Cold weather kilt, not wool, what to buy?

**minimalistix** · 17th November 05, 11:15 PM

I need a kilt that it cold weather. Temp in my area only get to around single digits fahrenheit for a few weeks, however, I can't wear wool. (its uncomfortable and makes my skin break out in a rash, yes, sacrilege I know I would have never made a good scot back in the days ;)

But, what would you guys suggest.

**Kilted_John** · 18th November 05, 02:16 AM

Flannel lined Pittsburgh Kilt would probably be your best option. You'll definitely want to find some heavyweight kilt socks to wear'em with. Could always put some thinner dress socks that are knee length under some kilt hose, so you don't wind up triggering the allergic reaction... At the same time, during those cold days, it might be a good idea to trou... I've been comfy in my 18 oz wool MacKenzie tartan 9-yarder down to 23 deg F, but, haven't tried anything colder yet. Maybe this winter... Depends on the weather and/or if I make it up to the mountains to do some snowshoeing...
-J

**Archangel** · 18th November 05, 03:11 AM

You might want to get more feedback from others but my impression is that kilt wool is more natural than sweater wool. The latter has additives that irritate, the former doesn't. Some sweaters make my skin break out, my kilt doesn't. There is a huge difference in the smells of the material (before I wear them, I'm ahead of you).
What do others say?

**Robin** · 18th November 05, 03:15 AM

Perhaps an allergy test?

Just to make sure it's indeed the wool...

**millar** · 18th November 05, 05:38 AM

Warm socks. You also may want to look into that kilt liner thing that Riverkilt raved about. Also there was some talk on the board where someone put a flannel liner in a kilt.

**bubba** · 18th November 05, 07:08 AM

Most often the itching and such are caused by short fiber wool. The fiber ends irritate the skin. Worsted wool such as kilts are made from is a long fiber wool which doesn't have the same effect.

**cavscout** · 18th November 05, 07:16 AM

You may be able to get by with an 8 yard PV kilt. We had 28 deg. this AM and with long socks and sweater I was fairly comfortable in the shade for the short periods between the car and the office. To be out longer I'd want a thicker pair of socks but under the kilt was fine.

**auld argonian** · 18th November 05, 07:45 AM

Re the sock thing, I think it was Kilted Code Warrior who suggested wearing regular over the calf socks under the kilt socks as another layer...

I've heard that pro golfers used to wear pantyhose under their trousers when they ran into cold weather (not suggesting that anyone wear pantyhose under their kilt...this is just an example of men who needed freedom of movement adapting to cold weather)...no one was the wiser and I guess that these modern "under armour" men's tights and high-tech thermals weren't available at the time (I'd bet that that's what they've gone to nowadays).

And I really think that extreme weather should make the wearing of, let's say, some dark colored boxer briefs permissible...the "regimental or nothing" crowd notwithstanding. I mean...we don't all have 8yd wool classics to wear and it can get pretty extreme out there.

best

AA

**motorman4life** · 18th November 05, 08:25 AM

A 5 to 8 yard PV kilt gives plenty of insulation. I also have an aversion to wool and my 15 oz 8 yard wool tank is quite comfortable. I find traditional long hose and flannel boxers under the heavier kilts is plenty warm in the wintertime.

**Andrew Breecher** · 18th November 05, 11:08 AM

I'm always surprised every time this topic comes up on this board.

And it comes up quite a bit.

ANY KILT is warm enough to wear in the winter. Four-yard PV, eight-yard wool. Sure, some are warmer than others, just as some trousers are warmer than others (I've seen men wearing light suit trousers, and men wearing flannel-lined Carhartts). I've worn an Original Utilikilt (the lighter fabric kind) - along with traditional kilt hose - in sub-zero Fahrenheit temperatures. I've worn that outfit while just standing around waiting for the train. Sure, it's chilly. Sure, I'm glad to get inside afterwards. But so is everyone else who's wearing trousers.

I've worn a four-yard PV kilt through a snowstorm, while wading through a river at the same time (honest!). I walked 33 miles in a snowstorm wearing the same kilt, and 16 miles through another snowstorm a few weeks later. There were others who I was hiking with who ditched off the trail because they were too cold. I was able to keep hiking, "even" in my kilt.

Last year, I went snowshoeing in -12°F temperatures, in a four-yard PV kilt.

A kilt is no colder than wearing trousers.

Andrew.