Advice on a total Knock-Around Kilt

[nh_maclean]

Ok. I spend a lot of time working out (not as much as I'd like) and when it's warmer, on the roads running. I'm even contemplating trying my hand some Athletic events at the Games (Lord help us all!)...

I probably wouldn't workout kilted but I have done some running events kilted in a UK... but would want something more 'traditional' (and lighter) for competing in the Games as I certainly don't want to batter, maim or otherwise screw up any of my good kilts. (And a UK gets heavy by the time 7-8mi. rolls around - so chances are I might do some running in it as well!)

So what's your favorite (and cheap) knock-around kilt that takes a beating but holds up well enough to go from running/hiking/doing weight events to running around town doing erands? I've looked at Sports Kilts, the SWK Economy & Thrifty kilts and USAKilts' Casuals... but are there others out there? Pros/Cons - guys who compete/do athletic events/hike - I want to hear from you!

Things I'm thinking about:
1. holds a good pleat - sewn down pleats a huge plus
2. easy to clean
3. looks good around town
4. light but won't necessarily fly up when someone near me sneezes
5. price
6. are belt loops necessary?
7. how surdy is the velcro closure - would I need a belt?
8. sizing - with doing sport - I'd like some flexibility of adjustment, etc. for ease of movement.

Cheers,
Noah

PS - My apologies if this should be posted elsewhere.

[Inchessi]

You have listed the only two types I own. I enjoy both for hiking and laying about. The SWK also has a wool look, so I wear that one to church. The Sport kilt is not lined, and is on the light side.

I enjoy both of these brands, and I am overly satisfied, i.e. I got more than I paid for.

[xena]

I know a lot of folks think poorly (like they wouldn't be seen outside the house in one) of SWK Thrifty's, but I don't mind them. In the summer time, I wear them out and about, and even to work. *gasp*

Certainly the fell is not sewn in, so they hang a bit more like the early Phillabegs that were just held in place by a belt rather than sewn in. But, that just gives 'em a bit of historicity as far as I'm concerned.

But no, I wouldn't recommend wearing one with a PC. They're an okay lightweight casual kilt and that's about it. The pleats are not sewn in, but I have an easier time ironing my SWK Thrifty's than my SWK Standards. I'm not sure why that is - it may just be me!

Your mileage may vary.

[Rex_Tremende]

Given your requirements, without a doubt, Rocky's USA Kilts casual is what you need.

Regards,
Rex.

[nh_maclean]

Given your requirements, without a doubt, Rocky's USA Kilts casual is what you need.

Regards,
Rex.

I should edit my post - I've been looking at Rocky's casuals as well!
Thanks!

[kennethrmc]

I've owned several SWK acrylics and my wife has a sportkilt dress. I also own one USAKilt casual. IMO, the USAKilt casual is in a higher league than the others, costs not much more, and is still sturdy & washable.
1. The sewn pleats keep their shape, so it still looks like a kilt at the end of the day.
2. It is custom fitted, so goes on one's hips like a more expensive kilt.
3. Velcro holds tight, so you don't have to be encumbered with a belt.
4. Fabric is great for staying cool in the summer
5. Unlike the other two options, it looks good enough that I'll wear it to Highland Events when I want to appear traditional (I wouldn't wear it for a wedding, funeral or Burns Dinner---but then I wouldn't wear anything less than a handsewn 8-yarder for such, anyway).

[Flintlock Tom]

I have a black Amerikilt and am very happy with it for casual wear. Very sturdy and holds its pleats very well.

[myghell]

Greetings,
I too have an AmeriKilt, and can wear it just about anywhere I want to go.
I have worn mine to Church, the grocery store, work, sporting events (to both watch and play in) and to Scottish / Celtic events. It looks good, is easy to clean and Iron, well made, is not too heavy (read hot.. I live in Texas). I have just ordered my Third one from them (I now have 2 black and a Khaki).

Thanks for taking the time to read this,
Myghell

[Tobus]

Given your requirements, without a doubt, Rocky's USA Kilts casual is what you need.

Regards,
Rex.

That's exactly what I was thinking. The criteria he gave fits the USA casual kilt perfectly. It has sewn "perma-pleats" and velcro closure that allows some adjustability (even though it's built to the customer's measurements) and a belt is optional. It's made from PV material so it's easy to clean yet still has good weight and looks right. It hangs well, doesn't suffer from wrinkle problems, and can be worn for almost all kilted occasions except formal stuff.

And the cost is low enough that it won't break the bank if it gets damaged.

[CMcG]

I own a Sportkilt and think it sounds right for your needs, especially the Works model. The advantages over your other options are: sewn down pleats (vs. SWK Thrifty), buckles (vs. SWK Thrifty and USAkilts casual), fringed apron (vs. USAkilts casual), custom length (vs. SWK), velcro closure (vs. SWK Economy), belt loops (SWK Thrifty).

My lass feels that the addition of the fringe and buckles makes a knock-around kilt more presentable for wearing outside of sports, which is one of your requirements... to her, these features help to distinguish a kilt from a skirt.

The buckles and belt loops aren't necessary in terms of function because the velcro closure system is sturdy and adjustable. It's nice to hike up the side of mountain, wipe off the sweat, throw on a belt and sporran, then head to the pub looking sharp! That's exactly what I did in my Sportkilt this past summer on the Grouse Grind in Vancouver, BC.

That being said, a SWK Thrifty can't be beat for price...

Also, USAkilts is having a sale on their off-the-rack casuals right now: