Tweed kilts?

[tweedhead]

Those of you who have worn tweed kilts, how do they compare to wool? Heavier, warmer, etc? How does it differ from wool? Am interested to learn, thanks!

I have a 5 yard tweed kilt in 'Rave' which is an intense purple 15oz tweed by Marton Mills which I fell in love with after seeing for the first time. In wearing it compared to worsted tartan it is softer and lighter, the fabric drapes differently and isn't as stiff as heavyweight tartan. It's slightly easier to wrinkle, but steams out just as easily hanging in the bathroom while a hot shower is running for ten minutes. The tweed itself is a solid colour without any pattern, so it's clear to see that it isn't a typical kilt while wearing it even for people who would not normally make a distinction. The colour itself is quite flamboyant and as suited to Pride parades as it is to wearing with my normal kilt jackets and a tie. But I have a penchant for flamboyant and loud clothing, since I like how it contrasts with my rather introverted personality.

If I were to purchase a tweed kilt today knowing what I do now, I'd get a heavier grade of fabric, 19-21oz or maybe even heavier like the tweeds from Glenlyon. A 28oz tweed kilt? Now that's what I'd call a tank. A super-heavy tweed with low-yardage pleating practically impervious to the elements, in a textile that is clearly not tartan.

[OC Richard]

In an earlier post I mentioned the Marton Mills tartan tweeds.

Here's a kilt being made from their tweed Hunting Stewart weathered/reproduction



And the finished kilt

[DyerStraits]

I purchased a heather brown and black herringbone tweed kilt a year or two ago at the Chicago Scottish Festival, and have so far only worn it once, but that will change (perhaps as soon as this Monday or Tuesday when I return to work at the office). The material is definitely a lighter weight than my tartan kilts (and would make a fine suit) and therefore drapes and wears differently. I would perhaps prefer a tweed kilt in a heavier weight, but I am quite happy with it. It coordinates well with virtually all of my day wear kilt jackets and accessories--including my sporrans and hose--and is definitely a good alternative to my tartan kilts for a more subtle, subdued and "intriguing" Highland Dress look.

[DyerStraits]

In an earlier post I mentioned the Marton Mills tartan tweeds.

Here's a kilt being made from their tweed Hunting Stewart weathered/reproduction



And the finished kilt

Absolutely Fabulous--I would wear that to death....

[OC Richard]

I purchased a heather brown and black herringbone tweed kilt...The material is definitely a lighter weight than my tartan kilts (and would make a fine suit) and therefore drapes and wears differently. I would perhaps prefer a tweed kilt in a heavier weight...

Interesting, I wonder what weight that tweed is.

The Marton Mills tartan tweed seen in that Hunting Stewart Weathered kilt is stated to be 16 ounce, the same as the "heavy weight" tartan fabric that many mills sell (Lochcarron, Edgar, Dalgleish).

I do have an 18 ounce kilt, but I wouldn't want to go any heavier than that.

[Grae]

Tweed kilts are traditional, here is one woven and made on Ilse Lewis. Is warmer than heavy wight(16 oz) worsted wool kilt but is 5 yards knife pleated, terrfific kilt.

[OC Richard]

Lovely colours! A beautiful kilt.

Could you post a larger photo? Even when I click on those photos they show up small on my screen.

Thanks!

[Grae]

Is this better ? I can enlarge it on my screen.



This is off the loom

[OC Richard]

Lovely, thanks!

[Tobus]

I love these photos of tweed kilts! What I really like about them is their "softer" look, where the twill pattern isn't as pronounced as it is on regular tartan cloth. It gives them a fuzzier, more muted blending of the colours, if that makes sense. One of these days I hope to have one made.