Nato Issue Kilt

[chacbalam]

OK here are the official measurements as given on the label: height-64 cm, waist-80 cm, breech-96 cm. The actual measured length of the kilt from top to bottom is 23.5 inches (sorry that I am switching between standard and metric).

I took It into Hector-Russel in San Francisco and had them make a few adjustments. My actual waist is about 34 in or somewhere around 85 cm. I had them remove the inside buckle and strap and move the outside buckle up to the very top of the kilt. The one outside buckle works just fine with friction keeping the inside apron up. The kiltmakers at HR told me that a second inside strap is a fairly new inovation for military kilts. Until recently they were only made with one. If the buckles were left in the original position they forced the kilt to sit too high on my waist and the length become to short. They also adjusted the waist size. That is an easy adjustment. I know thet it can be let out to at least 36 in, the first adjustment was too large.

The fabric is a good quality 16 oz weave. While it is not as soft as my dress tank , I have been wearing it "regimental" for the last few days and I am not uncomfortable. Remember this is military issue, so I wouldn't expect the finest weave.

I am happy with my purchase and would encourage others to think about purchaing from them. The3 main concern as I see it is the length of the kilt. The length did work out for me, but if it had been too short I would have been screwed.

[Barry]

Thanks Tim, couldn't ask for more.

Its good news that it can be 'eased' at the waist as my 32" have now gradually crept up to 33". (Oh why was I cursed with a liking for red wine and chocolate?).


Slainte!

[Southern Breeze]

Thanks for the additional info.A while back I had some questions about these myself. Here's the links in case you missed them.
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=14420

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...6&page=1&pp=10

[Sherry]

So when do we get to see you in it?

[chacbalam]

I need to get some picts taken. I see If I can get someone at work top do it for me. Now if I can just remember what packet I keep my camera in.

By the way how do I embed pictures in my message? In the old board I just used my personal gallery.

[Nanook]

Looking in the archives I tripped on this:

The fabric is a good quality 16 oz weave. While it is not as soft as my dress tank , I have been wearing it "regimental" for the last few days and I am not uncomfortable. Remember this is military issue, so I wouldn't expect the finest weave.

Different from civilian cloth but hardly inferior. There used to be a difference in the quality of cloths between officers and lower ranks but that's some time ago (its been reduced to pattern and not material or workmanship quality). The specification for the regimental tartan has been more costly than those typically used for civilian kilts. The cloth is woven a bit differently resulting in a cloth that is a bit "fuzzier" and thicker to the feel. Kilts are also a bit warmer and less likely to pick up a "shine". Workmanship too is hardly to a lower grade than any of the premiere league. Pleating to the stripe is not easier and many regimental kilts use box pleating to the whole 8 yards. In many ways, I think, they are superior garments. Working against them is the observation that they are heavier, high rise and snug fitting (less suitable to beer guts), warm, available only in limited tartans AND (if not sourced from surplus) more expensive (and they clearly look military).

[thescot]

You can go here to find heavy strome (22 oz!) military style kilts in a bunch of sizes at a comparable cost:

http://www.whatpriceglory.com/scot.htm

Blackwatch, Grodon, MacKenzie, and Cameron are all available in fat boy sizes as well for around $300. It's about the same as noted above, only the sizes are availble.

I bought a Gordon, and I haven't been sorry. For an everyday kilt, it'll outlast me for sure. In fact, I am at school (teaching), and I am wearing it today!

[bubba]

You can go here to find heavy strome (22 oz!) military style kilts in a bunch of sizes at a comparable cost:

http://www.whatpriceglory.com/scot.htm

From what I understand the WPG kilts are reproductions of the WW I period kilts and were in use through WW II. Modern military kilts are 18 ounce wool rather than the old 22 oz. I have the WPG Cameron and absolutely love it for winter wear.

[Nanook]

You can go here to find heavy strome (22 oz!) military style kilts in a bunch of sizes at a comparable cost:

http://www.whatpriceglory.com/scot.htm

From what I see they are not made to specification, neither in material nor workmanship, but are made following (historic) patterns. I'm not quite sure about the 22 oz. as current (and even WW-II era) kilts are (were) not made of 22 oz cloth. Current specifications have been using 19oz tartans that have (up untill now) been contracted from (reading the news closely) Hainsworth in Yorkshire (and woven by Robert Noble and Co). Or are these really 19oz tartans sourced from Hainsworth, Noble or House of Edgar and being called 22 oz (since they feel much heavier to the touch than 18 Oz Strome material)?

[beloitpiper]

You can go here to find heavy strome (22 oz!) military style kilts in a bunch of sizes at a comparable cost:

http://www.whatpriceglory.com/scot.htm

That's what I'm saving up for. A beautiful Gordon kilt with enough weight to survive a Wisconsin winter.