Newbie Post and some Q's

[McMurdo]

I guess my big question is, would 16oz still be a bit too heavy/warm for spring/summer wearing? I know the one I have certainly is and it's an 18. Next step down would be a 13 and I only seem to find those in acrylic, which is a shame, because I really like wool myself.



My biggest concern with custom made at this moment is being able to get the size right, video or not. Was thinking it might be a good idea to start with off the rack due to a more friendly exchange policy until I'm sure and then get myself another that's custom made.



Standards are acrylic, are they any more or less desirable than all-wool? Unfortunately Stillwater doesn't offer much to say on the weights of the Standards versus the Heavyweights. This was where I wanted to ask you guys what you thought of them personally since a few of you probably are familiar with the regimental fitting and weights.

Oh, and I annoyed my roommate into handing over the camera with the images he took of me when I was getting ready to head out for St Pat's. (He was afraid I'd try to delete the images. Heh.)

I'm not fond of 'em but at least you can see how high this one goes.

http://ergh.org/photos/self/mekilt1.jpg
http://ergh.org/photos/self/mekilt2.jpg

New Zealand regimental, for those wondering. Variation of the Black Watch pattern.

Thanks for the warm welcomes and tolerance of my newbie questions. ;)

inkrat

You can find wool in 13 oz that should not be a problem, as for being to warm in 16 oz wool, I think that a depends on the person, and the weather. I have been able to wear my 16 oz wool kilts year round with little discomfort from the elements either way, and to tell you the truth 16 oz wool hangs better than 13 oz wool IMHO. The fact that you live in Chicago also makes me think you should go for 16 oz wool, as it will stay down far better than a lesser weight.

As for measurement of the kilt, I recently purchased a 16 oz 8 yard kilt from Barb Tewksburry I followed her measuring instructions and it fits like a glove, here is a link to my review, the real trick is finding a kilt maker whose work you admire, and trusting them to do the job correctly, if there is a problem with the sizing I don't know of any kilt maker that would not fix it.

Nice work on the sleeve BTW.

[James MacMillan]

First off - from Sunny Southern California, just outside the back gate of Camp Pendleton!

In your situation and location I would recommend a PV kilt from USA Kilts.

[Coinneach]

And from both southern US coasts.

Since you want the kilt to essentially be treated like a pair of jeans, I guess I'd consider how much I'd be willing to pay for jeans and use that as a guideline when looking at kilts.

I have 2 SWK standards and like the feel of the weight. I'm not around the kind of wind you might have whipping around the buildings in Chicago, so I'm not sure how they'd do. When I have been in a breeze I've usually found the wind might lift one side, keep the other side down, and expose nothing more than thigh.

[Ozman1944]

Stillwater standard is Acrylic; and a good weight; the cloth is soft, 'wool-like', and quite comfortable. Very easy to clean, of course; toss it in the wash,(cold), then hang dry. The price is great too, and delivery is almost instant!

[Mr. bone]

Welcome inkrat from another newbie! and might I say, Nice ink!

[mbhandy]

Welcome to XMarks,
I have a SWK in HW, Standard,Thrifty, and a Sports kilt. Would not wear the thrifty to the mall but to get milk at the store??
The wind problem is wear a sporran or if real modest wear some type of underwear (I prefer black boxer briefs,when preforming cart wheels. )
Last summer I did some hiking in the Sports kilt did not wear a sporran but had a back pack on and except for the mossies was quite comfortable.
I live a 6400 feet and hike at 8100 or above in the summer. In the late fall and early spring we go to Moab and bike, NOT Kilted but I did wear the SWK Standard around town and it is windy but with the Sporran on I had no problem.
The SWK HW is not worsted but is quite rugged and for the price I will be getting some more when Jerry gets some more in, in my size and I have the extra cash.

MrBill

[michaelbeeman]

Welcome, Inkrat!
I have 11 Utilikilts, 3 SWK, and 1 16oz. tank from Scotland. With my SWK's, 2 are Standard weight and 1 Heavyweight. I am very happy with both of those, however, the heavier is better in the wind. Here in No. Colorado it gets pretty darned windy, nothing like the city, of course, and my heavyweight with a sporran does just fine.

(BTW - I have a tattoo picture thread going, please consider popping over and sharing your ink!)

[Donnie]

:welcome to Xmarks. Rocky a USAKilts does a wonderful job. His casual kilts are not nearly as thin as a sportkilt. I have both. I don't ever wear the sportkilt anymore, even around the house. Wouldn't own anything but USAKilts!

[Bugbear]

Welcome.

[Colin]

You can't go wrong with a custom made from USA Kilts. For the little difference in cost the difference in fit and quality is worth it. If you are concerned about measuring properly one of the benefits of dealing with a kilt MAKER as opposed to a Kilt reseller is that you can speak directly with the person making your kilts. Rocky is well known for his quality kilts as well as for his customer service. If it is just the casual model you are looking for, I believe they do have some off the rack models as well.

Personally I would give Rocky and call and see what he has in stock before I even considered an acrylic. I have owned acrylic and I have owned Polyviscose and for casual wear nothing beats the PV carried by USA kilts. Machine washable, teflon coated, comfortable as can be, and it has a better look and hang than the acrylic in my opinion.

Welcome to the forum by the way.