AmeriKilt Help: First Time Buyer

**CrewLove** · 15th April 12, 11:30 PM

Hello All,

I am employed at a US Irish Pub and in anticipation of the upcoming warmth of Spring and Summer, am looking into purchasing a kilt to add to my workplace attire. After looking into several "modern kilt" suppliers and manufacturers, I am leaning toward AmeriKilt as a winning mix of style, function, and price.

I would be interested in getting a belt to pair with the kilt, but was unsure of which size to buy. When following the kilt sizing instructions on the site, I measure in at roughly a 36-inch true waist size. I know that the general rule of thumb with buying belts - at least as far as traditional pant belts are concerned - is to size up from your waist size. Does this apply to the AmeriKilt belts, as well, or would I want to select the same size as my kilt measurement? I like to have a little leeway with my belts to move up or down a few holes, if this helps describe the fit I am looking for. I tried emailing AmeriKilts directly for some help, but it has now been over a week with no response; as such, I turn to you all for your assistance and expertise.

Any information on AmeriKilts, their sizing, and general information or reviews would be very much appreciated. If there's anyone who would like to try to last-second sway me toward another brand, this is your chance!

Thanks in advance, guys.

**RockyR** · 16th April 12, 07:05 AM

I'd call them directly to ask the question. Their number is on their site and Mike (the owner) is a nice guy to speak with.

Measure around your waist and tell him exactly what that measurement is and let him suggest the belt that's right for your size. One small thing to note, a kilt belt doesn't really fit through their belt loops. Their loops are meant for 2" belts where kilt belts are 2.25" (and a bit over 2.5" with the metal "D" on the end). The belts Mike sells work perfectly with his kilts.

**Riverkilt** · 16th April 12, 07:16 AM

Mike is for sure a cool guy to work with. AND - he has the BEST kilt belts. They're basic but quality made. Ask about them if they're not on the website, but they used to be there. Ask about brown too if its not there. Still my favorite kilt belts.

Have owned a bunch of AmeriKilts.

**seanachie** · 16th April 12, 08:10 AM

I second Rocky in that Mike is a nice guy. One B-I-G question I would have in this issue is the kilt material. My Amerikilt (since sold) was very light weight and would wrinkle if you looked at it too hard. Seriously, 5 minutes of wear and it was if I never ironed it and slept the night in it. However, I have heard that Mike was working on a new material and might even have introduced it for his kilts. The new material was supposed to be much more wrinkle resistant. I would ask about that. If he is now using the new material and you purchase I would really enjoy a review. For summer casual wear this would be nice.

**CrewLove** · 17th April 12, 09:59 PM

Thanks, guys.

I attempted to call AmeriKilts at the toll-free number listed on their website in another pursuit for answers, but had to end up leaving a voicemail. I posed questions regarding not only belt sizing, but also the fabric construction of the AmeriKilts (as seanachie discussed), and asked for a callback or email. I've yet to hear anything back, but am keeping my fingers crossed for a timely response.

**CrewLove** · 22nd April 12, 09:20 PM

Well, it's been a week, and several emails and voicemails to AmeriKilt have yielded no response.

If any of you happen to have personal lines of communication with Mike or anyone else with AmeriKilt, I would greatly appreciate any assistance you could provide in helping to get answers to my inquiries.

Thanks!

**Big Mikey** · 23rd April 12, 06:49 AM

Here's a little help. Mike does attend a number of games and fairs so it isn't unusual for him to be out of touch for a week (personal experience) but he will get back to you. As to the material, I have an AK from a few years back and it is made of a poly/cotton blend, very light but very comfortable. I have had no trouble at all with wrinkles. The new material is more like a light weight Carrhart, a little stiff. Now it wrinkles very easily, 10 or 15 minutes sitting and if you don't get the pleats just right......I have been told that with repeated washings the material will soften and be less bother.

**seanachie** · 23rd April 12, 07:52 AM

Originally Posted by Big Mikey

Here's a little help. Mike does attend a number of games and fairs so it isn't unusual for him to be out of touch for a week (personal experience) but he will get back to you. As to the material, I have an AK from a few years back and it is made of a poly/cotton blend, very light but very comfortable. I have had no trouble at all with wrinkles. The new material is more like a light weight Carrhart, a little stiff. Now it wrinkles very easily, 10 or 15 minutes sitting and if you don't get the pleats just right......I have been told that with repeated washings the material will soften and be less bother.

Mikey, interesting reading your comment. Hopefully the OP will enlighten us once he has more info. I have an email from Mike from approximately 2 years to the month in which he said the following:
"Over the years we've heard from some customers concerned with our cotton fabrics tendency to wrinkle after a washing. In light of that, we're now working with a 9.5 oz synthetic that has a beautiful hand and treated with a wicking application that helps pull sweat from the surface of the skin - helping the wearer stay dry. THis stuff is nice."

**Java** · 1st May 12, 09:15 PM

CrewLove; I've been very pleased with the advise and service I've gotten from Mike. But the first time I tried to reach him, I had the same problem you're having. After a week I'm not sure my posts sounded as kind as yours do! What I discovered is that Mike basically is Amerikilts. If he's at a Highland games, or on vacation, Amerikilts is on vacation with him. I know how frustrating that is once you've finally decided to pull the trigger on your first kilt. However I also learned that the kilt and the service was worth the wait.

**Nighthawk** · 1st May 12, 10:05 PM

Originally Posted by RockyR

I'd call them directly to ask the question. Their number is on their site and Mike (the owner) is a nice guy to speak with.

Measure around your waist and tell him exactly what that measurement is and let him suggest the belt that's right for your size. One small thing to note, a kilt belt doesn't really fit through their belt loops. Their loops are meant for 2" belts where kilt belts are 2.25" (and a bit over 2.5" with the metal "D" on the end). The belts Mike sells work perfectly with his kilts.

Now that's interesting. I wear a 2.25 inch belt with both of my AKs all the time. I bought them 2 years ago. I would also ask about the belt loops. I wonder if they've changed size on those...