USA Kilts Casual Kilt Package

[Creeker]

USA Kilts are great. You can't beat a USA casual kilt for the quality and price. They are made to measure so you don't have to worry about the it being too long or short off the rack. I am a short guy so it's hard to get anything off the rack because they're usually too long.
I have a casual and a semi traditional. Like others are saying and what Rocky told me when I got my first kilt from him, it's easier to dress down a nicer kilt than it is to dress up a more casual one.

[tulloch]

Just take a good look around and consider your need versus desire for immediate gratification. If you have a strong pull toward a particular tartan and want something nice to wear then you might hoard your pennies for a bit. For a little over double what you're planning to spend you can get a nice wool "tank" that you'll find quite different from a pv garment. If you are looking for something to get you going quick and don't have any long-term plan then the package you are considering might do fine. Don't be afraid to approach people parades and festivals. Look at their kilts and ask them about them. I can tell you that when you are walking in a wool kilt it is quite distinct. You will notice the difference.

[Panache]

backwoods,

I am a big fan of USA Kilts having three of their semi-traditional PV kilts and one of their 5 yard wool kilts. The casual package is a good value, but I would ask you what kind of kilted look appeals to you? If all you wish is a casual look then go for the package. However if you would like to be able to dress up your kilt then I would suggest saving up for the semi-traditional model.

The straps aren't really a factor (save for the look) on whether or not a kilt is formal looking or not (on handsewn wool two strap kilts you don't see the straps). However the USA casual kilt is worn lower on the hips than their semi-traditional model (which fits like a traditional kilt). This look is fine for a casual kilt but it isn't the way a traditional kilt looks. Also I believe the belt offered in the casual package is a standard 1.5 inch belt. While this is fine with a casual kilt outfit it is going to look wrong with a dressier one (where 2 1/2 belts are the standard).

It has been mentioned already that it is easier to dress down a more formal kilt than dress up a casual one. If you see yourself wanting to be able to dress up this first kilt in the future and fit into a more formal highland event with other kilt wearers it is worth it to go for the semi traditional kilt.

To give you an idea of what you can do with a USA semi-traditional kilt here are a few pictures of my Galbraith tartan one.















Though I have not done so, I wouldn't hesitate to wear it with my Prince Charlie Coatee.

By the by, as part of the Casual Kilt Package, Rocky offers two different Buzz Kidder Sporrans (the middle two). Even if you don't go for the package these are perhaps the very best choice for a black casual sporran. They are extremely well made, big, and of thick soft leather. Going with a cheaper option will not serve you in the long run like one of these.

Hope this was of some help.

Cheers

Jamie

[Geoff Withnell]

Actually, Rocky gives directions for wear at either jeans waist OR traditional kilt waist for the Casual model. I wear my USAK Casuals at the kilt waist. You can also get them with standard 2.25 inch kilt belt loops, for the standard kilt belt.

backwoods,

I am a big fan of USA Kilts having three of their semi-traditional PV kilts and one of their 5 yard wool kilts. The casual package is a good value, but I would ask you what kind of kilted look appeals to you? If all you wish is a casual look then go for the package. However if you would like to be able to dress up your kilt then I would suggest saving up for the semi-traditional model.

The straps aren't really a factor (save for the look) on whether or not a kilt is formal looking or not (on handsewn wool two strap kilts you don't see the straps). However the USA casual kilt is worn lower on the hips than their semi-traditional model (which fits like a traditional kilt). This look is fine for a casual kilt but it isn't the way a traditional kilt looks.

<snippage>
Hope this was of some help.

Cheers

Jamie

[backwoods]

Once again many thanks for to all contributing for the advice which is proving most helpful. If I get the USAK casual (or another model from them) I am definitely going for the kilt waist as this is closer to how I wear my slacks in general (right over the navel) and I have read/seen examples that it gives a much better and traditional appearance in general.

For the sake of comfort and appearance what do you all think about the standard belts versus 2.25 belts both for reasons of comfort as well as presentation for casual and/or festival wear? I have been wearing cloth, military-style belts for the last several years so I have been out of habit of wearing leather belts for awhile, much less a large leather belt as used with the kitls. I am wondering what the difference in the feel, etc. from wearing the wider belts is as opposed to the more standard size.

For my first kilt I am mainly aiming toward something casual at this point but I am also taking into consideration that my first kilt will (if I enjoy it) more likely than not be my ONLY kilt (before looking into USA Kilts I was actually browsing primarily on ScotWeb.) My initial aim for the first volley is something that I can wear to Highland Games, casually at home and to some area events.

Due to the arrival time for custom kilts even if I make a decision and purchase within the next few weeks I will be past point of getting it in time for any of the closer-by Scottish Games that I might attend so it might be awhile after I do get the kilt that I will be able to wear it at preferred venues (i.e. Highlands Games) so I will have some time to consider in the meantime as well as gather some more pennies.

[rondo]

I like wide belts...I think they look better. I have a 3" leather belt that can get warm with all that fabric under it. I also have two 2" web type belts that are nice and comfortable for casual wear but most of the time I still grab my 3" leather belt.

Rondo

[backwoods]

Any good sources for purchasing the web belts for kilts? I noticed Panache/Jamie sporting a few in the pictures he uploaded earlier in this thread, looks like it may be a good option to have on hand.

[rondo]

Any good sources for purchasing the web belts for kilts? I noticed Panache/Jamie sporting a few in the pictures he uploaded earlier in this thread, looks like it may be a good option to have on hand.

I got mine at strapworks.com...but these are not the military type web belts that Panache is sporting in his photos.

Rondo

[Panache]

Actually, Rocky gives directions for wear at either jeans waist OR traditional kilt waist for the Casual model. I wear my USAK Casuals at the kilt waist. You can also get them with standard 2.25 inch kilt belt loops, for the standard kilt belt.

I was unaware this was an option Geoff, thanks for enlightening me.


Cheers

Jamie

[Panache]

Any good sources for purchasing the web belts for kilts? I noticed Panache/Jamie sporting a few in the pictures he uploaded earlier in this thread, looks like it may be a good option to have on hand.

backwoods,

My web belt came from Ace Hardware and was all of $7 a couple years ago. Head down to your local hardware store and take a look at the tool belt aisle. Often times you can also find nice wide leather belts as well.

Cheers

Jamie