Need knockabout suggestions...

[long_hand]

I'm thinking of getting something to knock around in. Something not quite as formal looking as I've had before and something that I can wear on a day to day when I feel like it basis. UK's are way too much right now and I'm not thrilled about all the pockets(I prefer a sporran). So I was looking at the AK but I would like some comments on them first as they seem rather flimsy and not alot of pleats. I'm also considering an SK, but I hear that they come a tad large and was wondering how much larger the sizing actually is. The measurement around where I would wear it is 44 inches and that falls comfortable within their XL but I wonder if I shouldn't get the L(which is 39 at the loosest)depending on the size difference. Suggestions?

[Kilt_Em_All]

I'll put in a plug for the USAK Casual. I've got one myself, and it's great for daily wear.

-Elliott

[GMan]

I'll put in a plug for the USAK Casual. I've got one myself, and it's great for daily wear.

-Elliott

Second that. The velcro is wonderful.

[O'Callaghan]

I would normally be an XL as well, but My XL Sportkilt is a bit big on me. They come with an extra piece of Velcro to sew on if the size is out a little, though. Even so, if I were you I'd buy a size Large instead of an XL, which is certainly the size I would get next time, rather than mess around sewing on more Velcro.

I have the optional pockets in my SK, and having reduced the size using the extra Velcro, either the pockets or the aprons can be lined up straight, but not both at once (I prefer to have the pockets lined up, even if it looks like I haven't quite got my kilt on straight). Of course, if you don't pay the extra for the pockets, and it sounds like you wouldn't, then you don't have that problem.

I think it's their elasticated waist that puts the sizing out. It's like trousers I have with an elasticated waist, which I can certainly buy in a smaller size than ones without, but it's the waist where I need the room, so if I bought trousers with no elastic they'd fit like the ones that circus clowns wear!

Thankfully that's not a problem with a kilt, as it's OK if it is a loose fit below the waist, at least in my book. For some reason, though, I also have no problem with jeans fitting around the waist and still being the right size for the rest of my body, probably because they are cut lower than smart trousers? (Below my beer gut, LOL!). I can get into jeans with no elastic the same size as smart trousers with elastic, so it must be the waist height that makes the difference, even though I still wear smart trousers lower than I wear a kilt.

Normally, though, I would have to wear a kilt two sizes (i.e. 4") up on that, due to wearing it at my kilt waist, but again I think you have to adjust the size downwards for an SK due to the elastic. Some people wear the SK at the jeans waist, which would usually mean a further downward adjustment in size for most guys, but I couldn't wear an SK down low because I have short legs and it would be too long on me if I did that.

YMMV. Different guys' bodies aren't all the same shape.

[long_hand]

What is it like? What is the wasitband like? Does it have that horsehair thing in it?

[The Wizard of BC]

I'll let Rocky speak about the features of his USA Kilts but I own two of his Semi-Trads and love them.

If you are looking for an off-the-rack sized knockabout you can't go wrong with his casual model. If you want to step up to custom made then his Semi-Trad is wonderful.

If you are looking for a Casual Style Kilt that has Stabilizers and Hair Canvas interfacings I'm afraid you won't find such a thing. By definition a Casual Style Kilt omits the stabilizers and interfacings while still retaining the overall look of a Traditional Style Kilt.

In fact I believe I am the only non-Traditional Kilts that include them. But if, as you say, the price of a UK is too high then mine will be out of your price range too. But if you want a traditional look just leave the pockets off.

If you want a Pub Style Kilt then I would have a look at Stillwater Kilts. Most are Acrylic fabric which still looks pretty good. If your requirement is to spend as little money as possible but still have a Tartan, they are perfect.

[The Guy in the Kilt at UC]

May I suggest a Stillwater heavyweight. It's good for knocking around because it's cheap, but also good for wearing for any other occasion because it's 16 oz. wool.

If you just want cheap then go for a SWK thrifty or a Sportkilt.

[The Guy in the Kilt at UC]

Or if you want a cheap contemporary kilt, have you thought about making an X-kilt from store bought material? I've done that before.

[Detroitpete]

Not knocking USAK's at all--great looking kilts, great service, but for what you describe, I'd go with the Stillwater Standard. I own 4 as of today. They fill that niche between my Highland Games SK beaters and something I want to just wear around or dress up a bit. For the price, they're a good option and Jerry's service is fantastic.

[Rex_Tremende]

I've owned Stillwaters, and I have USAK's. If you need it cheap and fast and place quality and fit third and fourth on your priorities, then go for a SWK. I don't think of them as knock-abouts, though. The times I've worn them, I've always felt the urge to gussy them up like a more traditional kilt.

If you prefer other features, like sturdy but still light-weight, quality, workmanship, ease of care, ease of wear and comfort, with cost and speed to delivery still being quite reasonable, than you cannot go wrong with a USAK casual for a knock-about. For weekend errands, I almost exclusively wear my UK Mockers and my (one ) USAK casual. I wish I had more of them in my closet.

Regards,
Rex.