Need the community's help!

[Shay]

I'm trying to plan out my next kilt, and these are the questions I hope folks can give a shout out about... I'm putting this under 'general kilt questions,' but if the mods want to move it, that's fine.

How tapered do you prefer your apron if at all?
Are silver rivets on the belt loops too showy? What about other colors? Matching or at least tone-related colors? (copper for tan fabric, gold for red, etc)
Would a d-ring be handy for keys or wallet chains for those who don't want a sporran? Or perhaps a set for clip-on sporrans?
What width do you think is good for the waistband?
Should the belt loops be less or more than one inch wide?
Speaking of belts, do you always wear one with your kilt?*
Do you like anything decorative or functional (like eyelets for kilt pins) on the apron, or could you live without?
Also, would you prefer an attached (w/snaps to the other side) or free (hanging over the other side) front apron?
Do logos seem distracting or cool to you on the outside of a casual kilt?
Do you prefer straight pleats falling down from one plane, or a little tuck-in at the top?
What's the average range of sizes you'd like to see, and any special issues for those sizes?
Do you need pockets?

Thanks so much, if you've got opinions or ideas on any of the above!

*Right now I'm using a long, wide strip of velcro on them for a little adjustability after a big meal- or beer! But if people go sans belt, that might not be enough.

[Dreadbelly]

I like a standard wide classic taper.

Silver rivets. That might look nice, I would have to see it.

D Rings are wonderful. Practical. And shiny!

Waistband? What sort of waistband? Elastic waistband?

I like a good wide thick belt. At least 2 inches for the belt loops, maybe more, but in truth none are needed. I almost always wear a belt.

Eyelets on the apron for kilt pins? I have yet to see such a thing. That may be a good idea. Ask Senor Carbomb.

Not sure what you mean. Snaps? Free hanging?

Depends on the logo. I have grown to love my USAKilts logo on my kilt. I wouldn't dare remove it.

Huh? Pleats? Plane?

Size... Hrm. No comment. I am shrinking.

Pockets? I own a sporran for a reason. But a nice hidden pocket under the apron might be nice.

[Blu (Ontario)]

Hello Shay...

I have listed a number of items I would consider if looking at purchasing a modern kilt:

-Rivets and snaps that are not functional don't appeal to me at all.

-Forget modesty snaps... whats the point.

-D-rings, clips, etc. that are functional would be fine.

-The waist should be sewn down like a traditional kilt IMHO

-The belt loops could be designed with a fastener in the middle to accommodate both a 2-1/4" wide kilt belt and a standard men's belt. (Velcro sewn inside it perhaps??)

-Keep the apron close to traditional. No off-beat shapes, domes, rivets, zippers, etc...

-More & narrow pleats looks better to my eye than fewer wide ones.

-Detachable pockets would be nice.

-I had a kilt with the wide velcro waistband and did not like it at all. Strategically placed shorter lengths would be better. I still prefer buckles... (check out R-Kilts.)

-Logos, if applied, should be optional or removeable.

-Use pre-washed/shrunk fabric if possible.

IMHO, modern kilts should be functional without going overboard. A carpenters apron is great working around the house but I don't buy trousers with a carpenters apron sewn onto it. I think Freelander sporrans are the right approach rather than oversized pockets.

blu

[billmcc]

Shay,

How about a casual (based on 4 yards) tartan kilt with internal pants-type pockets? No American kiltmaker offers a kilt of this kind. The only one that is available, to the best of my knowledge, is the Hillwalker by Hector Russell.

Many kilt wearers prefer the looks of a traditionally styled tartan kilt, but find wearing a sporran all day a pain in the butt. A sporran isn't needed if the kilt has pockets.

[Doc Hudson]

Shay,

How about a casual (based on 4 yards) tartan kilt with internal pants-type pockets? No American kiltmaker offers a kilt of this kind. The only one that is available, to the best of my knowledge, is the Hillwalker by Hector Russell.

Many kilt wearers prefer the looks of a traditionally styled tartan kilt, but find wearing a sporran all day a pain in the butt. A sporran isn't needed if the kilt has pockets.

Check out the side pocket option at Pittsburgh Kilts.

[billmcc]

Check out the side pocket option at Pittsburgh Kilts.

Doc,

Jeff at Pittsburgh Kilts doesn't make tartan kilts.

[Jimmy Carbomb]

How tapered do you prefer your apron if at all?

You'll find that the average taper depends alot on the width of the tartan pattern, and the overall waist size of the customer. You can be safe around the 1.5 to 2 inch range on a casual.

Are silver rivets on the belt loops too showy? What about other colors? Matching or at least tone-related colors? (copper for tan, gold for red, etc)

That a little much. It's fine if the overall appearance is a little "punk" or something along the lines of UtiliKilts. More is less with kilts.

Would a d-ring be handy for keys or wallet chains for those who don't want a sporran? Or perhaps a set for clip-on sporrans?

How many companies already do that? It's done to death. I would suggest that you find something original in an industry that's sorely lacking it.

What width do you think is good for the waistband ?

That's for your original design too. Bear uses his for his unique sewing techniques. Traditionals have none. Find YOUR style for your design.

Should the belt loops be less or more than one inch wide?
Speaking of belts, do you always wear one with your kilt?

Again... do your design. I've done both in numerous kilts, and they work differently for different customers. Bear's fringed loops are a nice touch.

Do you like anything decorative or functional (like eyelets for kilt pins) on the apron, or could you live without ?

Not everyone uses kilt pins... HOWEVER... this is a GREAT example of an original touch. Well done.

Also, would you prefer an attached (w/snaps to the other side) or free (hanging over the other side) front apron?

Um... you would be better to keep it one piece (definition of kilt), unless this is part of an original design. If it's part of an original kilt design... PLEASE do it.

Do logos seem distracting or cool to you on the outside of a casual kilt?

Keep it minimal. Beltline embroidery is good. This is done by companies usually, not someone that's just looking to make the next kilt.

Do you prefer straight pleats falling down from one plane, or a little tuck-in at the top?

That's not possible to determine without the source of the taper.

What's the average range of sizes you'd like to see, and any special issues for those sizes?

Check-out the StillwaterKilts.com site and you'll see what Jerry thinks. Again, that's a strange question for a "next kilt".

Do you need pockets?

On a tartan formal... no. On a tartan casual... no. On a solid... maybe. I like sporrans. The next kilt is yours though... not mine.

~There's MUCH more to consider while you're "making your next kilt". Been there... done that. The schooling that I went through was just part one in finding-out the little intricacies of kilt making. Know the tartans. Know the culture. Know the community. Good luck.