Kilted Full Time?

[cdarwin]

How does one go all kilt all the time, economically? Does one need more than seven kilts? Does one pay for dry cleaning every week? If so, wouldn't that decrease the life of one's fairly expensive wool kilts?

Perhaps my geographical location is to blame. I live in Florida where it is hot and humid almost six months out of the year. Perspiration presents a hurdle I can't seem to get over in my mind. I have considered the idea of wearing undergarments to decrease the frequency of necessary washes but this would seem to restrict the freedom provided by the kilt in the first place.

I have a burning desire to never wear trousers again. Any full time kilters care to chime in?

Cheers,
-J

[AKScott]

I have only visualized this, winter season here going out to check the mail can be twenty minutes putting clothes on just to be outdoros two minutes. Heavy insulated boot season is over for us this year, we are well into mud season but I have digressed.

To go kilted everyday I would definitely look into some machine washable somethings in universal setts, and likely a modern kilt or two as well. Save the 8 yard tank for Sunday best.

I do have a 5 yard knife pleat in wool that is fairly versatile.

Don't know what to say about Florida. I want to unzip my skin and climb out of it it is so hot down there.

[marvelredneck]

I may be able to address the cleaning issue. One should ONLY dry clean the kilt if you have done something HORRIBLE to it, like pour red wine all over it. What I would suggest to do if you really feel you need to wash it is to soak it in plain cold water and hang it up to dry. Otherwise, what most people I know do after they get home from wearing it all day is just hang it up to air out. Preferably outside. This should help the worst sweat damage it could recieve. Hope I helped!

[cdarwin]

To go kilted everyday I would definitely look into some machine washable somethings in universal setts, and likely a modern kilt or two as well. Save the 8 yard tank for Sunday best.

I am considering something along these lines. Perhaps, begin aquiring a few of Rocky's 'Casual Kilts' and wearing them to work throughout the week.

...what most people I know do after they get home from wearing it all day is just hang it up to air out...

Ah, sage advice. Thanks!

[McElmurry]

Has anybody tried something like this?
It might have to be hemmed a bit.

http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/p...l?evar3=search

[Nighthawk]

I am full time kilted. I have 3 winter kilts- 2 Stillwater Kilts heavyweights and one 16 oz hand sewn. The hand sewn I save for my Sunday best. I have two 5 yard wool knife pleated kilts for spring/fall wear- mild weather! And I have modern kilts, 2 Amerikilts and 2 Flamingo Kilts for summer. I also have a 5 yard box pleat and an 8 yard knife in PV. The 8 yard PV is my Sunday best for the summer. All in all, it works out really well. I know it sounds like a lot, but you have to consider the fact that I have been slowly phasing out my pants for several years. It's not going to happen all at once- take your time, do your research, and do it right. If you want an economical contemporary kilt, I suggest Amerikilt. They're every bit as good quality as Utilikilts, but cost a lot less!

[billmcc]

...Perhaps, begin aquiring a few of Rocky's 'Casual Kilts' and wearing them to work throughout the week.

That is what I would suggest. USAK's Casual kilt is machine washable and teflon coated, so it is much easier to keep clean than a wool kilt. The pv material Rocky uses also doesn't retain heat like most other tartan materials. A USAK Casual is my go to here in Florida during the summer.

[piperdbh]

Try this:
Examine the pocket-to-knee area of the britches you currently wear. See just how sweaty they are after you've worn them all day. That's about how sweaty your kilt will be.
And yes, put some drawers on.

[Nighthawk]

That is what I would suggest. USAK's Casual kilt is machine washable and teflon coated, so it is much easier to keep clean than a wool kilt. The pv material Rocky uses also doesn't retain heat like most other tartan materials. A USAK Casual is my go to here in Florida during the summer.

My one and only issue with that, and the reason I suggest AK's to go along with them, is that with USAK casuals, you have to wear a sporran. I do a lot of hiking, and having a sporran banging around sensitive areas all day tends to irritate. However Bill does bring up something I forgot to mention- my 8 yard PV is a USA Kilts kilt. The PV is fantastic material for warm weather wear. And you may see the inexpensive acrylic kilts, and the price may be alluring. Don't fall prey to their sweet sweet siren song!! Acrylic is lightweight, but sucks- I repeat, sucks!!- for warm weather wear! It doesn't breath worth a crap. And in winter, it doesn't hold heat worth a crap! And it's flamable!! Don't throw away your money on acrylic!!

Try this:
Examine the pocket-to-knee area of the britches you currently wear. See just how sweaty they are after you've worn them all day. That's about how sweaty your kilt will be.
And yes, put some drawers on.

I want a pair of those for Colorado!!

[Riverkilt]

I agree with the USA Kilts Casuals for hot humid wear. I've owned 13 so far and never a problem. Have worn mine during monsoon season here in Arizona, in the high humidity of Maui and in Quintana Roo. To cut down on washing either make or find/buy an underkilt - cotton slip for kilt wear, or just buy some cheap cotton tartan boxer shorts and cut the crotch out. You'll have FREEDOM and an easily washable lightweight barrier between yourself and your kilt.

Here's a pic of my USA Casual in Red Gordon down in the humidity of Quintana Roo



Tartan was a special order run back when, not part of the current line up - sorry.

And, the pleat shot:



Slant is from my stance, not the workmanship