Wind and casual kilts

**OKSooner** · 23rd January 15, 12:15 PM

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** · 23rd January 15, 12:24 PM

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** · 23rd January 15, 12:52 PM

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.

**tpa** · 24th January 15, 04:11 PM

Originally Posted by 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.

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** · 24th January 15, 07:33 PM

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.

**John_Carrick** · 25th January 15, 04:03 AM

I have never really had a problem with a 16 Oz wool kilt, apart from on the deck of ship, where I had to resort to keeping my back to a wall or railing or sit or walk like the Duke of Edinburgh with your hands behind your back.
I have had some problems with Heritage of Scotland kilts. One 5 yard kilt that was supposed to 13Oz does a Marilyn in modest wind speeds and the 8 yd PV kilts blow everywhere and show everything with very little provocation.

**Spartan Tartan** · 25th January 15, 04:12 AM

I used to live in OKC as well. In fact, I lived there couple summers ago when we had 100+ days of 100+ temps...and of course, lots of wind.

I have tried SK and USAK. If you are talking about doing athletics of any sort, I would pick the USAK with the teflon coated finish. They launder very well and are much better fitting and looking than SK (to my eye). Certainly, they have the benefit of being made to your measures which ensures a better fit.

However, if you are seeking a lighter kilt due to heat then that is another matter. During the previously stated summer, I wore a USAK 5 yard kilt. It was much heavier weight than their casual or even SK. But, you might be surprised to know that I was never "hot" due to the kilt. There are other threads here that discuss this particular topic as well. My experience is that the warmth under the kilt is related to the AMOUNT of material not the weight of the material. After experiencing this first hand, I quickly dumped my non-wool kilts. Anything else is just too light and does not feel right to me.

My 5yd kilt (no kilt pin) never gave me a problem when walking around in the wind. Of course, you must bear in mind that you are kilted and NOT wearing pants. There is nothing you can wear or do that will keep the kilt permanently down. You do have to be aware of what is happening and be prepared to grab your kilt. 40mph winds (not unusual for gusts of that type in OKC) are going to raise any kilt. The sporran will help in the front, however be mindful of the pleats in the rear.

And my 5yd kilt is the knock-about kilt. I don't worry about it. I have/do hike in it. I do go to the pub with little to no concern. And, if I decided to throw a caber, I would use it as well. Price is an important factor, but for the cost of a hand-made (machine sewn), tailored kilt made to your specifications, at the price point offered by USAK, there really is no comparison. I recommend getting your kilt in the 5yd wool.

**cizinec** · 24th January 15, 07:01 AM

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** · 24th January 15, 07:05 AM

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** · 24th January 15, 07:53 AM

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.