but baby, it's cold outside....

**Court** · 16th August 05, 04:14 PM

Hi gang,
Ok, so I've decided to wear kilts full-time and I live in the greater NY metro area. Am I gonna regret this in the winter? I am curious to hear how some of you who live in northern climes deal with that chill wind below?
Court

**Raphael** · 16th August 05, 04:37 PM

you will be fine with your wool kilts. Scotland isn't exactly a tropical country.

**chasem** · 16th August 05, 04:39 PM

I've not had to wear kilts in cold weather yet, but from what I understand, a kilt with a good pair of hose will keep you warmer than a pair of pants.

In the rear, you have multiple layers of material in the pleats to keep the cold wind out, and two layers in the front. And good kilt hose are generally wool material.

That's what I gather from what most have said here.

**Dreadbelly** · 16th August 05, 04:44 PM

LAYERS!

Let me say it again.

LAYERS!

And remember basic thermodynamics of the human body. If the feet are kept warm, the head is kept covered, and the human abdominal core is kept stable, everything else will feel toasty enough.

This means good socks, or even wool leggings like the Black Watch wore. Good boots to keep the winter with it's cold and wet out. A good heavy kilt. Made of wool or like material, or one of those nice lined kilts from Pittsburg Kilts. A good hat. I don't mean a ball cap either. Something thick and wool. And keep layers around your middle. I can promise you that you will feel warmer than you ever did wearing troosers. Kilts work like mittens vs gloves. Your hands stay warmer in mittens than they do in gloves for all kinds of reasons.

Also, for very wet wintery days, invest in a good duster or trench coat. You will not regret it.

**Graham** · 16th August 05, 04:44 PM

You'll get used to it, so much so that if you try long pants again in the cold you'll feel like your legs are overheating....and they are.

**Kiltman** · 16th August 05, 04:44 PM

I've worn kilts in snow and sub zero weather. Good kilt hose and a warm jacket are a must. Keep your head warm and your hands and you'll be fine.

**Blu (Ontario)** · 16th August 05, 04:51 PM

The goal of wearing kilts full time above the 40th is certainly noble if possibly a bit idealistic as our climate swings from tropical to sub-arctic every 6 months or so. I have worn my heavyweight 8yarder in -35degF and blizzard conditions. Frankly it was damm cold! Calm winter days 0degF to 32F are fine... fall and spring are good too... but it's important to let a bit of common sense be your guide on those really bitter days. I am not and never will be a full time kilt wearer... I'm too much of a pragmatist for that. (As men, we still have the option of wearing trousers any time we want.) Probably not what you wanted to hear but that's my take on the subject.

cheers,
blu

**Dreadbelly** · 16th August 05, 04:52 PM

Blu, you need one of those 22 ounce wool military kilts from whatpriceisglory.com :razz:

A blizzard would be a balmy delightful day.

**Blu (Ontario)** · 16th August 05, 05:03 PM

Originally Posted by Dreadbelly

Blu, you need one of those 22 ounce wool military kilts from whatpriceisglory.com :razz:

A blizzard would be a balmy delightful day.

Hey Dread... you realize of course that your stomping grounds is where our guys go in the middle of our winter to play golf!

Yah, I've looked at those military kilts... the fabric looks a bit prickly

for my taste!

bbbbblu

**Dreadbelly** · 16th August 05, 05:16 PM

Originally Posted by Blu (Ontario)

Hey Dread... you realize of course that your stomping grounds is where our guys go in the middle of our winter to play golf!

Yah, I've looked at those military kilts... the fabric looks a bit prickly

for my taste!

bbbbblu

Bbbbbut those kilts, as I understand, have some sort of lining, so the itchy parts wouldn't rub you. I think.

In the winter here, where I live, we get ICE STORMS. We get some snow and such... But the ice storms are the real *** kickers. Sub zero temps, 40 to 60 mph winds, and shards of razor sharp ice blowing down from the sky. Below zero, with wind chill, and shards of ice. Not a friendly place for kilt wearing or golf. We get 5 or 6 inches of solid encrusted ice coating everything... NAS-TEE.

Last winter, had to go out and get some food. Power was out because of an ice storm. While I was out, more of the storm blew in. Coming home was hell. Got a nasty gash on my face from an incoming ice shard. I was beat up three ways to Sunday from being pelted with golf ball sized sleet in 50+ mph winds.

And I did it all kilted, wearing my USAKilts Philabeg. Security guard for my building said it was the ballsiest thing she had ever seen.

When I got in the door, all my dreadlocks were frozen solid and sticking out.

And never once did I think about wearing troosers.