Kilted Full Time?

[seanachie]

I have no problem recommending Skye Highland Outfitters for casual PV kilts or their 8 yard traditional style PV kilt. I own both and they are well made and a good value. Another option for to look at is forum advertiser Alt.Kilt I have heavy weight twill kilts with cargo pockets that are great for more active going. I have dogs and we like to roll around in the park and these are great for that.
I also like these for travel as in and out of planes, trains and automobiles it easy to spill or get stained and they wash well. That is not to say PV does not, but I just avoid getting then unnecessarily dirty. I would be bummed getting my PV tartans soiled.

It would never be my intention to "slam" a vendor but I saw an earlier reference to AmeriKilt. I would do your homework here. I had real difficulties with how easily they wrinkled, literally right after pressing. Additionally for your hot humid days they are fine but cooler temps would be more challenging.

[seanachie]

I 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. I

This does not sound like a lot, respectfully one can never have too many kilts.

[billmcc]

I also suggest non-wool socks for summer wear in the southern US.

I have a couple pair of cotton socks from Sock Dreams.
See here: http://www.sockdreams.com/products/s...rib-knee-highs

These socks sell for only $8 a pair (and shipping is free), but are one size fits all. So, they probably won't fit people with large feet and/or large calves.

For very casual wear, there is nothing wrong with wearing sandals without socks. See Riverkilt's photos.

[Whidbey78]

For the most part all I can do with all this sage advice is say "Yup," "Very true," and "What he said."

What I can add is the suggestion that you explore making a few of your own. I decided that I wanted to go full-time a couple of years ago. Things being as they are it's been slow going. Buying kilts is expensive, but I have aquired 2 USAK casuals, a USAK semi-trad, 2 SWK standards(one is gone now) and a Sportkilt(waste of money, but I wear it around the yard anyhow). I have eight that I have made--4 box-pleat and 4 reverse kingussie. If not for making some contemporary style kilts(as well as sporrans, altering jackets, etc.) for myself I couldn't have done it. Considering that the most expensive of them was $40 in material, and they average about $15, and I'm not worried about anything happening to them, they're a godsend to me.

Don't say "I can't sew." There are plenty of guys on this forum who had never even tried it before and had good results. Here are Alan H's X-kilt instructions:
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...ownload-20085/
Give it a shot...once you make a couple you'll probably want to try out a few other styles of pleating. Contemporary kilts aren't really that hard to make, and it's nice to have something unique. Plus you can make it to fit the climate or a specific purpose...and save a ton of $$$ and have the personal satisfaction of having something you created.

One other thing to keep in mind is if it's really practical and practicable to go full-time. I've been phasing out pants for nearly two years, and haven't bought a pair to wear outside work for a year and a half. Still, not counting work, I'm only kilted about 75% of the time. There are times where it might not work for you. For some, there are no times where a kilt doesn't work just fine, but for me there are still times I wear pants or shorts. In fact, this weekend I'm probably going to buy some jeans since my old ones are offering almost the same crotchical freedom as my kilts. Plus, there are some places and activities that are just not conducive to kilt wearing, IMO.

Take your time and ease into it. Explore the different styles available, research the options before sinking your hard-earned money into it, don't waste money on cheap stuff--ALWAYS buy the best you can reasonably afford, and don't discount doing a lot of things for yourself.

Above all, have fun with it and good luck in your pursuit wherever it takes you.

[robbiethepiper]

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.

Haven't worn trousers since Jan 1st. Loose boxers provide quite enough "freedom" for anyone IMHO. The hygiene/modesty arguments are irrefutable. Not seeking to tell anyone how to dress. A legal figleaf is OK by me. Just sometimes wonder about the motivation of those that insist on always going regimental. They talk about "freedom", but I frankly suspect some just get a kick out of it!

[Jack Daw]

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

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

I have about six of these in black, but in a different brand. They are also a bit shorter otherwise they would be too long to wear with the kilt. I'm away from home on business and cannot recall the brand as I've had them for a few years.

[Jack Daw]

Oops! Accidental double post.

[cdarwin]

I also suggest non-wool socks for summer wear in the southern US.

I have a couple pair of cotton socks from Sock Dreams.
See here: http://www.sockdreams.com/products/s...rib-knee-highs

These socks sell for only $8 a pair (and shipping is free), but are one size fits all. So, they probably won't fit people with large feet and/or large calves.

Coincidently, a friend referred me to this exact pair of socks at lunch yesterday. Ha! I'll definitely be ordering some of these to wear out at night.

For very casual wear, there is nothing wrong with wearing sandals without socks. See Riverkilt's photos.

This is comforting to know since I stop wearing socks/shoes during the day at about this time every year.

[Zardoz]

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.

-J

I think the best way to avoid wearing out your "fairly expensive wool kilts" would be to look at some kilts in 'alternate materials' like PV.
Except at work, I am kilted pretty much full time, and I am almost always sporting USA Kilts Semi-trads in PV.
Just like in Florida, the heat here can be an issue, and on a 98 degree/100% humidity /no breeze day, all that material wrapped around you gets warm, no matter what it is. I have, on occasion actually sweated through a kilt, but one of the nice things about the PV kilts is they are easily machine washable if you sweat them up or spill beer on them, or have a "bathroom related" slip-up, etc.

[Jaggy thistle]

Iwear a kilt everyday I have overalls for working at my old tractors ect but change after for most work I wear a kilt from Lidl a German supermarket chain a 5 yd kilt is only £25 and an 8yd is £55 they are machine washable and look all right I also have 4 wool kilts for dress up occasions some times the overalls go on on top of the kilt I find most jobs can be tackled when wearing the kilt