You can't do better than Rocky's answer re shrinkage. I can tell you that my carhardt Victory was sewn so that it is roomy in the waist. In other words, out of the box, it just fits nicely when I snug the velcro all the way to its tighest adjustment. I expect temporary shrinkage on those occassions that it gets washed. Those of you who have carhardt already know that this material likes abuse; washing and wearing just makes it more and more comfortable. However, it comes out of the drier slightly shrunk, then relaxes as you wear it. The way my Victory was made, I'll easily be within the range of adjustability whether the fabric is relaxed, or freshly washed and tighter.

Since my Victory is just days old, I can't offer any insight into how it will weather, but I'll echo a comment I made in my original post. This is the kilt I intend to live in. When I got home last night, I put it on, sat on the wrought iron deck chairs and didn't worry about snagging the fabric. Then I wiped some poly onto a cabinet and as always, was careful not to bump my wet finish, but to protect my finish, not my kilt. When I went to bed, I took it off and threw it in a chair. Now that's a working kilt.

I'll post a picture later this weekend.

Sean