Most comfortable kilt

[bricelythgoe]

Well, it's always a bit intimidating the first few times. As I've said before, you'll discover that you have sweat glands in places you never knew existed. Going with a tartan kilt and dressing it up a bit (sporran, hose up, maybe a nice shirt and tie) will ensure that most folks recognize what you've got going on, and make your personal transition much easier.

Ron MacDonald (forum name is Riverkilt) in Arizona lives in a rural area where he's pretty much the only kilted gentleman. His threads often describe the trials of breaking in a small, non-cosmopolitan community, and he's done a spendid job of it. Use the member page to search for threads started by Ron...our own kilted counselor.

Thanks for the advice. I think I just need to do it. It might take some convincing of the wife, but she might go for it.

[bricelythgoe]

Seems to me like you may have found it.

Now all that's left is the order form and then....the jones.

I have. It is the $ that is causing the problem.

[Alan H]

Yeah, I've got to add that I'm far more comfortable sitting in my box-pleated kilts. If ever a weaver comes up with real 16 oz. PV (in a tartan I like ) that fabric in a box-pleat might just force me to change my mind about office wear. I find PV to be really comfortable fabric. I'm done with acrylics.

I am also done with acrylics...and echo the sentiment regarding real, true 13 or 16 ounce polyester-viscose.

[bricelythgoe]

I wish I had somewhere locally that I could go and try on some different kilts. I mean, I would never order a nice pair of dress pants or a nice suit without trying it on first. The same thing goes for a very expensive kilt. I want the USAK, but I can’t bring myself to spend even the 100 dollars for the casual kilt without trying it on first. I am probably wasting my time with that idea, but oh well. Maybe someone will start a highland store in my area.

[billmcc]

My USAK Casual kilt is quite comfortable for summer wear. USAK kilts are custom-made to your measurements, not an off-the-rack kilt like SWKs.

[Tartan Hiker]

Well, the reputable kilt makers, like the ones you've mentioned and the ones who sponsor this site, will always provide you with very detailed measuring instructions. If you do a serious job of taking the measurements, checking and double checking every number, your kilt will fit like the proverbial glove. These folks know what to ask and how to build a garment, and if you do your job, there will be no worries. To the best of my knowledge, if there is an error on their part, all the professional kiltmakers featured on this site will take the kilt back and make one that is just right for you. Don't expect this kind of guarantee from every kiltmaker, cause there are many out there who won't stand behind their product like this. If you order from one of our sponsors, you can be guaranteed that the kilt will fit like it should.

[bricelythgoe]

What I really would like to do is try a kilt that sits lower on my waist, like my pants. I wonder if that would be more comfortable. I am not worried about it not fitting me. I have several pants that ‘fit’ but are not as comfortable as others. However, I am leaning towards a USA casual kilt. Still wish I could try it on though.

[Rex_Tremende]

What I really would like to do is try a kilt that sits lower on my waist, like my pants. I wonder if that would be more comfortable. I am not worried about it not fitting me. I have several pants that ‘fit’ but are not as comfortable as others. However, I am leaning towards a USA casual kilt. Still wish I could try it on though.

Steve at Freedom Kilts makes a version that is designed to sit on the waist like that. I think he's put a lot of thought into a man's build and considers things like the angle of the hips and such. Review his measurements guide for more details.

I understand your wish to be able to try things on. The trouble is that a well fitting kilt is made to measure, and if you follow the instructions correctly, you get what you need. They ordinarily don't just hang on the peg waiting for someone to buy one. This is completely unlike the experience you have at the department store, where clothes are made to fit some arbitrary standard, where trying things on is essential; it plays an important part in the decision to buy, and subsequent tailoring is often warranted anyway.

Choose your kiltmaker based on the product offered and consider the recommendations of others along with your own judgment of service level.

And, by golly, the best thing you can do is to [commit] or get off the pot. Make a budget, save your pennies, and just do it.

Regards,
Rex.

[Scotus]

Since SWK and Utilikilts are being discussed here, and suggested for so-called causual wear, I'm wondering if this thread really belongs in this section of the forum.

However, to add my two cents...

I think there is a mistaken notion about formal and informal. I have a couple of 8 yard wool kilts. These are worn for sitting around, or hiking, or formal, "black-tie dinner. I would say, get an 8 yard, 16 oz kilt.

[bricelythgoe]

Steve at Freedom Kilts makes a version that is designed to sit on the waist like that. I think he's put a lot of thought into a man's build and considers things like the angle of the hips and such. Review his measurements guide for more details.

I understand your wish to be able to try things on. The trouble is that a well fitting kilt is made to measure, and if you follow the instructions correctly, you get what you need. They ordinarily don't just hang on the peg waiting for someone to buy one. This is completely unlike the experience you have at the department store, where clothes are made to fit some arbitrary standard, where trying things on is essential; it plays an important part in the decision to buy, and subsequent tailoring is often warranted anyway.

Choose your kiltmaker based on the product offered and consider the recommendations of others along with your own judgment of service level.

And, by golly, the best thing you can do is to [commit] or get off the pot. Make a budget, save your pennies, and just do it.

Regards,
Rex.

The budget has been made and the saving has already begun. There is no problem there. After reading your advice and Kilted Hiker's advice, I think I am getting the picture. I have never purchased a hand tailored garment before. I think that is the piece of the puzzle I never understood. I think I am going to try a nice, lesser expensive hand tailored kilt. Then I can see how it works and how it fits. That way I know what I am doing when I go for the full wool kilt. I appreciate all the advice!

Brice