Help, I can't decide!!!!!!!!!

**The Wizard of BC** · 27th September 05, 10:14 PM

Believe me I'm not trying to make a fuss, but the narrow apron being better at protecting modesty is not the only factor.

If ample back pleats are incorporated in the design an apron of any width can be made to fall between the legs. It is not necessary to rely on the snaps or other features.

I took a long time designing the apron and back pleats in my kilts. I regularly demonstrate squatting for my customers to prove that it is the proper back pleats and not apron width which makes the differance.

**Riverkilt** · 27th September 05, 10:17 PM

And just to clarify....no way I'd want to "beat up" my Freedom Kilts or Pittsburgh Kilts...that's why the UK workman's suggestion.

Ron

**Iolaus** · 27th September 05, 11:05 PM

Originally Posted by The Wizard of BC

Believe me I'm not trying to make a fuss, but the narrow apron being better at protecting modesty is not the only factor.

I'm not knockin' your stuff Steve; I'll take your word for it. (...and you'll notice you're on my short list ;) ) I'm just talking about my own experience with the only thing I own, UKs, while sitting in a desk at school.

**bear** · 27th September 05, 11:27 PM

Originally Posted by Jim H.

I have to "prove" to my parents that I'll wear it and like it, but even though I have to pay for it entirely they're limiting what I can spend

. So I can only get one kilt for starts. As for the Stillwater kilt, I'm in an area that would make a Stillwater Kilt more of a seasonal thing when I'm looking for all year around, casual kilt that can take a little punishment.

You can't beat poly/viscose for year around wear and ease of care. It's machine washable/dryable, very rarely needs ironing, never needs to be tugged at, stretched, or have weights hung on it, comes in tartan or solids, warm in winter, cool in summer, extremely soft and comfortable against skin, and inexpensive.
There is no other fabric that has all those qualities. Wool comes close but is more expensive. Most of the cargo kilts need some kind of special washing/drying care and ironing. And most non poly/viscose fabrics are either too warm in summer or too cold in winter. Add the comfort factor of poly/viscose and the choice is easy for someone looking for a kilt in your price range.
And if you're worried about poly/viscose taking punishment, ask Andrew Breecher how his held up on the 2000 mile Appalachian trail.

**Jim H.** · 28th September 05, 03:48 AM

When I said I want it to withstand wear and tear, I didn't mean that I'm going to build my own house in it. I meant that I want a kilt I can move around in and not have to worry about it being torn or such. Sorry for any confusion. Is there anything that the workman's is better than at then the Original or does it just have more pockets/straps? Has anyone ever worn one and gotten that's a skirt not a kilt comments?

**Canuck** · 28th September 05, 04:03 AM

Having fun yet?! able to decide!? You have a lot of choices. Almost all of the kilts will take general wear and tear. They are made well and hold up to almost anything. So your choice will be style, fit, and material. For the money the best choice would be a custom fit, you would get that from Freerdom, PK, Bear, USAkilts and Rkilts. The mass produced kilts are good but don't fit the same. It would be safe to say that the above mentioned companies will give you a custom fit garment for close to what you would pay for a mass produced kilt.
Good luck, let us know when your head stops spinning... The old guys are having a chuckle in the corner at Tim Horton's
Cheers
Robertb

**RockyR** · 28th September 05, 05:48 AM

Originally Posted by Jim H.

...I'm trying to decide between a UK, a Pittsburgh Kilt, and a Freedom Kilt. I know that there's a lot going for PK's but I really like the look of a Freedom Kilt (especially since it is made from 6-8 yds) but will the cotton move the same way as a traditional tartan? How well does a Freedom or Pittsburgh Kilt hold out compared to a UK?

Since your original post is about 3 solid companies, I'll just comment on solids. If you want a thinner (1 inch wide) pleated kilt with swing, pretty much your ONLY choice is a FK. I've seen the movement with my own eyes!

If you're looking for a 2 tone kilt with color in the pleat returns, check out PK. Jeff seems like a really nice guy (from the limited contact I've had with him).

If you're looking for a "tough looking work kilt", it's up in the air. The UK is very nice, but it's not completely "custom" like the FK. If you like everything about the UK and fit into a size, then get it! If you would like 1 or 2 less pockets or like a wider apron or whatever, check out FK.

I personally own 2 freedom kilts (1 cotton camo and 1 carhardt cargo) and like them both. I do not OWN a PK or UK, but have seen both and carefully inspected them.

NOTE: I didn't comment on AK or RK or PV Material b/c that's not what was asked.

**RockyR** · 28th September 05, 05:51 AM

Originally Posted by Jim H.

Has anyone ever worn one and gotten that's a skirt not a kilt comments?

It's PRETTY MUCH all in how you carry yourself. If you look confident and tough, no one will mess with you or make comments. If you look timid and weak and self conscious, people will comment.

Sort of like how dogs smell fear... if you look like easy prey, you will be.

**flyv65** · 28th September 05, 06:32 AM

Originally Posted by Jim H.

Has anyone ever worn one and gotten that's a skirt not a kilt comments?

Not to my face, they haven't-but the guys who snicker and say things like that don't have the huevos to confront anyone, much less wear a kilt themselves. The occaissional comment from someone who honestly wants to know (and you'll be able to tell who they are) usually sparks a "learning experience" type conversation for them.

Bryan...ignorance is curable-stupidity isn't...

**cavscout** · 28th September 05, 06:47 AM

Check out UK's scratch-n-Dent list for some deals:

http://www.utilikilts.com/homepagebanner/scratch.htm

If you want a solid color kilt with a traditional style you really have to look at FK. The price on his web site is Canadian so you will pay a bit less in America.

You won't have to worry about any of these kilts that have been suggested being easily torn. They are all worn by many members here and have high marks for quality. That being said Poly-Viscos is a viable alternative if you like the tartan look.

In that arena I highly recommend the USA kilts. The quality is awesome and the selection is very wide. Bear has an excellent rep and selection but his lead time is very long.