Most comfortable kilt? At any price.

[creativeaccents]

Thanks Bill. I did look at the USAK Casual and it is indeed a FINE looking product with some of the features I am seeking. However, probably what I am after would be heresy to many and not even a kilt by others. For myself, comfort would mean somewhat lower on the waist, at the same level of conventional shorts..about four to five inches below the belly button. Too, especially here, a more "pants like" belt loop setup with at least seven loops, but for a belt of about 1 1/2 inch. The length would come to a point at the top of the knee. As many have pointed out here, suffcient very light fabric to allow for plenty of movement, ease of sitting, and coverage when sitting. Even the banding around the waist would be thinner from top to bottom (maybe 1 3/4), but sufficiently thick to not roll over at the intersection of belly and waist and to support a thinner belt. This wouldn't be just a wrap around, but a combination of panels designed with comfort and style appeal in themselves with no need of sporran, brass brads, or pockets in front or back, but two vent pockets on the side. Sorry if any find this offensive in any way. I DO wish I knew the rudiments of developing such a pattern and enough about construction and sewing to develop an assembly that would best reflect the tricks of the trade in achieving a balance of style and common sense construction of such as I am sure that to work this would require the right combination of the right pleat style and panel construction to fit the rear and hips while still having a smooth flow of the fabric when walking and working.

[Riverkilt]

My humble, or not so humble opinion, is my Utilikilts blue denim original - now well worn and very soft.

In colder weather my Utilikilt brown leather, feels like a well broken in baseball glove (Same with my RKilt leather when I fit it).

And also my USA Kilts semi-traditionals are more comfy for me than the casual because I wear them without a belt...that gives my beer belly more comfort. My Freedom Kilt dress model would fit in there too.

Ron

[Kid Cossack]

Sorry if any find this offensive in any way.

Yep, he's a heretic, let's BURN HIM!


He he. Nah, that's not how I feel at all. I think your ideas are sound, you're just looking for your interpretation of the "ultimate kilt." Now I've gotten used to a high-ride kilt (or a higher ride kilt at least), but aside from that I like what you're thinking of.

I've discovered as I've gotten older that I carry more "stuff" around than I used to. I've got more credit cards and ID cards and "access this" cards, and a cell phone. I've discovered I like having a sporran to stuff all that stuff into.

Hey, what about a UK Mocker? That's the closest thing I can think of to what you're asking abot.

[Mark Keeney]

snip...I DO wish I knew the rudiments of developing such a pattern and enough about construction and sewing to develop an assembly that would best reflect the tricks of the trade in achieving a balance of style and common sense construction of such as I am sure that to work this would require the right combination of the right pleat style and panel construction to fit the rear and hips while still having a smooth flow of the fabric when walking and working.

Ever consider making an x-Kilt? Designed by Alan H. http://www.modelautoracing.com/kilt/X-Kilt_final2.pdf

Word of caution, while lighter weight fabrics are cooler they also have a tendancy to fly up and scare children. My mocker will do that. I prefer the Uk original because the pockets help hold down the pleats. I do live in a city and big buildings create strange wind patterns.

[Roan Carter]

It may sound absurd but my sport kilt is really, really comfy. It's the ultimate, ultimate lounge clothing. I have a sport kilt from before they offered the metal belt closure option, and it's great because I always have a knack for catching my belts on walls and things. No belts to catch on things, lightweight fabric, and an elastic waistband.

Of course, I can think of a handful of kilts I'd rather be seen in. A USAKilts casual would be nicer looking. A thrifty kilt would have all the same benefits of a sport kilt, with nifty stripe pleating as well.

The phillabegs from the Celtic Croft are pretty comfy, too.

[Colin]

Thanks Bill. I did look at the USAK Casual and it is indeed a FINE looking product with some of the features I am seeking. However, probably what I am after would be heresy to many and not even a kilt by others. For myself, comfort would mean somewhat lower on the waist, at the same level of conventional shorts..about four to five inches below the belly button. Too, especially here, a more "pants like" belt loop setup with at least seven loops, but for a belt of about 1 1/2 inch. The length would come to a point at the top of the knee. As many have pointed out here, suffcient very light fabric to allow for plenty of movement, ease of sitting, and coverage when sitting. Even the banding around the waist would be thinner from top to bottom (maybe 1 3/4), but sufficiently thick to not roll over at the intersection of belly and waist and to support a thinner belt. This wouldn't be just a wrap around, but a combination of panels designed with comfort and style appeal in themselves with no need of sporran, brass brads, or pockets in front or back, but two vent pockets on the side. Sorry if any find this offensive in any way. I DO wish I knew the rudiments of developing such a pattern and enough about construction and sewing to develop an assembly that would best reflect the tricks of the trade in achieving a balance of style and common sense construction of such as I am sure that to work this would require the right combination of the right pleat style and panel construction to fit the rear and hips while still having a smooth flow of the fabric when walking and working.

Have you checked out the industrial model from Freedom kilts? It sound slike it would certainly fit the bill based on your comments. I have also heard that Steve's kilts are very comfortable. http://www.freedomkilts.com/store/kilt/model

[creativeaccents]

Have you checked out the industrial model from Freedom kilts? It sound slike it would certainly fit the bill based on your comments. I have also heard that Steve's kilts are very comfortable. http://www.freedomkilts.com/store/kilt/model

So many of the kilts that I have looked at have some positives, but none thus far are what I had in mind. However, I'm afraid that my interest in this may be taking away from this thread, which I do not want to do as it has already been so interesting. Maybe I should launch a new thread to see if any others would be interested in putting heads together to develop a new prototype with the best of the best.

My thoughts:

1. A strong narrow band around the top to prevent rolling and as a strong base for the belt loops (several). Low on the waist like shorts.

2. An attractive panel in the front, on the top to be about the size and shape of a sporann, but flat and with a celtic image in stichery, just under the belt band and as a center top point for the front panels.

3. A heavy zipper in the center of the top, back panel. Here is where the waist band would overlap at the top with one real button and a clasp beneath. Two additional buttons for cosmetic purposes to match the real one.

4. The most comfortable possible pleats that would begin around the mid hip where the side and front panels begin. However, the top panel with the zipper would not be pleated and longer across the top than the bottom to allow a good fabric flow where the pleats begin.
5. Length to the top of the knee.

Any designing gurus out there with an interest in such a pursuit? Other comfort suggestions?
For the record, X-Kilt begins this weekend
Clarence Walker

[Perldog007]

Ever consider making an x-Kilt? Designed by Alan H. http://www.modelautoracing.com/kilt/X-Kilt_final2.pdf

Word of caution, while lighter weight fabrics are cooler they also have a tendancy to fly up and scare children. My mocker will do that. I prefer the Uk original because the pockets help hold down the pleats. I do live in a city and big buildings create strange wind patterns.

Here Here!

My kollection is detailed in my signature. In my limited experience, the FK is tops in comfort. Mine is the cargo model with all of the pockets.

My self - made kilts are also comfy, but not as presentable as the FK.

None are uncomfortable. It is all degrees of comfort.

[Ozman1944]

CORRECTION!
I just did a test, and oddly enough my most comfy is a Kiltmart Blackwatch. $69.00 . the first I ever bought. Great for walking and also sitting. Nice & soft.

[Mark Keeney]

My thoughts:

1. A strong narrow band around the top to prevent rolling and as a strong base for the belt loops (several). Low on the waist like shorts.

2. An attractive panel in the front, on the top to be about the size and shape of a sporann, but flat and with a celtic image in stichery, just under the belt band and as a center top point for the front panels.

3. A heavy zipper in the center of the top, back panel. Here is where the waist band would overlap at the top with one real button and a clasp beneath. Two additional buttons for cosmetic purposes to match the real one.

4. The most comfortable possible pleats that would begin around the mid hip where the side and front panels begin. However, the top panel with the zipper would not be pleated and longer across the top than the bottom to allow a good fabric flow where the pleats begin.
5. Length to the top of the knee.

Any designing gurus out there with an interest in such a pursuit? Other comfort suggestions?
For the record, X-Kilt begins this weekend
Clarence Walker

1. Utilikilts and Freedom kilts would fill this order.

2. this is a new idea I'm assuming this is to cover the zipper. I don't think I would want too much decoration where the boys are. I would be uncomfortable having people stare there.

3. Utilikilts older standard used to be with a zipper fly in the front. They also had pleats all around to the front. They no longer make that model but I don't know why.

4. I'm a little confused by mid hip do you mean around or up from the bottom.
If the apron panel is smaller at the bottom it will probably curl at the bottom.

5. Most all kilt makers let you choose the length.