(Probably overasked) Qs from a newbie

[Aramp]

I hope you'll put up with my questions. I just got my kilt yesterday, and have an appointment at a pub come Wednesday, so I'd like to test it out before going back to university in September. Some are rather silly, I know, and I'm not very good at describing some of my questions since I don't know much terminology when it comes to fabric and clothes in general, and less so with kilts. Nonetheless, any help would be greatly appreciated!

For reference, my kilt is a large sportkilt, with none of the additional options. Without further ado:

#1: Sitting - just... how? I tried, in front of my desk. I don't know what the pleats at the back are doing, and on my sides, as I sit, they seem to billow out in all sorts of directions, 'depleating', if you will. Also, how do you get on a seat without making it look absolutely obvious you're not trying to hold your kilt so you don't sit on the bottom edge of the rear? Only thing I've managed so far is to slide onto my seat, but then the pleats go crazy again.

#2: Urinals. :rolleyes: Or is this one of those things I shouldn't ask about?

#3: Tshirts and kilts. Most of my day is spent in a tshirt and sneakers. Looking at myself in the front of a mirror, I really don't see too much of a problem that can't be solved by a wide belt. Also, the back of my shirt is rather scrunched up where it's tucked in. Do I just need practice in wearing shirts tucked in, or is there some secret Scottish-Casual-Ninja technique? I'm also wondering about colour theory. The kilt is olive. Most drab coloured shirts would seem to go with that, and drab is a great way to describe my wardrobe. My usual class/pub/club/games shoes are black. The real question is, what colour socks should I wear? It's a little thing, I know, but it's bugging me.

#4: General maintenance. I'm paranoid about depleation, so to speak. For anyone with a sportkilt, am I overly so, or does it take some noteable work to keep the pleats in good condition? It also seems one machine wash is all it would take to lose them as well. Should I get a friend of mine to show me some sewing techniques with hidden threads or something? Also, how does one pack a kilt into a suitcase without folding it in all sorts of places?

#5: Is it really that bad to wear a kilt to the bottom of my knees? Also, I hear a sportkilt has a narrower apron than most - regardless, the pleats go a fair distance around my sides before it gets to the apron, so when I close the velcro band, it seems to almost cover the upper part of the first pleat on my right, but the lower part of course spreads out and isn't covered by the apron. This seems like it could cause some problems, so should I wear it so that the top part isn't covered at all by the apron?

[Andrewson]

First, welcome to XMarks from a Scot in England!

Others will undoubtably put in their own thoughts on your worries but her are mine.

I hope you'll put up with my questions. I just got my kilt yesterday, ....

For reference, my kilt is a large sportkilt, with none of the additional options. Without further ado:

#1: Sitting - just... how? I tried, in front of my desk. I don't know what the pleats at the back are doing, and on my sides, as I sit, they seem to billow out in all sorts of directions, 'depleating', if you will. Also, how do you get on a seat without making it look absolutely obvious you're not trying to hold your kilt so you don't sit on the bottom edge of the rear? Only thing I've managed so far is to slide onto my seat, but then the pleats go crazy again.

I think you do need to master the "sweep". And you can learn from the master. Hamish has shown us how to do it on his video at http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=18810

#2: Urinals. :rolleyes: Or is this one of those things I shouldn't ask about?

One of the great joys of the kilt is the easy access it provides Just lift up the apron and you're ready to go!

#3: Tshirts and kilts. Most of my day is spent in a tshirt and sneakers. Looking at myself in the front of a mirror, I really don't see too much of a problem that can't be solved by a wide belt. Also, the back of my shirt is rather scrunched up where it's tucked in. Do I just need practice in wearing shirts tucked in, or is there some secret Scottish-Casual-Ninja technique? I'm also wondering about colour theory. The kilt is olive. Most drab coloured shirts would seem to go with that, and drab is a great way to describe my wardrobe. My usual class/pub/club/games shoes are black. The real question is, what colour socks should I wear? It's a little thing, I know, but it's bugging me.

T-shirts, polo shirts - any shirts - do the same on me too. I think it is slightly better with the kilt because the broad belt at the waistline does keep better control but it still happens. Drab is just fine - though you could be more adventurous if there are brighter colours in your tartan that can be highlighted. Probably the best advice on socks/stockings/hose is to match, as closely as you can, the colour of your shirt.

#4: General maintenance. I'm paranoid about depleation, so to speak. For anyone with a sportkilt, am I overly so, or does it take some noteable work to keep the pleats in good condition? It also seems one machine wash is all it would take to lose them as well. Should I get a friend of mine to show me some sewing techniques with hidden threads or something? Also, how does one pack a kilt into a suitcase without folding it in all sorts of places?

Not qualified to answer this one since I don't own a Sportkilt but my casual PV kilt comes out of the washing machine with the pleats still strongly in evidence and only needs a slight touch-up with the iron.

#5: Is it really that bad to wear a kilt to the bottom of my knees? Also, I hear a sportkilt has a narrower apron than most - regardless, the pleats go a fair distance around my sides before it gets to the apron, so when I close the velcro band, it seems to almost cover the upper part of the first pleat on my right, but the lower part of course spreads out and isn't covered by the apron. This seems like it could cause some problems, so should I wear it so that the top part isn't covered at all by the apron?

It can look a bit "droopy" if the whole of your knee is covered. My first kilt is a bit too long - I now prefer to have them to the top or mid-knee. Feels better, and looks better too. But I still wear my first kilt regularly and no-one has complained so far. I'll leave the apron question to those with sportkilt experience.

Hope that helps.

Enjoy your pub night!

[Andrewson]

.... Drab is just fine - though you could be more adventurous if there are brighter colours in your tartan that can be highlighted.

Just noticed that you did say that your sportkilt was olive green solid. You'll just have to forgive my Scottish bias to the tartan!

But, in any case I'm sure it won't be the last kilt you'll ever wear and then my comment mught well apply.

All the best!

[Norbydog]

Welcome to X marks. Just a little tidbit, I spent much of my youth in Mira Loma, CA, just down the block from Ontario.

The type of Sportkilt makes a difference. If it is not the more expensive type, the pleats fall out quickly, no matter what. I had to iron my cotton Sportkilt alot.

In regards to the shirt problem, I have actually found that I can reach under the kilt, and pull the sirt so it is the right length all around. With the velcro closure, a Sportkilt will conform to the tugging.

Hope that helps a bit.

[Sindarius]

I think you do need to master the "sweep". And you can learn from the master. Hamish has shown us how to do it on his video at http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=18810

One of the great joys of the kilt is the easy access it provides Just lift up the apron and you're ready to go!

What he said.

Probably the best advice on socks/stockings/hose is to match, as closely as you can, the colour of your shirt.

Good advise here as well. I like to scrunch my hose down when wearing a t-shirt and wear them up with nicer shirts. Make sure your leathers match and your off to a good start.

[QUOTE]Not qualified to answer this one since I don't own a Sportkilt [QUOTE]

Same.

On the question of length. It's top of the knee for me. My Stillwater Kilt is a bit longer and it drives my crazy.

Let us know how your pub night goes.

[Streetcar]

Welcome to the Kilt!

Here's my 2 cents:

Sitting: Can't do better than the Hamish video.

Urinals: It's pretty instinctual. Just pull back the apron.

Tshirts & socks: Personally, I'll put the shirt on first, then wrap the kilt. You can reach from underneath to pull the tails of the shirt down, and off you go.

I have an olive kilt myself. I have some hiking socks with olive tones that go reasonably well with it. Just think what you might wear with shorts, and you've got a good starting point.

Not having a Sportkilt, I can't comment on the "depletion" concern.

For length, you'll find the general consensus is that it should hand about mid-knee. You might be able to "cheat" the length by wearing it a little higher on your waist. Remember, traditional style kilts were not meant to be worn lower on the hips, like jeans.

I really recommend looking around the sights - especially the "post your pictures" section.

And again, welcome aboard!

[ozmeath]

Heya Aramp, I'l not go thru all of them but here's whay works for me. I'm a casual wearer but don't have any of the sport or casual kilts (but wouldn't mind one or two), only tartan. As for matching shirt and hose it's good advice but not essential by along shot. Since it's a casual kilt you'd probably be best wearing your hose or socks down.
Olive green is a good all round colour too, but I'd be wearing Brown boots or "chunky" shoes with it. Earthy tones from deep brown, charcoal and russet red to saffron and off whites are the obvious colour choices but dusty blue and lovat blue look great too.
Also, since it's a plain kilt you can get away with wearing all kind of patterned shirts that you can never really get away with when you wear a tartan.
As for folding a kilt (if you really have too) I usually fold as little as needed to fit the case.But generally I lie it flat apron up and fold perpendicular to the pleats twice, so it's folded into thirds, then in half along the pleats. It doesn't do the pleats any favours tho.
Cheers,
Erin.

[Alan H]

Since you've been getting good answers to a lot of questions, I'll just comment on a few....

The Sweep..... can't live without it. Reach back and under and sweep the pleats forward and be resigned to the fact that you're going to mess them up at least to some degree, no matter what you do.

Depleating.... also resign yourself to the fact that you're ging to be inroning that puppy a lot.

Length..... all my tartan kilts hit at the top of the knee to mid-knee. When I designed the X-Kilt, and made mine, I made it an inch longer, and it rides a little bit lower so that it hits me at the bottom of the knee. A VERY VERY general rule might be.....tartan kilts: top of knee to mid-knee. contemporary kilts; mid-knee to bottom of the knee.

Half of the world won't agree to those "rules" so they're not "rules", eh? Just my particular guide.

[Aramp]

Thanks for the help!
I guess ironing is the price I have to pay for comfort. And what comfort, I must say. I wore it 'out' (that is, to a friend's basement for some wargaming), and the room was rather warm, and a few hours of standing around later, I definately noticed the different compared to last time, in shorts.

Seems I don't quite need to iron it yet, but I'll do so before I take it for a real outing later this week - providing I learn to sweep properly - Hamish's video is loading as I type.

That's an ingenious trick with the shirt, I'll be working on that one tonight. I guess, too, now is a great time to get a pair of shock resistant steel toed hiking safety boots to go with my winter safety boots. A nice brown, with a good toolbelt with extra pouches should do the trick. I guess I'll match some socks to various shirts I might wear with the kilt.

But oh my, is it an addiction! I've already more or less decided on ordering my second next month from SWK, and then I'm looking for a relevant tartan that I can get along with some semi-formal wear for semi-formal events at university.

Anyhow, many thanks for the advice. One day I hope I'll be able to get some good pics up of a good kilt-wearing.

[morrison]

#1: Sitting - just... how? ....... Also, how do you get on a seat without making it look absolutely obvious you're not trying to hold your kilt so you don't sit on the bottom edge of the rear?

1. The sweep technique, of course, you'll modify it to suit your particular situation and type of seating arrangement concerning chair type and so on.

#2: Urinals. Or is this one of those things I shouldn't ask about?

2. Do what you know to be right for you.

#3: Tshirts and kilts ...... The real question is, what colour socks should I wear? It's a little thing, I know, but it's bugging me..

3. Remember, you're the Klingon. You decide who lives and who cares!

#4: General maintenance.... ...It also seems one machine wash is all it would take to lose them as well.... ...Also, how does one pack a kilt into a suitcase without folding it in all sorts of places?

4. I found that the spin cycle on the washer is is quite vigorous in some models and that by adding a large towel or two or other mitigating cloths you'll reduce the unwanted crease problems.
This link http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=19516 will take you to the Care & Maintenence area. The kilt roll thread is primo.

#5: Is it really that bad to wear a kilt to the bottom of my knees? Also, I hear a sportkilt has a narrower apron than most - regardless, the pleats go a fair distance around my sides before it gets to the apron, .......?

5. I can only speak for myself about the length of my kilt. My Leather UK is long to the below the knee area. It's the only kilt I permit for myself to fall so low. Black leather $700 kilt, I'm the Klingon and you don't care. All of the others are in the top of the knee or above the knee range. I feel the longer bottom and below the knee lengths, except the leather, look quite matronly and detract from the function and designed purpose of the kilt.

I believe all of us men in the kilt of our choosing, individually and corporately are stronger and more assuredly confident in ourselves. I think you'll see for yourself a new height of self confidence each day you engage a conversation and the kilt is not only not mentioned, but is not even noticed by either conversation participant.