Wool vs. Silk

[duchessofnc]

A silk kilt would be interesting. Now as for the weight of it. I would think that it would be possible because silk does come in different weights. Silk has been used for everything from undergarments to furniture fabric. It would just depend on the weight and if you were rich enough. Also from my days when I used to section hike on the AT, one of the things I used to have as part of my gear was a silk lining to my sleeping bag.

It helped me retain warmth but in the summer months when I would go hiking I could reduce weight by leaving the sleeping bag at home and having the liner to sleep in. So I would think that a kilt could be the same.

[ChattanCat]

I'm sorry, light weight material is not heavy enough for a "Kilt".

CC

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I'm sorry, light weight material is not heavy enough for a "Kilt".

CC

You are, in general terms, correct. However, most fabrics can be woven in a variety of weights. Cotton, for example, can be woven into lightweight cloth for shirts, or can be woven into heavy canvas for sails. It's the same with silk. Because the silk fiber is very strong (much stronger than cotton) it is usually spun into lightweight yarn that is used to weave light, yet durable, fabric. By spinning a heavier silk yarn a thicker fabric can be woven. This "thicker" (i.e. "heavier) silk fabric would produce a garment with all of the attributes of a traditional kilt, combined with all of the benefits of silk.

[duchessofnc]

Exactly my point. It might not be the traditional kilt in terms of fabric but it can be done. It would be seriously expensive and someone who can afford a silk kilt isn't likely to be wearing it on the field at a Highland Games.

Silk is just not woven as a heavy fabric as commonly as it was a hundred or two years ago.

[Nervous Jock]

I have noticed that, in addition to varying weights of wool, Scotweb offers its kilts in silk as well. Does anyone have any experience with a kilt in it? I assume that it is an acceptable kilt fabric, if they are offering it, but what kind of garment does one get from it?

you are joking!!! wear that here you'll be going home in a van with a blue light on it

[CameronTaylor]

I WANT ONE!!!!!

The perfect kilt to have for "that" special occasion.

If a man can have leather kilts, why not a silk kilt...or two...??

Which tartan? Who makes them? Ahhhhhhh my addiction craving silk....silk...silk....gotta have silk.....

Ron

I have a yard of California tartan in silk, I think a lass wih unmentionables to match my Matt Newsome kilt would be quite smashing - though nobody would know ..
I guess I'll have to become a sew 'n sew ...


CT - a silk kilt, that's just awesome

[ThreadBbdr]

Barb T and I were discussing silk fabric a couple of weeks ago. The one thing you need to watch out for with the heavier silks is to be sure that they aren't "weighted" with metal salts. That processing gives the fabric increased drape, makes the silk rustle (a big plus for dresses in Victorian times), but it's also very distructive to the fibers over time.

DofNC is quite right that it all depends on thread that the cloth is woven out of. Wallace - remind me and I'll show you a heavy silk thread. It's the size of #5 perle cotton - Very heavy. And my goodness, it would make a GREAT scarf in tartan. (Makes a mental note re Christmas gifts)..........

[ChattanCat]

DofNC is quite right that it all depends on thread that the cloth is woven out of. Wallace - remind me and I'll show you a heavy silk thread. It's the size of #5 perle cotton - Very heavy. And my goodness, it would make a GREAT scarf in tartan. (Makes a mental note re Christmas gifts)..........

I would also like to see an example of the tartan scarfs.

[Scratchy's Lass]

I have been a fan of all types of silk fabric for quite some time. There's many different 'types' or 'finishes' - ranging from the fairly dense 'charmuse' (spelling?) of ladies' blouses and 'unmentionables' (under garments), to that really light, airy version (typical of Eastern/India type items), as well as raw silk. I made a 'overskirt' for my RenFaire attire in a raw silk....... love it!

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

you are joking!!! wear that here you'll be going home in a van with a blue light on it

Not really! Depending on the thread weight, a silk kilt wouldn't look any different than a superfine wool or a wool blend. It would, however, look more "expensive" due to the obviously better finish than you get with most "ex-rental" kilts. That said, most lads don't pay any attention to what other blokes are wearing, other than the team logo on their shirt. And that might get one a ride home in a van with a blue light on it!