Comparison on differnt kilt weights

[rlloyd]

I live in that part of South Carolina which is said to be separated from Hades only by a screen door. Our municipal motto---no kidding---is "Famously hot."

I'd recommend 13-ounce wool at a minimum. Not only is it comfortable in summer, but 13- or 16-ounce fabric is better behaved with respect to wrinkles. You'll be amazed now long and well it holds the crease in the pleats, how little it wrinkles, and how quickly it hangs out.

I also have to agree, USA Kilts semi-trad model in poly-viscose (polyester and rayon blend), is perfect for our climate.

Either one will be cooler than trousers; and the waist will be cooler without a wide, heavy belt.

After reading your first sentence, I was going to ask if you were in Columbia...then I looked to see if you had it listed and, lo and behold, you're in Columbia!

[Cathy McWilliams]

When I first saw more than one man in a kilt at a time, we were having a sweltering summer. The gents were all standing in a circle, feet more than shoulder width apart and they were all swaying forward and pack gently. I walked past and felt the breeze.
"Okay! Built in airconditioning!"
My husband has 2 kilts both heavy weight and he won't wear anything else. The heavier the weight, the larger the sett (threadcount) and that means deeper pleats! They hang better, swing better and hold a crease better. I try to avoid the light weight tartans; I tell people that "every time you sit down, you're going to press yourself a new pleat."
If you are in a humid climate, pleats won't stay sharp for long and the lightweight tartan will loose their crease the quickest.

Cheers
Cathy Mac

[Tobus]

Heh, the swaying back and forth to cool down is one I use often here in Texas. It works!

I absolutely agree on the heavy weight cloth. I won't wear light weight tartan kilts.

[shannon]

Today I emailed Marton Mills to begin the process of getting different swatches in the different available wool weights along with the PV material in the tarton after Steve mentioned it would be quicker if I went to the source directly since Freedom Kilts does not have the "Spirit of Scotland" tarton on hand.
I'm believing that the PV is my ultimate low maintenance wash & wear material of choice for my application with the "perma-pleat".
I also learned that this kilt process takes a really, really long time from the beginning to the end! ....and I was hoping to place my kilt order in mid March (lol)

[piperdbh]

I also learned that this kilt process takes a really, really long time from the beginning to the end! ....and I was hoping to place my kilt order in mid March (lol)

You can place an order any time you want. It's the waiting that takes a long time.

[Cathy McWilliams]

kiltedinkansas is correct, the excess "bulk" is trimmed out and the area reinforced with a canvas to stiffen and support the inside of the fell. The canvas should be breathable, strong and I use horsehair canvas for strength and durability. The lining should also breathe. but looking you may still sweat a bit depending on what you do. If you lounge around looking good in the beer garden, not so much. If you're an athlete, bandmember or something like that, you're going to sweat in whatever you wear anyway!

[Tartan Tess]

I vote, for your first kilt; get a lighter weight than 16oz.
That can be your second kilt