Appropriate Fitting Q's

[Kilts_Knave]

A badly made kilt on the a guy or a fashion kilt as opposed to a traditional kilt can of course detract immersurably.

First, look at the image in the post "Dressed to kilt" on the "Kilts in the Media" thread. [I couldn't insert the pic here.]

My questions are: 1. Is that normally the height (i.e., just above the navel) to keep in mind when measuring yourself for a kilt? 2. The kilt pictured is traditional, but is there a particular style shown in the picture? 3. [Completely unrelated] How will the traditional lightweight wool tartans feel/hold-up in extrememly hot weather (I live in Homestead/Miami)?

[cajunscot]

How will the traditional lightweight wool tartans feel/hold-up in extrememly hot weather (I live in Homestead/Miami)?

Remember that Scottish soldiers in the British Army did wear kilts in other "tropical" climes such as the Caribbean, India and South Africa, as well as wool tunics.

I have read of folks in Florida and other "hot" places wearing traditional kilts with jackets made from lightweight cotton/linen, etc.

Cheers,

Todd

[Bill]

Good-morning!

Just a thought (remember I'm no expert here) perhaps the choice of a 4 yard casual kilt rather than a eight yard "tank" for the climate there might be better.

Bill

[Celticman]

I have read of folks in Florida and other "hot" places wearing traditional kilts with jackets made from lightweight cotton/linen, etc.

Todd

And, you can get your tartan made of cotton as well. Depending on the tartan you choose (not all clans tartans are offered) it can also be a lot less expensive than wool and will wear a bit cooler as well; that is, if you're not a "strict" traditionalist.

[Dreadbelly]

PV!!!

It breathes better than wool. Also wicks away moisture and has a good evaporation rate.

Good stuff that for hotter climes.

[GatorUK]

Normally the waist measurement is taken around the naval, but follow the measuring instructions from the kilt maker.
I have a 13oz 8yd I wear here in Key West and have not been uncomfortable in the heat down here. I will be getting a 5yd hillwalker, not because of the weight but because of the price.
I got mine from Alexis Malcolm. She use to be based there in Homestead but recently moved up to Clewiston.

[Kilts_Knave]

A kilt maker in Clewiston --close enough to drive to in 2-and-a-half hours. Thanks for the tip, Gator, and pop me a private message. (I go to Key West often for work, maybe we can grab a bite to eat...)

[cajunscot]

PV!!!

It breathes better than wool. Also wicks away moisture and has a good evaporation rate.

Good stuff that for hotter climes.

I was involved in Civil War reenacting for a number of years, and I still do living history demonstrations for the park service, as well as reenact the Spanish-American War, and my observations about wool come mostly from that. I have worn wool in mid-summer in some hot, "sub-tropical" climates, and believe me, wool is much more practical than "man-made" materials. Wool does "breathe" and wicks away moisture -- try standing out in a driving rainstorm for a weekend in synthetics! Wool is also very durable & it's no wonder that armies used wool for many years to make uniforms. Wool is also better when it comes to fire.

Whenever we'd do a living history program, we would always get the question "Aren't you hot in those clothes?" (the reenactor's version of THE kilt question) -- I usually explain that wool "breathes" and that direct exposure of skin to the sun (in synthetic tank-tops and shorts, usually what the touristas were wearing) makes you feel hotter than being covered up.

I do agree with Bill; one of Matt's 4-yd. box-pleated kilts would be a good "tropic-weight" kilt.

I wouldn't think cotton material would hold the pleats...but I could be wrong...

Cheers,

Todd

[Alan H]

While I love my Stillwater Kilts and I think they're a great buy for the $$, I have to admit that on a hot day, the acrylic makes them mighty toasty to wear.