Scottish National casual

[Zardoz]

While I do not own a casual from Rocky, I do have some semi-trads that he and Kelly made for me, and I will certainly testify to the quality of the workmanship and the great customer service.

Something Rocky didn't elaborate on is how accessible he is. Like Slag, I can be a little "detail oriented" sometimes, and I have talked to Rocky via email and on the phone about some big or small detail of just about every order, and he has always been very accommodating with me.

I think that based on what has been discussed about how the casuals are made/pleated, one would be better off getting it pleated to a line or stripe, rather than the sett; that would alleviate the 'centering' issue. I know that in the past folks on this forum have asked for and recieved some special requests in the casuals, like leaving off the patch or having two traditional style belt loops instead of the usual number.

Just for grins, here's a photo of the rear waistbands of some of my Semi-trads, where you can get an idea of the details like centering, pleating, and the match-up on the buckle straps and belt loops, which are kind hard to see on a couple of them.


sorry they are a bit lumpy, I just tossed them on top of some laundry my wife was trying to fold! (better than pictures of my butt though!)

[ggibby]

I have the EXACT same kilt, circa 2003(?) (I think 'twas called the Philabeg back then). Absolutely love it.
It's especially good in the rain, as the PV doesn't absorb much and dries very quickly. Need a kilt pin for breezy days, though.

And I've never even thought twice about the belt loops.

[NewEnglander]

I have the EXACT same kilt, circa 2003(?) (I think 'twas called the Philabeg back then). Absolutely love it.
It's especially good in the rain, as the PV doesn't absorb much and dries very quickly. Need a kilt pin for breezy days, though.

And I've never even thought twice about the belt loops.

Thanks for chiming in. Do you have any pics of the back of your kilt?

[RockyR]

There's a bit of a design change / upgrades to the Philabeg model to the current Casual. I almost forgot we used to have different lower end models!

[lethearen]

Or you could just remove the lot of belt loops altogether and not have to worry about anything lining up

[MrShoe]

Here is a shot of the belt loops on mine. I never real looked at it when I got it.
I do think it shows up a lot more when it is pleated to the set vs the stripe




Good on ya Rocky for offering to make the adjustment

[Santa Wally]

I ordered a Stewart Royal Casual kilt last year from Rocky. I noticed when I received it, how well the center belt loop matched the kilt. After reading this thread, I had to go look at my kilt. I see that all the belt loops are made of the horizontal pattern and does not use the vertical stripe on the loop as used on the kilt shown at the start of this thread. By using only the horizontal pattern, it blends in perfectly and the loops are hardly noticeable.

The vertical stripe on the loop, not sewn on the stripe of the kilt itself does make it very obvious in the photo of the kilt that started this thread.

On May 3, I ordered 2 Casual Kilts from Rocky and, if at all possible, I definitely want both those kilts to have the belt loops constructed the same way as my Stewart Royal. Use the horizontal pattern only so they blend in. I think, even if they have to be adjusted slightly to not be on a vertical stripe. Does that made any sense and is it possible with Wallace and Isle of Skye tartans?

[kennethrmc]

I don't have time to take & post pics now, but I have a USAK casual in IOS, made around this past Christmas time. The belt loop is perfectly on the tartan pattern---as perfect as my $500 hand sewn kilt. That being said, even if it wasn't done that way (if it looked like the Hunting Stewart in the picture) I would still be very pleased with the kilt. I've ordered kilts that cost almost as much as a USAK casual but those are not tailored to fit--and they sure don't fit as well! I find it astonishing that for a bit over a $100 I can get a custom-fitted garment, that is indeed "casual" enough for hiking and pubwear, but it also gets compliments all the time for good appearance. I'm saving up for another one.

[SteveB]

I have both Semi-trad and Casual kilts from USA Kilts. The fit of the casual made by Mac is perfect and in the case of MacNeil tartan, the sporran strap loops are identical in appearance and function well. I wear my belt over the kilt and not through the loops so the fact that the pattern is a millimetre off doesn't show anyway. The USAK is a LOT of bang for the dollar. I am delighted with a fit in a Casual kilt that is as good as the fit in my hand sewn Wool Tank.

Slainte
the Kilted Locksmith.

[Jock Scot]

OK chaps, I wonder if you can help an old boy out here? I don't own one of Rocky's casual kilts, I have I think, never even seen one for real. I understand that they are made to Rocky's own design and veer away from the traditional kilt design to an extent , but and this is the question, do you NEED belt loops to wear a belt(if you want one) with this design? Just wondering that is all.

Apart from my question, two thoughts came to mind over this thread as I read through the posts and I hope you don't mind me sharing them with you. Firstly a personal opinion. What do you chaps expect when you buy a casual kilt? If you were spending thousands of Dollars on a bespoke kilt, well yes, I might then understand why you start getting a bit picky over this and that. It is your hard earned money when all said and done and you are entitled to some measure of satisfaction, I grant you, but..........

Secondly, I think Rocky( whom I have never met ,or dealt with) is one fair dinkum fellow and I think he gives one heck of a service and I am delighted that you chaps hold him and his staff in such high esteem. A rare thing these days.