First Wool Kilt: British Columbia Tartan

**Casper** · 10th December 07, 11:47 PM

Well, after starting off with the '8 yard, 16oz' acrylic kilts (one each from FC and SWK), I kicked it up a notch when I saw that Burnetts and Struth had their sale on.

Really, the only thing that drew me to the sale was the fact that the British Columbia tartan was on my must-have list (since I was born and raised here), and a 4 yard, 16oz Lochcarron Strome, machine sewn to my measurements, for only $200 couldn't be passed up.

Well, I wanted to have it before my company's annual black-tie Christmas dinner... and it came on Friday (and the party was the next day!). Here's my observations (because i'm a huge fan of point-form lists!)

- A 4 yard kilt is remarkably light. Really, I didn't miss the rest of the pleats... this thing was far less bulky.
- The feel of that 16oz worsted wool... whole different league than the acrylics. I'm definitely a convert (although, the acrylics are perfect pub wear!). Much finer weave, far more luxurious feel.
- Custom made to my measurements. Fit FAR better than I expected... combined with the feel of the wool... almost orgasmic! (I said ALMOST... don't wanna soil the thing!)
- The colours are far more beautiful than any picture i've seen... even these ones don't do it justice. The 2nd is the most accurate of the lot.
- Free flashes!
- The labels on the inside... one of Lochcarron's, and one stating that it was custom made for 'insert name here' in 'month and year', and the measurements are listed. Thought that was rather nice.
- 16 pleats, sewn down fell, belt loops, finged apron, and loops on the inside for hangers.

And, for the pictures:

Who said you can't go full formal with an Argyll? Speaking of which, that's new too... 15oz wool from St. Kilda. For an eBay purchase, far nicer than I expected. Was also rather chilly that night. Aside from my ears and my knees, I was rather toasty!

**Bugbear** · 10th December 07, 11:58 PM

Congrats! Sounds good. On the pleats, and this is coming from a blind guy, I've started liking the feel of the wider pleats, but only if the fabric is fairly heavy. I'm sure that some tartans would probably look wrong with the wide pleats though. Hope you enjoy your new kilt.

Now that I think about it, I'm probably wearing the kilt all wrong... Guess I'll find out if I post my own pics some day. And here I am making comments and giving advice on kilts. LOL!

**Jock Scot** · 11th December 07, 01:49 AM

The kilt looks fine,but without wishing to "rain on your parade" I am not too sure about the wing collar without a bow tie of some sort.Maybe I am just being an old traditionalist who thinks wing collars should have a white bow tie!Sorry.

**James MacMillan** · 11th December 07, 02:50 AM

That looks really good! You aught to post in the "Do" list and in the formal thread also.

With so many versions of tuxedos that are now worn, I see no problem with that turn-out at all for formal wear. What kind of reaction did you get from the other party-goers?

I may just have to get a black argyle also.

Thanks for posting.

**KiltedDawg** · 11th December 07, 06:38 AM

Great looking kilt! The Argyll and vest is a nice look as well.

**beloitpiper** · 11th December 07, 06:45 AM

YOU LOOK GREAT!!!

And I agree with the argyle, it can be dressed up and down! I've never felt the need for a PC jacket, and always recommend getting an argyle with wasitcoat.

Again, very, very sharp. You'll stun them all.