Confused about P/V!

**The Wizard of BC** · 1st May 13, 04:14 PM

here is a youtube video showing a burn test.

Notice that the acrylic, nylon, and acetate will shrink from the flame. This is one characteristic of the plastics.

One thing they show is the difference between "burning" and "melting".

Also notice at 3:40 when they burn the acrylic that it is very hard to extinguish.

P/V is a blend of Polyester and Rayon. Usually in a 65% Polyester/35% Rayon ratio.

**RockyR** · 2nd May 13, 05:23 AM

The thing to note is that "not all PV is created equal". It's kind of become a buzz word with companies that sell lower priced kilts. As customers start to recognize the initials "PV", some companies have just started using that to describe all non wool cloth. There's only 1 mill in the UK currently producing PV material I would consider making a kilt from. It's 11 -12 oz cloth, coated with teflon and has a "anti pill fiber technology" (which means it doesn't get those little balls on the surface of the cloth after it's rubbed for a period). They also weave wool tartans as well (13 and 16 oz), so they're used to producing kilt quality fabric.

That mill will NOT weave PV in heavier weight. The main thrust of their PV sales is for the schoolwear trade (which is also the reason that some of their tartans have very small sett sizes) as well as some highland wear. I have asked (begged?) them to produce a 14 or 16 oz PV cloth and the answer is that the time / effort it would take to research the cloth and the limited # of sales they'd get from it (believe it or not, PV Highland wear sales aren't super huge numbers) wouldn't justify the cost. I am a bit disappointed, but as a business owner, I understand their stance.

There are a few kilt companies who use this PV cloth. I know that Freedom Kilts uses it. USA Kilts uses it. Not sure who else does. When you order a kilt, feel free to ask the maker (or kilt retailer as most kilt suppliers don't make their own products, but buy them in) WHAT MILL did the weaving of the cloth used in the kilt. If they don't know, skip it. If their list of available tartans mirrors the majority of those found on USA Kilts' site, then it is probably the same mill.

Lastly... use your common sense and intuition. If it's listed at a price that's "too good to be true", there's usually a reason. The kilts that retail for $50 or so give you about that much worth of quality. The kilts that retail for $100 to $300 are generally better quality fabrics and made to your measurements. Wool kilts usually start at about $300 + (though some companies occasionally run specials on wool in select tartans for under $300).

**artroland** · 2nd May 13, 06:07 AM

Being an owner of two of the HOS 16 oz. PV kilts, I asked the gentleman running A Year I A Kilt and now Life In A Kilt if he has experienced any pilling. He wears his daily, and as an artist, is very active in them in a variety of environments. If they're going to pill on someone, I would imagine it would be him. I'll report back what I hear.

**pbutts** · 2nd May 13, 07:09 AM

I'm interested in trying a PV kilt but I'd like to give the material a feel first. I was going to email both Steve and Rocky this question, but it seems to fit this thread to some extent: do you have a list of Highland games you'll be vending at posted any where? That seems like the best way for those of us in the middle of the continent to get a hand on a PV kilt.

**artroland** · 2nd May 13, 07:42 AM

Heard back from the gentleman who runs AYIAK and LIAK. None of his HOS kilts (the same kind I have) are pilling after a year of wear, so they appear to be as tested, 16 oz. PV, and likely produced with anti-pill fiber technology. Not sure if this is a recent change, as some have said that their HOS kilts have pilled.

**RockyR** · 2nd May 13, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by pbutts

I'm interested in trying a PV kilt but I'd like to give the material a feel first. I was going to email both Steve and Rocky this question, but it seems to fit this thread to some extent: do you have a list of Highland games you'll be vending at posted any where? That seems like the best way for those of us in the middle of the continent to get a hand on a PV kilt.

We only do 2 festivals a year, both in PA. That being said, if you'd like a swatch of a specific PV tartan, all we ask is for a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope with a note of what tartan you'd like (pick one of our stock PV tartans). We snip off a swatch and have it out to you the same day.

**The Wizard of BC** · 2nd May 13, 11:05 AM

I'll match Rocky's offer of a swatch and raise him an international stamp for your stamp collection.

**rmccool** · 2nd May 13, 11:20 AM

Originally Posted by The Wizard of BC

I'll match Rocky's offer of a swatch and raise him an international stamp for your stamp collection.

Oooh, this is gettin' serious!

**TheOfficialBren** · 2nd May 13, 11:50 AM

Originally Posted by rmccool

Oooh, this is gettin' serious!

All they need now is an auctioneer. Maybe one of them will throw in a 10% off coupon in there for the chap?

I will add this:

I LOVE my P/V from Marton Mills. My next kilt will be wool but I certainly won't balk at this stuff. The weave is tight, the hand is smooth, the colours are vibrant and vivid, and the swing is pretty decent (not perfect but I was not expecting a tank so I was under no dillusions when I bought a P/V kilt from USA Kilts).

Bottom line, P/V has its place. Is it a niche? I believe so. Is that a bad thing? I don't think so. Is it lighter than most wool? Certainly. Is that a bad thing? Not necessaily. Does it look good? Quite good if it is of high quality (like MM P/V). Is it easy to maintain if you are new to kilts? Absolutely the easiest to maintain that I have come across. Is it a practical fabric? What is your definition of "practical" relative to?

Some chaps say that they change their motor oil or mow their lawns in their P/V kilts. More power to them. I, however, generally make it a point to not do grubby work in any article of clothing that exceeds a certain dollar amount and age in my wardrobe...that, for me, excludes ALL of my Highland wear regardless of its degree of casuality or formality. Even my Casual Kilt, which is by no means a tank but still a nice kilt within its own limitations, is too nice to wear when I work on my car or in my garden.
Likewise, I wouldn't do tha with a canvas or cotton kilt (like one of Steve's Cargo models), either. At roughly $400 for even one of those it seems like being a bad steward of an investment.

It's my thread so I can ramble a bit.