Wool vs Polyviscose...am I being a snob?

[Spartan Tartan]

I love my wool kilts. Even in 110 degree F Oklahoma summer. I wondered the same about PV (Note Steve's caution above) and got a great deal on a PV so jumped at it. Now, I prefer to feel.a little weight from the kilt and PV is too light for my liking. So, I have a PV kilt hanging in my closet that never gets worn. (Sadly not your size). I will wear it for an upcoming Warrrior Dash and otherwise keep it handy in case a friend of mine desires to borrow a kilt.

I don't think you are being a snob if you prefer wool. We all have prefrences.

[Mael Coluim]

I love USA Kilts semi trads which are PV from Marton Mills. In fact I have on right now. I am a frequent kilt wearer. In our warm summers in Virginny, that’s pretty much what I wear. They dress up great for Burns Night and dress down easy enough for pubbing. If I lived in southern California that’s probably all I would wear.

I would not waste my money on other kilt sellers offering deals on PV’s Kilts. Buy from who you can trust who makes quality kilts with quality material. USAK fits that bill.

If you really want wool go for it! Then I would look for a 4 yard box pleat as made by Matt Newsome or a five or six yarder made by several advertisers here. I would definitely not get a traditional 8 yard kilt. Just my opinion

[Tobus]

Nothing snobbish about preferring wool. To me, it's like preferring leather shoes over those horrid fake-leather ones. If you're going to spend the money on something you want to wear and look nice in, it's worth it to get the "real thing", not an imitation.

My first kilt was PV. But once I got a real wool kilt, I couldn't go back to wearing PV. It was just too light and didn't feel the same. PV isn't a "cooler" fabric, despite many claims to the contrary. Wool is actually very breathable. The main factor in a kilt's heat-trapping properties is the amount of material used. I wear wool kilts all year round, even in the South Texas summer heat.

The only advantage I can see to buying PV is the lower cost. But if you have the budget for wool, my personal opinion is that you'll be better off going that way.

[McElmurry]

My first kilt was PV. But once I got a real wool kilt, I couldn't go back to wearing PV. It was just too light and didn't feel the same. PV isn't a "cooler" fabric, despite many claims to the contrary. Wool is actually very breathable. The main factor in a kilt's heat-trapping properties is the amount of material used. I wear wool kilts all year round, even in the South Texas summer

What is the least amount of wool you have worn? Four yards of 16 oz seems to be popular for box pleats. What about 5 or 6 yards of 13 oz in a knife pleat?

[Tobus]

What is the least amount of wool you have worn? Four yards of 16 oz seems to be popular for box pleats. What about 5 or 6 yards of 13 oz in a knife pleat?

The least amount of wool I have worn is my 4-yard (16 oz) box pleat, which is nice and light for summer wear. Then I have my two 8-yard (16 oz) knife pleated kilts and an 8-yard military box-pleated kilt. Those give me enough range for all the different seasons that we get down here in Texas. Never tried a 5- or 6- yard kilt, but I can imagine that it might be a decent compromise between the two.

My point was, however, that wool is always a good choice. Different seasons may call for different yardages or pleating styles, but there is no inherent advantage to PV in terms of warmth or cooling that wool doesn't offer. Its main advantage is price. And maybe stain-resistance/washability.

[Spartan Tartan]

What is the least amount of wool you have worn? Four yards of 16 oz seems to be popular for box pleats. What about 5 or 6 yards of 13 oz in a knife pleat.

I have both 5 and 6 yard wool knife pleated kilts. I also have a 4 yard boxpleat on order. I usually wear the 5 yarder during 100+ degree days...but I am mot a daily wearer. Both are cooler than my tank. I am comfortable in those in reletive extreme heat. Just fyi...

[Fedgunner]

I have two PV kilts made by Neokilts. I like them both. No they do not feel the same as wool, but I really don't find that as a negative.
I wear them mainly for pup nights, but only because I' m fond of the tartans. ( old Holyrood and the "banned" Macmillan)

My kilts range from a couple Utilikilts to two handsewn tanks, and a fair bit in between.

PV kilts are a decent value, just don't expect a tank.

[gwynng]

Thanks gents. That is very helpful. I had wondered about the 4-6 yard range, seeing it as a good cost cutter, but never thought about it in terms of cooler for those of us in warmer climes (well here in San Diego we complain if it is over 85 or under 65 degrees, so "warmer" is relative - we have what I would call basic "non-weather"). You very generously answered a second question in the process.

cheers,
Gwynn

[Spartan Tartan]

The OP is asking if preferring wool is akin to being a snob. Of course not. Preferences are just that. The OP is not asking for a kilt for all occasions. So wearing it in the garage or out hiking are irrelevant...no matter the intended use the question was "am I a snob for preferring wool?" The simple answer is NO.

Kilt on brother... wear whatever you choose, however you desire. Wool, PV, Acrylic or otherwise....wear WHATEVER you prefer.

[Require]

I'm a cheapskate so I see how the PV is tempting, but I just feel like you'll get more wear out of the wool.
Wool all the way!