Nato Issue Kilt

[Nanook]

Looking in the archives I tripped on this:

The fabric is a good quality 16 oz weave. While it is not as soft as my dress tank , I have been wearing it "regimental" for the last few days and I am not uncomfortable. Remember this is military issue, so I wouldn't expect the finest weave.

Different from civilian cloth but hardly inferior. There used to be a difference in the quality of cloths between officers and lower ranks but that's some time ago (its been reduced to pattern and not material or workmanship quality). The specification for the regimental tartan has been more costly than those typically used for civilian kilts. The cloth is woven a bit differently resulting in a cloth that is a bit "fuzzier" and thicker to the feel. Kilts are also a bit warmer and less likely to pick up a "shine". Workmanship too is hardly to a lower grade than any of the premiere league. Pleating to the stripe is not easier and many regimental kilts use box pleating to the whole 8 yards. In many ways, I think, they are superior garments. Working against them is the observation that they are heavier, high rise and snug fitting (less suitable to beer guts), warm, available only in limited tartans AND (if not sourced from surplus) more expensive (and they clearly look military).

[thescot]

You can go here to find heavy strome (22 oz!) military style kilts in a bunch of sizes at a comparable cost:

http://www.whatpriceglory.com/scot.htm

Blackwatch, Grodon, MacKenzie, and Cameron are all available in fat boy sizes as well for around $300. It's about the same as noted above, only the sizes are availble.

I bought a Gordon, and I haven't been sorry. For an everyday kilt, it'll outlast me for sure. In fact, I am at school (teaching), and I am wearing it today!

[bubba]

You can go here to find heavy strome (22 oz!) military style kilts in a bunch of sizes at a comparable cost:

http://www.whatpriceglory.com/scot.htm

From what I understand the WPG kilts are reproductions of the WW I period kilts and were in use through WW II. Modern military kilts are 18 ounce wool rather than the old 22 oz. I have the WPG Cameron and absolutely love it for winter wear.

[Nanook]

You can go here to find heavy strome (22 oz!) military style kilts in a bunch of sizes at a comparable cost:

http://www.whatpriceglory.com/scot.htm

From what I see they are not made to specification, neither in material nor workmanship, but are made following (historic) patterns. I'm not quite sure about the 22 oz. as current (and even WW-II era) kilts are (were) not made of 22 oz cloth. Current specifications have been using 19oz tartans that have (up untill now) been contracted from (reading the news closely) Hainsworth in Yorkshire (and woven by Robert Noble and Co). Or are these really 19oz tartans sourced from Hainsworth, Noble or House of Edgar and being called 22 oz (since they feel much heavier to the touch than 18 Oz Strome material)?

[thescot]

They look better in real life than the pictures lead you to believe. I've been wearing mine off and on for about a year.

I think the 22 oz. was--as mentioned earlier--on old standard. Not sure, but I know this is some heavy stuff. The stitching looks good and the creases are sharp.

It's obviously not a well-tailored, custom made kilt from Kinloch Anderson, but it's a very good kilt in real wool at a modest price. And, again, You're not likely to ever wear it out.

And, they have lots of sizes for immediate shipment. I don't have any vested interest in the place, but it's a great alternative.

[Jimmy the Celt]

Another thank you for the link! Oh, how I wish I could afford that kilt!!!

[Nanook]

It's obviously not a well-tailored, custom made kilt from Kinloch Anderson,

Regimental kilts are well tailored, hand made and to a standard hardly below Kinloch Anderson. Kinloch Anderson, in fact, have been MOD contractors (for both kilts and sporrans).

but it's a very good kilt in real wool at a modest price. And, again, You're not likely to ever wear it out.

The price seems quite modest. I just don't quite know what cloth they are using. Using the "current" regimental cloth alone the materials retail for over $200 USD.

And, they have lots of sizes for immediate shipment.

Not even the Army supply depots (following the news) have kilts for immediate shipment.

[beloitpiper]

You can go here to find heavy strome (22 oz!) military style kilts in a bunch of sizes at a comparable cost:

http://www.whatpriceglory.com/scot.htm

That's what I'm saving up for. A beautiful Gordon kilt with enough weight to survive a Wisconsin winter.

[thescot]

Beloitpiper:

Once I figure out this photobucket/picture attachment thing, I'll post a picture of me in the kilt.

For the money, you'll be very happy you bought that one. It'll definitely keep you warm on those chilly Wisconsin days. And the sucker wears like all get out. I've had mine on all day, and the creases are still sharp. It looks like it did when I put it on. It is well tailored whether anyone else likes it or not.

But let me assure you, in July in the US, you'll want something a bit lighter unless you are in the mountains at night. That's why I wear a 13 oz. casual kilt in the summer.

[Andrew Green]

"Blackwatch, Grodon, MacKenzie, and Cameron are all available in fat boy sizes as well for around $300. It's about the same as noted above, only the sizes are availble."

These things are hard to beat. I got one in a 50" waist... yeah, I am one of those larger guys...what of it?!? Ha ha...
These things are tough, hard wearing, and warm. The only downfall is the buckles and straps. I want to get mine replaced, as I trashed the lower buckle on the left side. For what it is+a minor fee for new hardware, I would say that they are still hard to beat for what they are.
I got a Gordon from WPG when they were on sale=the deal was even sweeter. Also, the khaki hose from WPG is pretty good too.
It would be neat if the site listed above had regimental pieces in "fat boy" sizes, but you can't win them all, can you?