my currant quandry.......tank?

[bubba]

You could get a kilted skirt made to the length you want or get a mans tank, makes no nevermind to me. When to wear it, any time you want to look nice, not just major dress up occassions. Wear it with a nice blouse or shirt and there are some very nice ladies jackets that would work nicely. Ladies suit type jackets are cut much shorter than mens jackets so no mods should be needed. The Stillwater alternative is there as has been mentioned in case you really aren't sure about spending the money on a custom tank. Whatever you decide, do it and revel in it.

[Rampant Lion]

I agree with bubba, if you're concerned about getting a "men's kilt" you could get a kilted skirt made to knee length out of 8 yards of 16 oz. material. I don't think it'd be too hard for a kiltmaker to make the "kilt" open on the other side.
When I was at the local highland games here in Calgary I saw a lady in a kilt and I will admit it took me aback for a brief moment. I saw her off and on throughout the day and totally came to think it was cool. I think my initial reaction might have been because her fella had a matching kilt on too. haha. Kinda like couples in matching jogging suits.
I'm more of a traditionalist, but I say wear what you want. A heavy weight kilted skirt just might make things... easier.

[Colin]

I will be honest with you Cloves, it sounds to me like you would be wasting your money on a traditional 8 yard kilt. It sounds like the comtemporay kilts better suit your lifestyle. A traditional kilt is an awesome piece of art and very comfortable to wear, but it may feel out of place in the job you do, or the activities you enjoy. I would instead suggest that you check out a dress model Freedom kilt and see what you think of the fit and the feel of a comtempory kilt that, by all reviews, has all the best attributes of the traditional kilt. The freedom kilt is in a solid colour and made of materials that will suit the needs you have listed in your first post in this thread. However, it sound slike Steve has captured the feel, the weight, the wing, and the presentation of a traditional kilt in his dress model (plus you can add pockets )

This will also give you an clear idea of whether a traditional kilt fit, feel, weight, tratan, price, etc are something that may appeal to you.

If it is simply the tartan you are wanting, I second the suggestion for a USAKilts semi-trad. Easier to clean, and very versatile.

[bubba]

I'm going to disagree with one thing said here, don't go with the USAK casual, go with the semi traditional. It's much closer to a full traditional kilt in fit and feel.