Semi vs. Casual

[Jim H.]

Hello, I was thinking of getting a second kilt, in the McLeod the Loud, and I was wondering what would be a better fit for my lifestyle. I usually have only worn my kilt to your random Celtic festival or party (and bowling once which I WOULDN'T recommend lol.) I'm looking at getting a second kilt to to wear around for fun and less dressy. I mean for a hair over a hundred bucks ($110 to be exact) I could get one, or I could buy one for twice the price. Is it worth the extra investment if I already have a 16 oz. wool 5 yarder? I am guessing that I will walk away with a casual but what are the opinions of others on the board who have gotten both?

Thanks,
Jim H.

[ccga3359]

It sounds like you don't wear one much so you'd probably be happier with the less expensive casual.

[Jim H.]

Well the idea was that I would be able to wear kilts more often if I had more than one. I would like one for working around the house/outside and thought it would be cool to have a PV kilt for this use. How easy to clean is PV? What will the teflon coat hold off?

[McMurdo]

I personally like my Semi-Traditional Black Stewart from USA Kilts, I am wearing it now and just got back from Scottish Country Dancing, for my money I would say go for the Semi Traditional as it will fit closer to your wool kilt, I really think a kilt should sit at the traditional rise, that seems to work for me. Here is my review and photos of it

[ccga3359]

Well for woking round the house I'd suggest canvas or acrylic (SWK). PV can be machine washed unlike wool but it's not something I would do on a regular basis. PV is for the look and feel of wool without the price, and somewhat cooler in the summer. PV is also in the $200+ range. Are you sure you're looking a pv?

[Finn]

Looks great!

[Thebes]

PV is also in the $200+ range. Are you sure you're looking a pv?

The USAKilts Casual is an 11oz poly-viscose.

It should also be noted that the USAK Casual's pleats are sewn along the outer edge, which really helps hold them in when they are pressed between a sweaty rump and a leather office chair. Thats a nice, practical, feature if you don't like ironing. The semi-traditional is also listed as 11oz pv, but is made in a more traditional way.

[Riverkilt]

Just talked about this on the thread below, If I would have known.

I own 11 casuals and six semi-trads with one more semi-trad on order. I've chosen to switch to semi-trads. But I'm not you. Pics in my gallery may help compare the two.

My main reason for liking the semi-trad was not having to wear a belt.

Ron

[Panache]

I would go for the semi-traditional. I have the USA Kilts Loud Mcleod in a semi-traditional and it's rapidly become a favorite. The lesser weight is compensated for my having a lot of pleats. One thing to note on the PV Mcleod of Lewis tartan that USA Kilts uses is that it is not the exact loud Mcleod tartan. Instead of three black stripes of the same width, the center stripe is wider. So this would be a bit of a variant. However nobody has doubted that it is Loud Mcleod.

Rocky and Kelly do good work, a MacNaughton semi-traditional kilt is high on my list.

Cheers

Jamie

[pdcorlis]

I'm also partial to the semi-trad. It may just be the best value for dollar out there in its price range. Quality craftsmanship, durable fabric that's easy care, and customer service that's the best in the business!