poliviscose kilts

**Riverkilt** · 19th July 07, 10:49 PM

I stayed away from Polyviscose thinking it was no good. Finally broke down and bought one from USA Kilts (Marston Mills material) and with in a very short while I owned 17 Polyviscose kilts.

I love them! They look good, they wash up in cold water on the gentle cycle with no problem. I use a Black and Decker Gizmo to steam out the pleats if they wrinkle. The pleats also hang out and steam out in a bathroom while I shower.

Only thing I'd do different about the Marston Mills/USA Kilts polyviscose kilts is I'd have bought more semi-traditionals (have six) than casuals (have 11). There's nothing wrong with the casuals...I just like the look of more yardage and pleats in the semi-trad.

Here's a pic of my USA Kilts Ireland's National tartan in semi-traditional style. Need I say more?

And don't forget the klutz protection factor of the teflon coating.

Don't know about the overseas company and what the material really is. But know if its the Marson Mills polyviscose and you trust the kiltmaker you can't go wrong.

Ron

**Jerry** · 20th July 07, 03:39 AM

If you want PV, go with USA Kilts. You will get a very well made custom kilt, at a very reasonable price and from an American company. I have nothing against Scottish kilt makers, but buy buying from Rocky and Kelly, you won't have to deal with import duties and other expenses such as fees charged by certain shipping companies for collecting the duties. Rocky and Kelly are also very easy to work with to help you get exactly what you want.

**Thomas** · 20th July 07, 08:20 AM

Hi, there

Being a newbie, too, I must say that I don´t have that much experiences in kilts. But I got my first kilt from the Heritage of Scotland Company belonging to those "notorious" Gold Bros, and I´m very happy with it. BUT- It seems to me that they offer kilts from different sources. After having ordered a kilt in a wrong size, I was told in a very friendly way to send it back to get an exchange kilt. The second kilt I got had a totally different appearance: casted instead of stamped buckles on the first kilt for example. My mother-in-law, who´s an apprenticed tailor, confirmed that there´s nothing on that kilt to complain of (if you keep in mind the costs of 45 GBP). It´s well stitched and a wonderful garment for casual use.
So my experience is: It´s a game of hazard. But I regard myself as a lucky winner.

(Hmmm-But it seems, this won´t help you any further

)
Cheers from Germany
Thomas

**Raphael** · 20th July 07, 08:24 AM

Polyviscoe is a wonderful material. I have a 3 years old pv kilt and it still looks good after years of washing and wearing. I also have pants that are made of PV as well. They are a durable material and is machine washable. it is going to to save you lots of money in dry cleaning.

**GMan** · 20th July 07, 08:59 AM

Wonderful material!

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 20th July 07, 10:02 AM

In the simplest of simple answers, I prefer wool but NOT when it's hot out!

Imagine standing outside when it's 90 degrees... or being under stage lights in a poorly ventilated auditorium... or sitting in a humid environment. I own a number of Poly-Viscose kilts since they have a place and feel that's unmatched. Sure they can be "revealing" on a windy day, but a little common sense and a heavy kilt pin will help.

Remember too that PV can be washed (carefully) a maintain the color of the tartans. Unless you want to have a closet-full of "ancient/weathered" tartans, these are wonderful.

I own a few BearKilts (which I perform in regularly) and get compliments on them regularly. USAKilts has the pleat depth that will help to lessen the "fly away factor" on those Chicago-esque days.

Just buy with recommendation from those that have experience with the company. You CAN ger PV kilts that are not constructed properly, which will have you questioning the purchase. Shallow pleats, an untapered apron, and poor material will have you wearing light-weight wool... and there's no need for that.

**James MacMillan** · 24th September 07, 10:22 PM

If you really want to know the difference between PV and wool - you must get fabric samples and feel for yourself! Some PV feels very close to some wools.

In general PV is cooler than wool.

In general wool is warmer than PV.

But there are exceptions. I have one recently acquired PV tank that is very nice, is cool and warm at the same time. Heavy enough to ignore the wind, and sturdy enough for long wear.

Some PV comes treated with protective chemicals that greatly extend wear.

Very few wools have any protective treatments - although wools with a great deal of the natural lanilon (sp?) doesn't need any.

Before you buy an expensive kilt in PV, get some samples. Most kilt makers will gladly send you a sample for a small fee, sometimes for fre if you have established your credibility.

**Andrewson** · 25th September 07, 04:14 PM

I am very happy with my PV kilts for all the reasons that the others give - great in the hot weather, easy to clean, feel good etc.

Statistically I probably wear my PV kilts more often that wool just because it is a more practical material for everyday use. But if I want to look extra smart, then it has to be wool.

I took the precaution of buying mine from a reputable maker (Geoffrey (Tailor) in Edinburgh) and I'd recommend you make sure you get a good quality one too. I'm sure you will enjoy it.