Help Decide!

[WhoDeySchenk]

OK,
I've got a Frugal Corner 13 oz. Buchanan & a USAK Semi-Trad Buchanan. NOW, what to do? Do I get another Semi-Trad from Rocky & Kelly? or do I go with 2 casuals? What are the differences (other than the buckles / velcro)? If I go with the Semi-Trad, I'll get American Heritage. If I go with 2 casuals I will get American Heritage and either Gordon Dress/Ireland's National/Scottish National.
I LOVE the fit of my semi-trad...

Any thoughts or ideas?

[Moosedog]

The semi-traditionals are designed to fit differently than the casuals--Other than the buckles I think mostly mostly more fabric and designed with a higher rise. I'd consult with Rocky and see if you think you'll be satisfied with a casual...since you love the semi-trad you already have, sounds like you might be happier with another one of those. Nicer-looking but still easy-care and washable. That American Heritage tartan looks fantastic and has gotten rave reviews here!

I think if you search the forum you'll find lots of opinions from people about semi-trads-v. casuals.

Moosedog (suddenly in the mood to dispense advice)

[WhoDeySchenk]

yea, I know they fit differently, aka lower on the hips etc. I guess I'm just looking for advice from people who have both models. You know, feeling more sophisticated while kilted. What's better than a snug custom well fitting kilt! Will I be as satisfied w/ the casuals? Having 2 extra kilts & 2 extra tartans instead of one?

[Chef]

I don't like casuals mostly because of the way they fit. they don't feel right.

[Moosedog]

A lot of it depends on the fabric itself. I have some Casuals that are very light due to the small sett and pleating option, and others that have at least another 1 1/2 yards in the pleats due to the larger sett so they feel much more substantial. Rocky should be able to help you with the particular tartans you are considering.

Moosedog

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I have to row in with Chef on this one; I've never liked the way any casual kilt fit, and I certainly didn't like the feel. It wasn't an issue with workmanship-- I just plain didn't like 'em. For casual wear I prefer a mid-weight traditional kilt (more of an armoured car than a tank). Mine all have three buckles, but I suspect a two buckle kilt would probably be more up your alley if you are not used to trad kilts.

Years ago (when living in Los Angeles) I had a lightweight kilt in Black Stewart. It was a fully hand sewn, 3 buckle kilt made from a very soft finish wool-- can't remember what the finish was called-- and aside from wrinkling it was a great kilt and very comfortable to wear in hot weather.

The nice thing about a traditional kilt in mid- or light weight fabric is that you can dress 'em up, or dress 'em down as the occasion requires.

[fluter]

First, trot over to the USAK forum. Click on Search this forum. Enter the words "casual semi trad" in any permutation. You should find some useful discussions, as this comes up often!

Short answer: there's no wrong answer, you can't lose with either. The casual is (surprise!) more "casual." Having said that, I incline just perceptibly to the semi-trad (2 in hand & one on order) but I love my one casual.

OK suggestion: Instead of 2 casuals, buy one. Then (1) you can decide for yourself, (2) if you decide on another semi-trad, your kilt fund is already halfway there.

See especially: How hard do you have to look to tell a trad from a semi-trad?
On the fence between casual or semi-trad

[billmcc]

What are the differences (other than the buckles / velcro)?

Here is a quick comparison of USAK’s kilts:

USAK Casual
* Made of 4 to 5 yards of 11 oz. washable PV material from Marton Mills.
* Perma-pleating, and pleats sewn down at the fell.
* Hand pleated to sett or stripe.
* Velcro fastening system.
* Intended to be worn (low) on the hips, but can be worn higher (if ordered longer).
* Tapered front apron. Three-quarter width under-apron.
* No waist band, but material folded over at the top.
* Three belt loops intended for a 1.5-inch wide belt are standard, but wider belt loops provided when requested.
* No lining.
* Machine sewn.

USAK Semi-Traditional
* Made of 7 to 8 yards of 11 oz. washable PV material from Marton Mills.
* Pleats sewn down at the fell.
* Hand pleated to sett or stripe.
* Three straps and buckles for fastening.
* Intended to be worn (high) on the waist like a traditional kilt.
* Tapered front apron. Full width under-apron.
* Traditional waist band.
* Two belt loops for a standard kilt belt.
* No lining.
* Machine sewn.

[WhoDeySchenk]

sounds like I'll be sticking with the Semi-Trad. I've been so happy with it, why downgrade! Thanks for the input everyone!