opinion on a "knockabout" kilt?

[BuchananBiker]

Ok, so to rephrase, wool is expensive and worth every penny. And just as you wouldn't by a car or motorcycle blindly, a wool kilt shouldn't be bought blindly either. Give the purchase the respect that the garment and the cost are entitled to. Buy it, love it, cherish it and keep it for special occasions.

I'm a rough handed, blue collar guy. I hike. I hunt. I camp. I ride. A good PV kilt will serve me well in my day to day life and still look good.

Is that more accurate?

I'm not looking to be a headache, just want to make sure I've got it straight before I buy my first kilt for general daywear and then plunk down money for a good, proper 8 yard wool kilt (I have daughters, I'll need to dress nice sooner or later).

[Spartan Tartan]

I'd say you pretty much got it.

[Newfoundlander]

I think you fair landed it lad =)

My kilt is heavyweight wool, a special order weave done as the Newfoundland tartan is not generally stocked, and it's a full 8-yard beauty. It's fantastic and is worth every bob that I paid for it, times two. I wear it fairly often. Buchannan, I'd certainly go wool for your first traditional kilt. Choose a good kiltmaker, go with a trusted weaver, and traditional heavyweight or regimental weight cloth.

The knockabout that I was inquiring into with launching this thread was for a decent kilt to take on a trip overseas, to wear when hiking, packing or shopping up wood, etc, and more regular daywear. Things I wouldn't want my "good" kilt subjected to, and much of the same things you like to do too it seems.

From the overwhelming responses and great knowledge shared here, I've done a bunch of homework, and talked to a number of the companies mentioned. It seems that PV is the way to go, and USAkilts have a great reputation for their 11oz PV. I think they made-to-measure approach will be of superior quality and their tartan selection is vastly superior to the UK off-the-peg kilts for only a modest increase in price. I want to make sure that this kilt comes back from my overseas trip and is still in fine form to last a long time after... The only question is now is to choose the semi-traditional or the casual kilt, and decide between the Irish National, the MacDonald, or the Ramsay (htg) tartan...

or all three :P

[chrisupyonder]

About pleat holding and non wrinkle. I am also after the same type of kilt as Newfoundlander for daytime going out. I have my 16oz wool tank for best.

I have a pair of pants/trousers made of as stated on the label, 100% polyester. They are branded Farah. I have had them for about 5 years and they have been washed in a washing machine many many times.
They have never needed pressing and the creases are still as sharp as new.
The creases are not stitched or glued and I have looked with a powerful magnifier.

So how is this done and are there any kilts made with this stuff? and if not, why not?

Is polyester the same as polyviscose etc?

Chris.

[LitTrog]

I realize I am a little late to add anything except a confirmation of your decision to go with USAK. Just wore mine on the 11th and it got slightly soiled...



The guy in the middle and the one second from the right (me) are both wearing USAK PV casuals.


Machine washed it Monday morning, hung it to dry, and it looks perfect. No dirt and pleats completely in order. Will provide a picture if you need verification, but it'll have to wait until I get back home on Thursday.

[chrisupyonder]

Yeah, well, here's mud in your eye.


Chris.

[LitTrog]

Yeah, well, here's mud in your eye.


Chris.

Yup. In my eye, ears, and...

[BuchananBiker]

I realize I am a little late to add anything except a confirmation of your decision to go with USAK. Just wore mine on the 11th and it got slightly soiled...



The guy in the middle and the one second from the right (me) are both wearing USAK PV casuals.


Machine washed it Monday morning, hung it to dry, and it looks perfect. No dirt and pleats completely in order. Will provide a picture if you need verification, but it'll have to wait until I get back home on Thursday.

Well, I would say that this settles the PV knockabout kilt question for me. I'll start with one of these, and start saving for a wool kilt for less percussive functions.

[seanachie]

Ok, so to rephrase, wool is expensive and worth every penny. And just as you wouldn't by a car or motorcycle blindly, a wool kilt shouldn't be bought blindly either. Give the purchase the respect that the garment and the cost are entitled to. Buy it, love it, cherish it and keep it for special occasions.

I'm a rough handed, blue collar guy. I hike. I hunt. I camp. I ride. A good PV kilt will serve me well in my day to day life and still look good.

Is that more accurate?

I'm not looking to be a headache, just want to make sure I've got it straight before I buy my first kilt for general daywear and then plunk down money for a good, proper 8 yard wool kilt (I have daughters, I'll need to dress nice sooner or later).

Well there are as many opinions as people: Check out this thread: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...86/index3.html This is a military box pleat and Brian said: "It may strike some of you as crazy, but I do NOT intend to baby this kilt - hanging it in the closet for special affairs. I believe John has made it tough as nails - like an old Army kilt, as he says! - and I plan on utilizing it as my outdoor hiking, camping, hanging-out-by-the-fire kilt. It'll acquire honorable stains and dings over time, but that's what I wanted a tough, durable 'tank' for - to USE the damn thing, like the soldiers and clansmen of old."

I personally have a tweed kilt on order in loden antique, now I am not going to play flag football in the mud or paint the house wearing it, but I do intend to use it less for a dress kilt than, for lack of a better term, a nicer knock about kilt. For the most part my modern kilts are my knockabouts, but I wanted a traditional kilt that I wasn't worried about getting soiled or damaged.

[Ian.MacAllan]

. . . PV kilt will serve me well in my day to day life and still look good.

Is that more accurate?

. . .

That's right on the mark.

.