The wool, it prickles... :-(

[Aldisimo]

I think that you'd have hives or some sort of skin breakout if you had an allergy, so you're probably just sensitive to the wool [as I am...I have the same discomfort with acrylic]. J'Dez [if they're still in business] makes cotton kilt liners that are not too expensive, but these simple garments are very easy to whip up if you have any proficiency at all with a sewing machine. Scroll through the kilt wannabes to the bottom of the page.

[Improv1]

Well, if it's the right size, I would be happy to 'wear it in' for a few years... just to help you out.
That's what the friendly rabble are here for!

[Ozark Ridge Rider]

Maybe a bit of military experience might apply:

Fort Leonard Wood is raw, damp cold in January. The army issued wool long underwear. It was a pain, and one guy was truly allergic. (After they figured that out they discharged him.) The rest of us had to put up with the itchy, scratchy stuff - for awhile.

After a few days, we got caught up on our scratching and didn't notice it any more. If Staticsan is not allergic, he may find it doesn't bother after a few wearings.

[Colonel MacNeal]

Long Boxer Briefs, the kind that stop about 4 inches above the knee, could also offer some protection.

[staticsan]

23 replies! I guess that's what I get for posting just before I go to bed.

No, I'm not allergic to wool. I didn't even think of it. So that's not the problem.

Riverkilt's description of "woolen" versus "worsted" and wool grades and quality makes a lot of sense. I have a wool suit, for comparison, and don't have the prickle problem. Coupled the fact it is an inexpensive SWK, that nicely explains what is probably happening.

Now to confirm amongst those of use who have both SWK heavyweights and something more expensive that the more expensive wool is nicer against your legs!

Wade.

[Dan R Porter]

On a side note, I wore a friend of ines SWK standard, it is not wool but acrylic, and it itched too! I am sold on PV, comfy, little itching, easier to clean, and cool in this awful missouri weather!

[fluter]

Now to confirm amongst those of use who have both SWK heavyweights and something more expensive that the more expensive wool is nicer against your legs!

They are different... There are also differences among SWK heavyweights. I found the shadow tartans to have a firmer "finish" and less tendency to prickle than a Black Watch I got last year. Which SWK is yours?

I've another kilt in House of Edgar 13-ounce which has never given any prickly sensation. However my Stillwater Black Shadow really has not, either.

[tulloch]

Very interesting, Ron, about wool. That is what I love about xmarks; so much information comes my way. So Wade my offer still stands but you might have to throw in a nice bonnet too for the trouble. As I sit here in my nice hand-made kilt I realize how lucky I am to have a really comfortable garment. Life is good!

[staticsan]

They are different... There are also differences among SWK heavyweights. I found the shadow tartans to have a firmer "finish" and less tendency to prickle than a Black Watch I got last year. Which SWK is yours?

I've another kilt in House of Edgar 13-ounce which has never given any prickly sensation. However my Stillwater Black Shadow really has not, either.

It's a Shadow Tartan. And to think I even considered a Black Watch from SWK... I did notice that it began getting softer as the evening wore on las night. So perhaps it really only needs some "wearing in". It is nice and warm, I should note.

Wade.

[Barb T]

My band kilt is Lochcarron Strome (16 oz), and I, too, find it "prickly" in hot weather. I'm not allergic to wool, it doesn't make me break out, and it has nothing to do with the quality of the tartan. It's just prickly. I could ignore it, but I just wear bike shorts for parades in hot weather. Solves the problem.