Usak?

[Frank MacDuffy]

I'm wondering about how warm the USAK semi-traditional is. Is it warm enough for winter? What other companies sell poly-viscose kilts heavy enough to stand up to winter? And do you think there are any companies that could send one in time for Christmas? I just found out that I've got the funds for an inexpensive kilt and I'm dying to get myself a Christmas present!

[auld argonian]

I've worn a USA casual out in cold, windy Chicago weather...note that I was wearing an "underkilt climate reinforcement" garment (okay...some reasonably sturdy boxer briefs from Target...I recommend them to those of us who feel the need) and my kilt pin is pewter and relatively heavy. It has been noted here that if you have the torso, head and feet dressed warmly, your kilt area stays pretty comfortable and I agree with that. In my case, this was a casual...I'd expect that the semi-trads would be even warmer. Lots of our kilties that live in the way-warmer climes of the Southern and Southwestern USA are USA Kilts hardcores....they praise their comfort in the heat. I've worn the USA casual around here in warm weather and it's been fine but it's also proved its worth in the cold.

You certainly have a couple of other options for a quick and reasonably priced kilt but USA offers such a great variety of tartans in that PV that it's hard to resist.

Best

AA

[Colin]

** Moved to General Kilt Talk as opposed to Traditional Kilts***

I had an 8 yard in PV (from another vendor), and it was warm enough for the Vancouver winters. I know the semi-traditionals are differnet than the kilt I owned, but if they are 6 or more yards of the Marton Mills PV that USA kilts uses, it should be warm enough for WA. I wouldn't recommned a 4 yard PV kilt for the winter it's just too light of a material. PV will not compare to wool for warmth no matter how well made it is, but the heavier yardage added enough weight to block the wind and rain.

[Andrew Breecher]

I've worn an 8-yard PV kilt through Boston winters with no problems. A PV kilt with wool kilt hose is still warmer than blue jeans.

Andrew.

[The Wizard of BC]

I own two of Rocky and Kelly's Semi-Trads.
Would I wear them outside in temps. below freezing? No. But then I probably would not wear a kilt at all. ( I hate the cold).
There simply is no other kiltmaker offering a heavier weight P/V. There is no heavier P/V. If you see someone offering 13oz or heavier P/V, they are lying. It does not exist.

That being said, there is no other P/V Casual Kiltmaker that I would buy from. The quality, price, and all around superior service make then the hands-down leader.


I know USAKilts are busy at this time of year, (We all are) but place you order with Rocky. You won't regret it.

[MacTavishOfJapan]

Get the USA Kilt!!!! I want to see it in London!!!!!!

[possingk]

I have three USAK casual's, I wear them in the winter, although usually under a very heavy trench coat while outside. I know HoseHead has a semi-trad and complains at times that it is OK when outside in the winter, but can be too warm while inside during the winter. I think you will be fine. It is not wool, but it is a lot of material none the less. Someday I will get one, first my tank, second my Rocker Freedom Kilt, then a semi-trad.

Speaking of Freedom Kilts Steve you live in BC and don't like cold???

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

I'll add my endorsement for USAK's. I have 4, 3 casuals and 1 semi-trad. I love them. Just keep the torso warm. I made the mistake of wearing my USAK Ireland's National to Oktoberfest here a few weeks ago with just a short sleeve shirt and sandals. Now the fest was at a park on the water and a cold front moved through that evening. With the wind, a little higher humidity, and the falling temps (only down to 50 or so), I got cold, to the point of shivering. BUT, that was because my torso was losing heat so fast, I could not keep warm. If I had worn a long sleeve shirt, or even had a sweatshirt or such to put on I would have been fine. It wasn't what was under the kilt that was cold!

[Graham]

It doesn't get as cold here as Canada, but if I want to be really warm, it's hard to beat wool.

I love my several USAK PV's and wear them most of the time but there is simply nothing warmer than wool.

I agree about keeping the torso warm - that's essential.

[Kilted Stuart]

Canadian Casual kilt in the same PV or wool. 5yrd or full 8yrd machine sewn with buckels and traditional style bells and whistles. Custom to the order not off the rack.

Enough said,

Kilted Stuart