Warm Climate Kilts

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 3rd May 07, 08:13 AM

You know, the traditional 4 yard box pleated kilt was actually revived because of just such a discussion. As Bob Martin tells it, sometime in the early 80s (I want to say 1983), he was having a discussion with Micheil MacDonald, then of the Scottish Tartans Society. He was asking Micheil what he needed to do to convince those in the American south that heavy weight wool was the way to go for the best kilt. Everyone was wanting the lightest weight possible because of the temperature.

Dr. MacDonald responded by saying, "Why don't you offer a 4 yard box pleated kilt in heavy weight wool?" The rest is history....

(For those who may not recognize the name, Bob Martin is a retired kiltmaker and kilt historian, who revived the box pleated kilt style in the early 80s. Micheil MacDonald is a Scottish anthropologist -- his son is renowned tartan expert Peter MacDonald).

**cavscout** · 3rd May 07, 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by Kilted Christian

others feeling like they are only for home, not for "in public."

I'm not quite sure where you're getting this information? Unless you are assuming that the sport kilts are PV. They absolutely ARE NOT. That's the only context I've heard someone say "it's an around the house kilt" The PV kilts USAK is producing are definitely something to be worn out and about and they will look great.

**davedove** · 3rd May 07, 08:57 AM

I have worn both 11 oz. and 16 oz. kilts in the summer, and I haven't noticed a significant difference in the heat.

I think you'll find that's it's not so much the material of the kilt that make it hot. The real culprit is the way a traditional kilt will fit and what's worn with it. I have found that what gets hot is right where the kilt fits to the waist, especially with the shirt tucked in. You don't get any air flow to this particular spot of the body, and it will get hot. There's plenty of ventilation to the legs, so that's not a problem, except maybe if you wear really heavy hose. The only other thing you can do is make shirt you shirt fits a little loose to allow air flow there.

**Colin** · 3rd May 07, 08:58 AM

I love my PV kilts for the 35+ Celsius summer days. They have a good swing and they still look like a kilt that has some substance. I haven't tried out the wool in the summer (daytime anyway), but the evenings weren't bad with the 16oz last July.

Both Rocky at www.usakilts.com and MacHummell at www.canadiancasualkilts.com have gotten rave reviews and will both make an awesome kilt for you if you go that route. I believe USA Kilts has some off the rack versions to.

**Riverkilt** · 3rd May 07, 09:15 AM

Ahhhh yes...heat....

In my younger days did a LOT of long distance cycling in the desert heat around Phoenix and a LOT of hiking in the desert heat around Tucson. The experts tell us to cover up, like the Arabs in North Africa. I never did.

I have worn leather kilts and 16oz wool kilts in the summer heat here in the canyonlands with no ill effects (our temps usually run about 5 degrees F less than Phoenix due to a bit of altitude).

What I prefer in the heat are my USA casual kilts or my Utilikilt Originals or my historic tiger stripe camo AmeriKilt - all light weight fabric. Will wear my SportKilts in the heat too sometimes...usually to hike in.

And, as Matt noted - sandals, no hose or if at work or hiking pushed down hose. Bare chested, super lightweight shirt, or tank top for knocking around.

The bifurcated guys and gals are in sandals, shorts, tanks themselves so it doesn't seem out of place in the heat.

UK Tan Original at Lees Ferry, AZ on the Colorado River

USA Kilts Fraser Casual with lightweight shirt. Navajo Nation, AZ near Square Butte.

Utilikilt Denim Original with tank top. Paria River Canyon, AZ

And, OF COURSE, the key to staying COOL in the heat is to be regimental. When the boys are free to adjust themselves to the weather all is well.

Ron

**Dirka Skene** · 3rd May 07, 09:18 AM

I don't have any heavy kilts, but I do know I don't wear sweatpants in the summer.

**Colin** · 3rd May 07, 09:19 AM

Originally Posted by Dirka Skene

I don't have any heavy kilts, but I do know I don't wear sweatpants in the summer.

You shouldn't wear them at all. Sweat pants should be illegal

**Dirka Skene** · 3rd May 07, 09:26 AM

Sweat pants are perfect for lounging around the house on cold days. I only wear them because:
1. Any kilt I have would be too short to wear in the winter. I don't do long skirts at all. And, blue jeans are not lounge pants.
2. I don't like wool anyway. It's itchy.

I was likening my sweat pants to heavy kilts. I wouldn't wear sweat pants on a hot day, just as I wouldn't wear a heavy kilt on a hot day..if I had one.

**Riverkilt** · 3rd May 07, 09:27 AM

One of the challenges of hot weather kilting is dressing for where you're gonna be "most" of the time. Its hot hot hot in Las Vegas outdoors....but indoors it can be very cold from the refrigeration. Same in Phoenix, Tucson.

If I'm gonna be indoors, and the occasion is dressy - or I wanna be dressy - will wear a 16oz kilt. Outdoors is a whole 'nother deal.

I'm sure all the hot weather guys know how miserable it can be to kilt up for the heat, then wind up stuck in a well refrigerated building with the shivers.

Ron

**Colin** · 3rd May 07, 09:30 AM

Originally Posted by Dirka Skene

Sweat pants are perfect for lounging around the house on cold days. I only wear them because:
1. Any kilt I have would be too short to wear in the winter. I don't do long skirts at all. And, blue jeans are not lounge pants.
2. I don't like wool anyway. It's itchy.

I was likening my sweat pants to heavy kilts. I wouldn't wear sweat pants on a hot day, just as I wouldn't wear a heavy kilt on a hot day..if I had one.

I was just teasing you Dirka........