kilt in the rain?

[SFCRick]

You will also discover why the kilt is worn at the "proper" height, at or above the top of the knee cap, when your kilt gets really wet.

This man should know.

[Pleater]

Ah yes - the dreaded wodge of wet kilt caught in the fold of the knee - longer kilts are fine when it is fine, or you are watching the rain roll down the other side of a window, but the top of the kneecap is where to wear your kilt in the wet, or you are likely to get the skin on the back of your knee sandpapered off.

However - should you have a fine long plaid to pull around you, you will remain dry for quite a long time, and if not dry, then at least warm, for wet wool is more windproof than dry. Several times I have startled people by having a visible aura of water vapour as it evaporates off my wet woolen clothing after coming inside out of the rain. Having seen it in a mirror once it is quite impressive and not a little spooky.

Having once been persuaded to remove my slightly wet wool jersey and put on a modern man made waterproof when out sailing, I never did it again, for I was never so cold. The wool of my jersey had felted slightly, as it was not treated to be washable, and it was very thick and warm.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[Deil the Yin]

Ah, yes. Never thought of that one! Very poignant, indeed.

Ah yes - the dreaded wodge of wet kilt caught in the fold of the knee - longer kilts are fine when it is fine, or you are watching the rain roll down the other side of a window, but the top of the kneecap is where to wear your kilt in the wet, or you are likely to get the skin on the back of your knee sandpapered off.

However - should you have a fine long plaid to pull around you, you will remain dry for quite a long time, and if not dry, then at least warm, for wet wool is more windproof than dry. Several times I have startled people by having a visible aura of water vapour as it evaporates off my wet woolen clothing after coming inside out of the rain. Having seen it in a mirror once it is quite impressive and not a little spooky.

Having once been persuaded to remove my slightly wet wool jersey and put on a modern man made waterproof when out sailing, I never did it again, for I was never so cold. The wool of my jersey had felted slightly, as it was not treated to be washable, and it was very thick and warm.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[KiltedMariner]

All,

Thanks for the replies. Your contributions are so very useful. I wore the kilt today, it was drizzly but not really raining. I was quite comfy. The kilt is hanging up now and appears no worse for wear (pun intended!)

Thanks again!
Richard

[Stravaiger]

It's maybe stating the obvious, but how wet you get in your kilt probably depends on what it's made of.. My normal hill-walking kilt is a 40+ year old wool one which is about 13oz weight. In heavy, driven, rain I've been wet through to the skin on several occasions - though perfectly comfortable (regimental helps there ). My "winter" hill kilt hasn't been tested in that kind of rain yet, but the military spec 18oz material is almost felted on the outside & gives the impression that it will shed rain much better.

[Panache]

Richard,

I'm glad you survived the elements!

Maybe next time you will even sing...

I'm Kilting in the rain
Just Kilting in the rain
My pleats are swingin’
I'm happy again
I'm laughing at clouds
So dark up above
I’ve tartan round my waist
And I'm ready for love
Let the stormy clouds chase
Everyone from the place
Come on with the rain
I’ve 16 oz. wool for my ace
I swish and swagger down the lane
With a happy refrain
Just Kilting',
Kilting' in the rain

Pleats swingin’ in the rain
Dee-ah dee-ah dee-ah
Dee-ah dee-ah dee-ah
I'm happy again!
I'm swingin’ and kiltin’ in the rain



(I posted this some time ago, but I just can't resist )


Cheers

Jamie :ootd:


With apologies to Gene Kelly