Confusion. PV, wool, casual, 5 yrd, 8 yrd

[cdarwin]

My understand is that a wool kilt must be dry cleaned.

You are mistaken. You can hand wash your own kilt in a bath tub. The main thing to remember when washing your kilt is to handle it is little as possible, especially if you wash it in warm water. There are a number of threads on this discussion, but rather than dig around for you, see my thread here.

Which kilt model to get? What is the basic difference between a casual, 5yrd & 8 yrd? Once again shell be for every day use.

Can you be more specific? I assume you're referring specifically to USA Kilts line of products.

USAK's Casual kilts are made of a machine washable P/V material from Marton Mills coated with teflon to resist stains. They are well constructed and machine sewn to your exact measurements and fasten with velcro on the front aprons rather than the more traditional buckles. They also come with a USA Kilts logo sewn on the from apron that can be removed at your request. Also, the edges of the pleats are sewn down all the way to maintain a sharp edge.

USAK's Semi-Traditional kilts are made of the same P/V material of their Casuals, but of a bit more material and in a more traditional manner. These come standard with three buckles and two sporran strap loops. These are also machine sewn. They have more and deeper pleats than their casuals and so the pleat edges are not sewn down.

USAK's 5 Yard Wool kilts are constructed the exact same way as their 'Semi-Trad' but in wool instead of P/V from their wide selection of available tartans.

USAK's 8 Yard Premier kilts are what we refer to here as a 'tank.' This is considered the most traditional style of kilt. It is hand sewn rather than by machine and takes considerably more time and effort. The end result is a work of art.

You will not go wrong with anything from USA Kilts. There are also some other very worthy vendors here on the forums that you should also consider.