Wind and casual kilts

[OKSooner]

Good afternoon!

I am debating my first kilt purchase, (it's going to be a MacPherson red for sure), and I am stuck between a USA Kilts casual and a sport kilt. The reason for considering the sport kilt is for a lighter weight in Oklahoma heat, and definitely so I don't have to worry about it getting dirty on hikes or at highland games/medieval fair, but I also like the USA Kilts casual. I am concerned about the weight of both kilts though, I live in a very windy state, where heavy winds can be the norm here, and I wondered what could be done to help lighter kilts stay down besides a sporran's weight on the front. Is it possible to put small weights on the inside of the kilt in strategic places, or should I just get a heavier weight later on?

I have searched, but I did not see any threads with this information, just a lot of mentions of the issues with wind.

So what do you all think is the best way to handle this issue?

[Father Bill]

Heavier weight and a kilt pin should be all you need. Sport kilts are great... for sport, but anywhere else, it's not something I would personally recommend. Wool... well only wool is... wool, and it's the best in my own mind.

[Andrew Breecher]

Lighter cloth will blow more easily, but most wind gusts come laterally, and will just blow the kilt around your legs. It's only when you're walking in the city and have a combination of subway vents and wind tunnels made of buildings that you need to worry more about updrafts.

Wool is always the best material for a kilt, but PV isn't too bad. I've worn a 4-yard PV casual kilt in strong mountain winds and haven't had any kilt lifting.

[cizinec]

I live in OKC. I have two SportsKilts and my son has a USA Kilt.

If you are planning on doing a GoRuck or a Tough Mudder or something similar, yeah, I'd use a SportKilt. For anything else, I'd go USA Kilt Casual. I say that wearing a "Works" SportKilt, which is different than their standard SK. I have worn my SK at two Tough Mudders and many other outdoor events.

Concerning the weight of the material, any difference between the USA Casual and the SK will be negligible. A USA Casual will probably (almost certainly) fall better than a SK.

I am doing a very short ruck today at Stars and Stripes Park and was thinking about wearing the kilt. It is super windy around the lake. I haven't had any wind related issues, but I'll let you know today if I have any. I'll probably bring a couple of heavy magnets to stick on the bottom if it starts giving me fits.

[cizinec]

I should add that I've never done a sporting event in a USA Casual, so it may be just as good as a SK in sports. I don't know. I would wear an SK in sports because I have them and that's what they're good for. I'm not saying anything against using a USA Casual in sports.

[KiltingandPiping]

I agree with Cizinec, a USAK Casual will fall better. I think the sporran will do most of the work!

Father Bill has already mentioned the use of a kilt pin, I'd echo that as well. Consider using a cap badge as a kilt pin, lots of folks do. Being heavier than a kilt pin, they will suit your purposes well if you like the style.

If you prefer wool, I suggest saving up for a 5 yard from USAK.

[MinusHD]

The USAK casual, in my opinion, is built a lot better than the SportKilt, and is a higher quality product. I also think the USAK casual is a bit heavier. I own one of both, as well as an 8 yard wool kilt. I like the elastic waistband in the SK when jogging and I wear it low on my waist... like running shorts. I wear the USAK casual closer to my true waist. It has better swish and feels more sturdy than the SK. I recommend using a kilt pin, too.

[Couper]

I have been on a windy beach (more than once) while wearing a USAKilts Casual. No problems at all. The only accessory I had was a (fairly heavy) Rampant Lion kilt pin (from USAKilts) and a camera bag that I wear to my left side. No sporran.

I have also worn my AmeriKilt on a windy beach. No problems there either. The snaps on the front tend to keep the (more narrow) apron flaps together.

I also have a couple of SportKilts and, while I like the elasticized waist for knockabout comfort, I don't feel quite as secure out in the wind. Therefore I usually wear my USAK or my AmeriKilt when headed for a walk on the beach.

[tpa]

Lighter cloth will blow more easily, but most wind gusts come laterally, and will just blow the kilt around your legs. It's only when you're walking in the city and have a combination of subway vents and wind tunnels made of buildings that you need to worry more about updrafts.

This is the key. Sure you feel more secure in a heavy wool kilt but in practice it's the avoidance of updrafts that is more important. Often just getting out of the car or reaching into the car can be the most hazardous part of the outing on a windy day. Up on the hillside the wind will just blow the kilt against your legs not up around your waist. I have worn my light casual acrylics without any issues in quite strong winds.

[Benning Boy]

Kansas is every bit as windy as Oklahoma, if not more so. After all, the state takes its name from the People of the South Wind. The only time I've had flying kilt problems here is when walking around corners of buildings where the wind swirls. Out in the open the wind just seems to blow the kilt against the legs, not up. Sometimes, when the breeze is from the right the outer apron will flutter like a flag, but the. Under apron just lays tighter and a sporran keeps everything under control. A kilt pin would limit the problem even more, but I don't like kilt pins for everyday wear.

Having both, it's my opinion the USAK is much superior to a Sport Kilt. it will look better when worn, last longer and be equally cool for all practical purposes. Wool is actually cool to wear on hot breezy days. Evaporative cooling comes into play. Synthetics tend to be less comfortable, all things being equal.