to happen all at once- take your time, do your research, and do it right. If you want an economical contemporary kilt, I suggest Amerikilt. They're every bit as good quality as Utilikilts, but cost a lot less!

**seanachie** · 19th April 11, 09:06 PM

Originally Posted by Nighthawk

I I know it sounds like a lot, but you have to consider the fact that I have been slowly phasing out my pants for several years. I

This does not sound like a lot, respectfully one can never have too many kilts.

**billmcc** · 19th April 11, 10:35 PM

I also suggest non-wool socks for summer wear in the southern US.

I have a couple pair of cotton socks from Sock Dreams.
See here: http://www.sockdreams.com/products/s...rib-knee-highs

These socks sell for only $8 a pair (and shipping is free), but are one size fits all. So, they probably won't fit people with large feet and/or large calves.

For very casual wear, there is nothing wrong with wearing sandals without socks. See Riverkilt's photos.

**Whidbey78** · 20th April 11, 12:19 AM

For the most part all I can do with all this sage advice is say "Yup," "Very true," and "What he said."

What I can add is the suggestion that you explore making a few of your own. I decided that I wanted to go full-time a couple of years ago. Things being as they are it's been slow going. Buying kilts is expensive, but I have aquired 2 USAK casuals, a USAK semi-trad, 2 SWK standards(one is gone now) and a Sportkilt(waste of money, but I wear it around the yard anyhow). I have eight that I have made--4 box-pleat and 4 reverse kingussie. If not for making some contemporary style kilts(as well as sporrans, altering jackets, etc.) for myself I couldn't have done it. Considering that the most expensive of them was $40 in material, and they average about $15, and I'm not worried about anything happening to them, they're a godsend to me.

Don't say "I can't sew." There are plenty of guys on this forum who had never even tried it before and had good results. Here are Alan H's X-kilt instructions:
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...ownload-20085/
Give it a shot...once you make a couple you'll probably want to try out a few other styles of pleating. Contemporary kilts aren't really that hard to make, and it's nice to have something unique. Plus you can make it to fit the climate or a specific purpose...and save a ton of $$$ and have the personal satisfaction of having something you created.

One other thing to keep in mind is if it's really practical and practicable to go full-time. I've been phasing out pants for nearly two years, and haven't bought a pair to wear outside work for a year and a half. Still, not counting work, I'm only kilted about 75% of the time. There are times where it might not work for you. For some, there are no times where a kilt doesn't work just fine, but for me there are still times I wear pants or shorts. In fact, this weekend I'm probably going to buy some jeans since my old ones are offering almost the same crotchical freedom as my kilts.

Plus, there are some places and activities that are just not conducive to kilt wearing, IMO.

Take your time and ease into it. Explore the different styles available, research the options before sinking your hard-earned money into it, don't waste money on cheap stuff--ALWAYS buy the best you can reasonably afford, and don't discount doing a lot of things for yourself.

Above all, have fun with it and good luck in your pursuit wherever it takes you.

**cdarwin** · 20th April 11, 07:19 AM

Originally Posted by billmcc

I also suggest non-wool socks for summer wear in the southern US.

I have a couple pair of cotton socks from Sock Dreams.
See here: http://www.sockdreams.com/products/s...rib-knee-highs

These socks sell for only $8 a pair (and shipping is free), but are one size fits all. So, they probably won't fit people with large feet and/or large calves.

Coincidently, a friend referred me to this exact pair of socks at lunch yesterday. Ha! I'll definitely be ordering some of these to wear out at night.

For very casual wear, there is nothing wrong with wearing sandals without socks. See Riverkilt's photos.

This is comforting to know since I stop wearing socks/shoes during the day at about this time every year.

**piperdbh** · 19th April 11, 08:38 PM

Try this:
Examine the pocket-to-knee area of the britches you currently wear. See just how sweaty they are after you've worn them all day. That's about how sweaty your kilt will be.
And yes, put some drawers on.

**seanachie** · 19th April 11, 09:02 PM

I have no problem recommending Skye Highland Outfitters for casual PV kilts or their 8 yard traditional style PV kilt. I own both and they are well made and a good value. Another option for to look at is forum advertiser Alt.Kilt I have heavy weight twill kilts with cargo pockets that are great for more active going. I have dogs and we like to roll around in the park and these are great for that.
I also like these for travel as in and out of planes, trains and automobiles it easy to spill or get stained and they wash well. That is not to say PV does not, but I just avoid getting then unnecessarily dirty. I would be bummed getting my PV tartans soiled.

It would never be my intention to "slam" a vendor but I saw an earlier reference to AmeriKilt. I would do your homework here. I had real difficulties with how easily they wrinkled, literally right after pressing. Additionally for your hot humid days they are fine but cooler temps would be more challenging.

**robbiethepiper** · 20th April 11, 01:18 AM

Originally Posted by piperdbh

Try this:
Examine the pocket-to-knee area of the britches you currently wear. See just how sweaty they are after you've worn them all day. That's about how sweaty your kilt will be.
And yes, put some drawers on.

Haven't worn trousers since Jan 1st. Loose boxers provide quite enough "freedom" for anyone IMHO. The hygiene/modesty arguments are irrefutable. Not seeking to tell anyone how to dress. A legal figleaf is OK by me. Just sometimes wonder about the motivation of those that insist on always going regimental. They talk about "freedom", but I frankly suspect some just get a kick out of it!

**Nighthawk** · 20th April 11, 04:06 PM

Originally Posted by robbiethepiper

Haven't worn trousers since Jan 1st. Loose boxers provide quite enough "freedom" for anyone IMHO. The hygiene/modesty arguments are irrefutable. Not seeking to tell anyone how to dress. A legal figleaf is OK by me. Just sometimes wonder about the motivation of those that insist on always going regimental. They talk about "freedom", but I frankly suspect some just get a kick out of it!

I don't know about that... Even boxers are less comfy than regimental. I'm not one of those who insistantly never wears anything- I will if need be- but I prefer not to.