Wool/PV Consideration

**xman** · 20th March 10, 10:38 PM

My last discussion about which daily kilt to buy has brought me to a new thought so I am hoping you ladies and gentlemen will be equally as enlightening this time around.

Considering that the price points aren't terribly far off for a PV traditional and a wool casual kilt in say a 13 oz weight if those weights would be somewhat approximate, why choose one over the other? Sure you could dress up a PV trad, but would it really look better than a proper wool kilt even if it is a shorter yardage version? One wouldn't want to go gardening in the wool kilt, but dirty work aside, am I better off looking at wool more? The tartan selection certainly is better. What say you?

X

**bricekolob** · 20th March 10, 11:09 PM

I know many will say wool. However, my experience would be go with the PV. I just sold a casual wool from B&S. I had it for a summer and a winter. It was a good kilt, solid construction. However, wool is just too hot for me. Plus, I had to get it dry cleaned whenever it got a little dirty. And I also prefer more pleats on my kilt. Those casuals only have about 15 pleats (it can vary with size). Besides, I will bet 95 percent of the people that see my 8 yard PV will never know that it is not wool. And the ones that are looking hard enough to notice, have bigger problems than my dislike for wool.

Keep in mind I am a special case. An overwhelming majority love their wool 'tanks'. I just was always hot when I wore that wool kilt. Always bugged me. I hope this helps.

**billmcc** · 21st March 10, 01:17 AM

Xman,

Where are you located? Climate is a consideration when deciding what kind of kilt to buy.

**xman** · 21st March 10, 01:35 AM

Yeah, I'm in Canada, but it should be said that I'm in the 'warm' part of Canada which just means it doesn't usually get stupid cold, just normal cold. It's quite wet in winter though. Wool comes in handy in that respect. Here by the ocean too it doesn't usually get too hot either.
http://www.bcpassport.com/vancouver-...mpurature.aspx

**bricekolob** · 21st March 10, 07:47 AM

Wool might be a better option. However, I would go with a good 8 yard wool.

**billmcc** · 21st March 10, 09:03 AM

Xman,

I also think you would be better off with a 16 oz. wool kilt due to the climate and temps where you live. Generally speaking, PV is great when temps are over 80 F. It appears your area doesn't get that hot.

**NewGuise** · 21st March 10, 09:27 AM

I've worn a lot of wool on the west coast, in all seasons. I get warm pretty easily, and would likely have some trouble wearing a full 8-yard woolen kilt on a hot dry summer day on the prairies, but have very rarely felt too warm in Vancouver. So I'd go for a 5-yard kilt in 16 oz wool, if I were you ... muh like the one I'm wearing now.

**bricekolob** · 21st March 10, 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by The Scotsman

In the long run, a 16 oz. 8-yard wool kilt will be your best choice. For one thing, they are more durable. Well cared for, a wool kilt will last for more than a century. Then there is something known as "buyer's remorse". If you settle for a synthetic kilt, there will always be that voice in the back of your head saying "why did I waste my money on this thing, I should have gotten a real kilt!"

I got my 8 yard PV and never thought twice! Then again, most of the summer here is towards the 90's. Most of july and part of August get close to 100. I think for warmer climates, what you state as a "real kilt" would kill me.

**ForresterModern** · 21st March 10, 09:44 AM

I have worn 13 aand 16oz kilts in the dry but extremely hot southwest (Phoenix) as well as the not as hot but still hot AND highly humid (85-100% humidity) central-southern midwest (Louisville) and I can still say I would rather wear an 8 yard wool kilt than any PV, personally. I have multiple wool 8yd as well as one 6yd (more like 4.5) 16oz wool casual and another 8yd PV, and other than the cuts and fit being a bit different, do not really find them any more comfortable, although they are a wee bit lighter in overall weight, therefore less to carry around (2.5 pounds vs 4 pounds). In my opinion, other than price (PV and casual being somewhat less expensive), that weight factor would be the only reason to consider a casual or PV over a traditional 8yd wool kilt. And IMHO I persoanlly prefer the wool tank.

jeff

**bricekolob** · 21st March 10, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by ForresterModern

I have worn 13 aand 16oz kilts in the dry but extremely hot southwest (Phoenix) as well as the not as hot but still hot AND highly humid (85-100% humidity) central-southern midwest (Louisville) and I can still say I would rather wear an 8 yard wool kilt than any PV, personally. I have multiple wool 8yd as well as one 6yd (more like 4.5) 16oz wool casual and another 8yd PV, and other than the cuts and fit being a bit different, do not really find them any more comfortable, although they are a wee bit lighter in overall weight, therefore less to carry around (2.5 pounds vs 4 pounds). In my opinion, other than price (PV and casual being somewhat less expensive), that weight factor would be the only reason to consider a casual or PV over a traditional 8yd wool kilt. And IMHO I persoanlly prefer the wool tank.

jeff

How do you do it!!?? I have tried wearing my 5 yard wool to one of the Highland games here in August and could not stand the heat. It was just way to hot (and that was in 75-80 degree weather!) Am I doing something wrong? I guess it is just me. You are not the only one to tell me their 8 yard wool works great in hot weather.

Sorry to hijack the thread for a minute, but what is your typical outfit on a hot summer day, Forrester? (when wearing the tank)