USA kilts vs. Celtic Croft kilts

[Alan H]

It must be said that Celtic Croft DOES offer kilts in certain tartans that you can't get anywhere else without buying a tank. I've thought hard about ordering a box pleat from them in the Ulster tartan, and may still do that, someday. Since box pleat kilts have fewer creases in them, "falling out" pleats aren't as drastic a disaster as they are with a knife pleat kilt.

[fluter]

Back to John's original question: If it's your family tartan, my guess is that you're going to want to dress it up on occasion. For that purpose, I think you'd be happiest with the USAK semi-trad. It will have more fabric, more pleats, and the traditional tailoring to which you're accustomed.

I also love my USAK casual, and I've certainly worn it with a coat and tie. It's designed as a low-rise kilt, so let Rocky know if you intend to wear a casual at high rise.

Either way, you'd love the PV fabric. It is really great for our southern climes, but has enough weight for the all-important swing. Plus, it laughs at wrinkles, but the pleats are there to stay.

The Celtic Croft economy is made of their homespun material (see below), and it's a more or less "tubular" tailored kilt like the SWK economy or thrifty. See the description on their Web site, it'll work if your hips and waist are close to the same size. I have not seen/worn one.

It must be said that Celtic Croft DOES offer kilts in certain tartans that you can't get anywhere else without buying a tank. I've thought hard about ordering a box pleat from them in the Ulster tartan ...

I have a belted plaid in Celtic Croft's homespun poly-wool, and I love it for that application. I think it suits a belted plaid or phillabeg perfectly, as the finish is just a little rough and rustic. Were you looking at a phillabeg, or is there a box-pleat option that I've missed?

Come to think of it: John, consider a belted plaid from Celtic Croft. I'll bet it would look terrific on you! and it won't break the bank, either.