Wool/PV Consideration

**Galician** · 23rd March 10, 12:34 PM

Just to hijack this thread a bit further, can people clarify just who uses real PV fabric for making their kilts? I know Rocky and McHummel. Anybody else?

**Hothir Ethelnor** · 23rd March 10, 12:45 PM

Skye Highland outfitters also uses real PV from Marton Mills...

**azwildcat96** · 23rd March 10, 01:00 PM

I suggest wool, as it is an excellent insulator. It keeps heat close to the body by trapping still or dead air within the fibers. To a certain degree, wool is considered water repellent. Small amounts of liquid, such as spills, light rain or snow, will stay on the surface or run off the fabric. Wool fabrics also wick moisture away from the skin, keeping the wearer dryer when sweating and cooler when hot. And I would choose the 8-yard traditional over the 5-yard casual for the same reasons that others have already posted.

**The Wizard of BC** · 23rd March 10, 01:00 PM

Freedom Kilts also uses the Marton Mills P/V fabric.

I would like to add to this thread and respond to the original question.

A Kilt made from 12oz Poly/Rayon and the same Kilt made from 13oz wool will be very similar in look, feel and weight. No exact but similar.
The Swish factor will be similar.

All the comments about the properties of Wool already mentioned in this thread will be true, but if you want a kilt that you can throw in the washer and dryer, that will remain virtually wrinkle free for it's entire life, and will have pleat creases that are virtually permanent, you really have only one option. That option is the Marton Mills P/V.

Here is a photo of three Kilts in the Holyrood Tartan.

The Kilt on the left is almost three years old. It is part of our rental fleet. It has been through the washer and dryer 27 times and a dry cleaners 3 times. It Has NEVER been touched by an iron.

For comparison the Kilt in the Center is brand new. Never been worn.

The Kilt on the Right is a 16oz Lochcarron Wool Tewksbury Tank. My appoligies to Barb for the pleats not hanging correctly. This Kilt was made for my wife Bobbie and the difference between the Hip and Waist will always cause it to look a little 'off' when hung on hangers.

**bricelythgoe** · 23rd March 10, 01:49 PM

Just my experience, but I had a wool 5 yard and currently own an 8 yard PV from SHO. Would choose the PV 8 yard over the 5 yard any day.

**ForresterModern** · 24th March 10, 03:32 AM

If the ability to keep it clean is a concern about wool, House of Edgar 16oz Nevis Range is an option---besides having the natural rainshedding and dirtshedding abilities of wool. it is also teflon coated to even further enhance those abilities and to keep your kilt clean. Vibrant coloration tendencies as well, budget end of the spectrum for 16oz wool. although occasionally has a less than spectacular kilting selvedge it is usually quite good and at worse serviceable. But most wool kilts can take some dirt, and if left to dry just be brushed off without leaving any dirt behind. At worst a damp cloth may be needed to get out some stubborn soilage. Frank fluid staining, however, and be a problem which would force you to get a drycleaning, or at least some careful spot cleaning, but then again most waterbased liquids would typically run off the wool without even soaking in.

If your usage of the kilt means that you will anticipate soiling it to the point of needing to be thoroughly cleaned more than a few times (wool kilts can be drycleaned if necessary but be carefull who you let do so as they can ruin the pleats if they are not knowledgeable about kilts), then you should seriously consider PV as your best option as they can be literally thrown in the washing machine on gentle cycle and, as Steve and others have said, come out practically good as new and cleaned as well.

jeff