Vegan kilts

[KnittedReenactor]

I am quite sure the issues of injured and abused animals during the sheep shearing process are overblown in relation to what the facts actually suggest. Organizations like the Guardian want to attract viewers with shocking headlines thereby earning profits, while PETA is acting for a political agenda. Take such statements of rampant evil with a grain of salt.
Now that said, I will not dispute video evidence of such abuses, nor will I ever say that it is impossible and never happens. Is does happen from time to time, but it is not the norm. From a business standpoint it makes no sense. Injured animals cost more money than well cared for ones. Sheep shearing is a safe process when the shearer is knowledgeable and acts with care. It really only becomes a hazzard to the sheep with someone who does not have the knowledge, does not respect the work or other life, and should never have been in a position to cause such harm. Remember that these are individuals acting on their own, just because they shear sheep does not mean all sheep shearers are like them. Boy, that can be applied to a lot of groups.

Panache, you have a point about the costs and allergies comparison between wool and synthetics. I seriously doubt any real connoisseur here, such as Jock, Riverkilt, Hamish, Pleater or yourself, would seriously poohpooh anyone for acquiring one.
I think the point some were making is wool production has a less negative impact on the environment than synthetics production, which can release toxins into the air and water. Many people (right or wrong) connect Veganism/Vegetarian->Animal Welfare->Environmentalism.

My first kilt was an acrylic, simply because I couldn't wait anymore on the severally delayed and expensive wool I had ordered. Having worn both, I think the fabric and construction of the wool is markedly better than the acrylic. If I was allergic to wool I would settle for a good PV, that would get me to 95%+ of the wool. I like having an acrylic, but like most acrylics, it is far below the standards of a proper Freedom Kilts, USA Kilts, or Tewksbury. I will eventually have to disassemble and rebuild it to increase its longevity. Remember this: Wools are heirlooms, acrylic is not.

[Farmer Jones]

I have looked closely at P/V as a material for a kilt. I have plans to get one as a traveling garment because they are easier to wash clean than wool.