Construction Details

If your question isn't answered here, please send me an email!
 

A.

The "standard" kilts are made from one long piece of material, (around 13 feet long, depending on the waist size). The front apron (the unpleated portion) is 14 to 16 inches wide, with a similar sized inner apron. The bottom and all edges are hemmed. Pleats are sewn along the outside edge and along the inside edge, which makes ironing unnecessary (or at least much easier, depending on the fabric).

The "Two-tone Kilt" is constructed from a shorter piece of fabric, with the inside of the pleats sewn in. The bottom edge is still fully hemmed. Apron sizes are still 14 to 16 inches, and pleats are sewn along the outside and inside edges.

The watch-word at Pittsburgh Kilts is "Solid". Our kilts are constructed to stand up to rigorous wear. Most stress points are reinforced with extra stitching. Even the waistband gets three full rows of stitching alongs its length. Belt loops are well sewn. Items like the apron pockets and sporrans are double-stitched along the edges.

A.

All Pittsburgh Kilts come with a pocket sewn to the inner apron. This has many benefits: the pocket is safe and unobtrusive, easy to access, and the weight of the pocket contents helps the aprons drop nicely in place when you sit down. The pocket is slanted to help you access it from the right-side opening. This pocket can also be outfitted with a zipper.

Other pocket options are also available -- see the Design Options page.

D-rings on the front belt loops provide a convenient place to clip your keys. You can, of course, put them in the apron pocket if you prefer.
 

A.

I use heavy-duty hook fasteners hidden inside the waistband. Other kilt makers have used everything from the traditional buckle fasteners to Velcro and snaps. I like the hooks for many reasons: they are strong, secure, and invisible. Best of all, they are easy to relocate, so if you lose (or add) an inch or two to your waist, a couple minutes with a needle and thread will save you from having to buy a new kilt!

When possible, I will do a final kilt fitting in person, so that I can position the kilt fasteners exactly where you need them. When that isn’t possible, I will send the kilt with extra hooks sewn an inch each way of the waist measurement provided. This gives a full 2 inches of leeway -- a convienent option when attending all-you-can-eat pancake suppers!
 

A.

Cotton twill is my favorite, and I use it where I can. I have had good luck with some poly/cotton blends, but it requires the right "feel" to pick out a good one. I've also sewn kilts in denim and corduroy.

Recently I have found a source for a great all-cotton brushed-denim fabric. The material is soft but tough, and looks great. I continue to search for really good material, and stockpile it when I can.

Click to see what solid-color and camouflage fabrics I have on hand, but please remember, your choices are NOT limited to this selection. If you have a specific request or color in mind, I will search until I find the right fabric for your kilt!
 

A.

Please see the Pittsburgh Kilts Design Options page for information about pocket options.

A.

Yes, there are, and we all owe a debt of gratitude to Steven Villegas, founder of Utilikilts. Please visit the Utilikilts website, and if you see something you like, please buy it! Wear it, enjoy it, and maybe somewhere down the road, you’ll decide that you also want a custom-made kilt from Pittsburgh Kilts.