Nato Issue Kilt

[chacbalam]

I was browsing through some army surplus sites when I came across an add for a new Nato issue Gordon tartan kilt produced by Gordon & Sons of Glasglow (http://www.the-outdoor.co.uk/ishop/853/shopscr391.html). I Just couldnt' pass it up. There wasn't much of a choice in sizes (only two) but I figured that if I couldn't wear it, some one on the board would but it.

The kilt cost me £100 plus shipping (I got screwed on that £58 charged for under £15 of postage) and I did have to get it (add in another $50) but in the end I have a good looking hard wearing tank for everyday use, at a total cots of under $350 US.

This might not of been the most cost effective way of getting a new kilt, but it worked for me.

[Southern Breeze]

A huge thanks for the link. I've purchased several of these from friends and off E-Bay. Finding another source is great.

[Jerry]

If my calculations are corect, 80cm divided by 2.54cm/inch gives a waist size of about 32 inches, which is too small for me.

[Barry]

chacbalam

I've seen this site a few times and have been contemplating getting one. My caution has been because I don't usually buy clothes without sufficient info. The 80cm one would fit I think, but is there any slack i.e. can you loosen the straps a bit?

Also, what weight is the material and is it a soft or hard finish? By the latter I mean is it soft like my neckscarf or hard like my wool worsted suit?

Sorry to hear you were stung for postage. Happens to me when I buy stuff from the USA.

Feed back would be much appreciated


Slainte!

[bubba]

It's becoming fairly common practice to lowball the advertised price of an item and make the profit on the shipping and handling charges.

[chacbalam]

OK here are the official measurements as given on the label: height-64 cm, waist-80 cm, breech-96 cm. The actual measured length of the kilt from top to bottom is 23.5 inches (sorry that I am switching between standard and metric).

I took It into Hector-Russel in San Francisco and had them make a few adjustments. My actual waist is about 34 in or somewhere around 85 cm. I had them remove the inside buckle and strap and move the outside buckle up to the very top of the kilt. The one outside buckle works just fine with friction keeping the inside apron up. The kiltmakers at HR told me that a second inside strap is a fairly new inovation for military kilts. Until recently they were only made with one. If the buckles were left in the original position they forced the kilt to sit too high on my waist and the length become to short. They also adjusted the waist size. That is an easy adjustment. I know thet it can be let out to at least 36 in, the first adjustment was too large.

The fabric is a good quality 16 oz weave. While it is not as soft as my dress tank , I have been wearing it "regimental" for the last few days and I am not uncomfortable. Remember this is military issue, so I wouldn't expect the finest weave.

I am happy with my purchase and would encourage others to think about purchaing from them. The3 main concern as I see it is the length of the kilt. The length did work out for me, but if it had been too short I would have been screwed.

[Barry]

Thanks Tim, couldn't ask for more.

Its good news that it can be 'eased' at the waist as my 32" have now gradually crept up to 33". (Oh why was I cursed with a liking for red wine and chocolate?).


Slainte!

[Southern Breeze]

Thanks for the additional info.A while back I had some questions about these myself. Here's the links in case you missed them.
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=14420

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...6&page=1&pp=10

[Sherry]

So when do we get to see you in it?

[chacbalam]

I need to get some picts taken. I see If I can get someone at work top do it for me. Now if I can just remember what packet I keep my camera in.

By the way how do I embed pictures in my message? In the old board I just used my personal gallery.