Kilts in heat.

[thescot]

A heavy weight kilt should be 17 oz I would think, but I can't say for sure about SWK's models.

I do know that my own 13 oz handmade got hot in Savannah, but I had on think hose. since then, I bought some knee socks on ebay which were supposedly from some tropical clime where the police wear them. It makes all the difference in the heat.

But, as stated, look for shade and hydrate. And get a little draft occassionally, even if you have to flap the pleats.

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

As another Floridian (just back from Chicago for 14 months), I would echo all of the above comments. For me, my feet are what gets hot first. I rarely wear anything but sandals or flip flops unless it is really cold. I have 4 SWK's (Nightstalker, Black Shadow HW, Green Shadow HW, and Weathered Lamont HW), and 4 USAK's (3 casual, 1 semi-trad) and one more on order. I can tell you that hands down if it is above 60, I am almost alwasy in a USAK, unless I am wearing one made myself! PV is awesome stuff in the heat. UK's are pretty good too.

Just my 2 cents.

[angel923]

I am glad I read the post my first thought was all the over population of baby kilts that might ensue after the reading of the post's title

[scoutniagara]

I wanted to travel with my SWK standard, but once I got past the Buffalo airport, I thought it would be too hot for my Florida/Caribbean travels. I think I was right. I've mostly, been wearing my SK hiker which is a microfibre. It's almost, too light. With the strong ocean breezes, you have to make sure you're covered, and your sporran is doing the hold-down-the-front-of-the-kilt thing. I think once, I felt as if the kilt was blowing too high at the back, but probably not. I walked back from some friends' hotel last night with temperatures in upper 70s, with a nice ocean breeze, and the hiker felt wonderful.

The poly/vis material of the SKs, is quite soft, and feels nice against your body. It washes well; hang dry. So far, they've kept their pleats, well. It would be my recommendation for a warm/hot weather kilt. I do have a cotton/poly SK, but left it at home, 'cause it wrinkles more then the poly/vis kilts. I'll board the cruise tomorrow, wearing my SK black Stewart, and leave my Loch Ness for "dressing up" on the ship. I haven't worn my hose yet. I've preferred to wear a T shirt or less, kilt and sandals. I'll save the hose for AC areas on the ship.

[Roan Carter]

I live in TN, and even here we joke about having three seasons of summer. I've been looking at lightweight kilts for that reason.

What do you guys think of this kilt in 9/10oz homespun fabric?
http://www.kilts-n-stuff.com/Kilts/phillabegs.html

[Fearnest]

Kilts are like wire hangers in the closet, then? Walk away, come back and ye have that many more? BRILLIANT!!!

On good hot humid days (when I lived in Alabama) I found a reason to stand in front of the floor fan from time to time, or over the A/C vent... outside, it depends if there's much of a crowd - but you can always get a breeze stirring if you move around a bit.

[Corvidae]

Does the USA-K casual have sewn down pleats?

[Graham]

I find my poly viscose kilts are great in the heat, and like Ron said, not much on top, and no woolen hose.

I have a casual USAK PV Gunn kilt that I love to wear at the beach, paddle in the sea....cool as can be!

Dread, we're talking about kilts IN the heat, not ON heat

[Riverkilt]

Yes Corvidae, the USA Casuals have sewn down pleats...and, the tartan patterns match well, and even the details like the tartan pattern on the belt loops match the pattern underneath...and if you choose to order matching tartan flashes they will be cut to look good, not random cut.

You may lay out a couple bucks more for a USA Casual but you will get a much cooler garment, a better looking garment, and all kinds of little extra workmanship/craftsman touches missing from only slightly less expensive hotter kilts.

If it helps I have a lot of pics of USA Kilts casuals in my galleries...'cause I own a pile of them.

Went through exactly the process you're going through with USA Kilts...waited a long time to buy my first for fears they'd look cheap. Once I got my first one and saw the value (quality for the price) I kept on ordering more. The more I wear them to the office or for hiking, them more I love them.

Remember, you can have any two of Price, Quality, or Service. SWK has fast service and price. USA Kilts has fair price and quality, but you gotta wait a while.

Still comes down to your choice after hearing all the pro's and cons....and the good news....if you chose wrong...try the other!

Ron