Brand new to kilts...

[Foosinho]

I've been lurking around the site for about a week or so, and am thinking about making the plunge I've been considering for probably better than 15 years (ie, virtually my entire adult life) and purchasing my first kilt.

First, a little about me. I'm not of Scottish descent; but I have a very complete tree on my mother's side in Ireland, and can trace a direct link to John Garvey of Co. Mayo, Archbishop of Armagh, Church of Ireland (d. 1591). There is also more than one marriage to the Butler family (Earls of Ormonde, Co. Kilkenny), there's a tie to a Col. Shortall that appeared to come to Ireland with Cromwell, and there's even a purported tie to King James I (one of his granddaughters allegedly married into the family, but I've been unable to verify this - my grandfather was the genealogist, and his notes don't say which King James, nor any other detail either. Time-wise, it's got to be James I - aka James VI in Scotland. So I guess I *do* have some Scottish blood in me, if that's accurate. All rather ironic, considering the long history of Catholicism in my mother's family. ) Regardless, I feel a much stronger tie to my Irish roots than any Scottish history, and I'm interested in kilts partially as an expression of my Gaelic roots.

I've never worn a kilt, and I've been put off by the cost I've seen for the high-end tailored wool kilts; that seems like a lot to pay if it's something I don't like or end up virtually never wearing. My suits (which I virtually never wear) don't come anywhere close in cost to a top-shelf kilt.

So, I'm intrigued by the Stillwater Thrifty-Kilts. That seems like an excellent jumping-off point. I can always follow up with better, more expensive kilts if I find out it's "for me".

However, I still have some concerns.

First - I'm actively trying to slim down some. I'm not huge - 6'2", 230lb - but I do have a gut. I measured last night at 46" chest, 46" waist (across the belly button), and 45" rump. I was a little surprised at those numbers, since 38" pants require a belt to stay put; but I wear my pants pretty low. I've got long legs, and pants look better on me a little lower. I've seen plenty of pictures here of kilts at the "natural waist" and at the belly button, and they look good, so that's where I want to wear it. Should I hold off a bit and see if I can shed more weight, or should I jump in now and sew on some additional velcro if I need to take a few inches off the kilt later? It's an inexpensive kilt, but I still don't want to be throwing money away. (I'd like to get it a little early so I can start getting accustomed to it before the Dublin Irish Festival in Dublin Ohio, 100 days from now; I'd like to be able to wear it out then.)

Second - what accessories are a MUST? If I love it, it seems pretty obvious I'll be kitting myself out completely, but for casual or sporty wear (most of my Oxford shirts are not solid colors - checked, instead - so at least early on we're talking about casual wear out-n-about, maybe to the pub or some Columbus Crew footy games, and not with nicer shirts, much less a twill jacket) what kind of accessories should I get right away, to ensure I don't look goofy? I assume belt, sporran, hose... flashes? Kilt pin? If I get a Thrifty-Kilt and a belt, should I sew on my own belt loops? Or is everything pretty much going to stay put on it's own?

Finally - and I'll end my novel on this one - I know choice of tartan, and the acceptability of that choice, can be very personal, but it's important to me that I have a good reason for choosing what tartans I choose. I don't think I'd be comfortable wearing a specific clan tartan "just because". So I'm probably going to start out with an Irish National. I think I can justify a Barclay Dress, as the colors are perfect for Columbus Crew games. I'm still looking for a tartan that would work for Ohio State sporting events. Other than that... I think I should be sticking to territorial tartans. Thoughts? Would Stewart tartans be unreasonable (since I can't even authenticate the presumed link)? Am I getting ahead of myself since I don't even have one kilt yet, or am I just anticipating the inevitable?

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

A couple of random thoughts--

1) always get a kilt that fits now. You may, or may not, take off (or add) inches around the tummy.

2) Irish National tartan is a good choice-- as is any other non-clan-specific tartan, unless you feel an attachment to a specific clan tartan.

3) If you are looking for a "neutral" kind of shirt to wear with your kilt, a white or light blue button down oxford cloth shirt (short or long sleeve) is probably your best choice. Try WalMart for around ten bucks.

4) As far as accessories go, you've nailed it. Belt and sporran, and a kilt pin if you feel like it.

5) Hose-- any colour as long as they are darker colours-- white is for bands and rented kilts worn to weddings, so avoid 'em. Stick with flashes that are the same colour as the narrowest stripe in the kilt-- tartan flashes are just so much tartan over-kill.

6) and one other thing-- if you are in the presence of children or ladies, underwear should be worn.

[Jdot84]

However, I still have some concerns.

First - I'm actively trying to slim down some. I'm not huge - 6'2", 230lb - but I do have a gut. I measured last night at 46" chest, 46" waist (across the belly button), and 45" rump. I was a little surprised at those numbers, since 38" pants require a belt to stay put; but I wear my pants pretty low. I've got long legs, and pants look better on me a little lower. I've seen plenty of pictures here of kilts at the "natural waist" and at the belly button, and they look good, so that's where I want to wear it. Should I hold off a bit and see if I can shed more weight, or should I jump in now and sew on some additional velcro if I need to take a few inches off the kilt later? It's an inexpensive kilt, but I still don't want to be throwing money away. (I'd like to get it a little early so I can start getting accustomed to it before the Dublin Irish Festival in Dublin Ohio, 100 days from now; I'd like to be able to wear it out then.)

Second - what accessories are a MUST? If I love it, it seems pretty obvious I'll be kitting myself out completely, but for casual or sporty wear (most of my Oxford shirts are not solid colors - checked, instead - so at least early on we're talking about casual wear out-n-about, maybe to the pub or some Columbus Crew footy games, and not with nicer shirts, much less a twill jacket) what kind of accessories should I get right away, to ensure I don't look goofy? I assume belt, sporran, hose... flashes? Kilt pin? If I get a Thrifty-Kilt and a belt, should I sew on my own belt loops? Or is everything pretty much going to stay put on it's own?

Finally - and I'll end my novel on this one - I know choice of tartan, and the acceptability of that choice, can be very personal, but it's important to me that I have a good reason for choosing what tartans I choose. I don't think I'd be comfortable wearing a specific clan tartan "just because". So I'm probably going to start out with an Irish National. I think I can justify a Barclay Dress, as the colors are perfect for Columbus Crew games. I'm still looking for a tartan that would work for Ohio State sporting events. Other than that... I think I should be sticking to territorial tartans. Thoughts? Would Stewart tartans be unreasonable (since I can't even authenticate the presumed link)? Am I getting ahead of myself since I don't even have one kilt yet, or am I just anticipating the inevitable?

Let me prequilify this with this my opinion only others here may agree or disagree.
The thrifty is a great place to start but be warned you will get addicted, so don’t be surprised.
As for accessories to start with you’ll need a belt (2.5” to 3” wide) (you really don’t need the belt loops on the kilt) sporran , sporran belt or chain (I prefer a belt for day wear.) a pin for the front apron (this adds a little weight to stop the apron from fling in the wind, be sure to only fasten it to the top apron and not through the under apron). Kilt hose (a solid color to match the dominant color of the kilt will work best to start.) and flashes( really not necessary but they will make the outfit look better). Now there are lots of others that you could get but this would be a good place to start.

As for tartan , get what you like , there is no hard and fast rule and there are no kilt police contrary to popular belief.

This is just one kilted rednecks humble opinion, please rabble feel free to correct me.

Good luck and happy kilting.

[KFCarter]

Finally - and I'll end my novel on this one - I know choice of tartan, and the acceptability of that choice, can be very personal, but it's important to me that I have a good reason for choosing what tartans I choose. I don't think I'd be comfortable wearing a specific clan tartan "just because". So I'm probably going to start out with an Irish National. I think I can justify a Barclay Dress, as the colors are perfect for Columbus Crew games. I'm still looking for a tartan that would work for Ohio State sporting events. Other than that... I think I should be sticking to territorial tartans. Thoughts? Would Stewart tartans be unreasonable (since I can't even authenticate the presumed link)? Am I getting ahead of myself since I don't even have one kilt yet, or am I just anticipating the inevitable?

First of all, I'd second the general drift of the other responders. Get a kilt that fits now... you'll want a sporran, belt, pin and hose... and understand that there will be more kilts, trust us, there will be!...

For your last question... some Stewart tartans have been so widely used that they are now generally considered universal and are worn by many with no conceivable connection much less a tentative one like yours. The Black Stewart is particularly easy to find and you'll discover that it's a standard choice on the websites of many kiltmakers. And by the way, there are many great kiltmakers on this forum.

Happy kilting!

[The Barry]

First, the tartan. The Co. Mayo tartan is on my wish list due to my Irish blood (O'Malley), which is from that Co. It's beautiful, but there are many other "universal" tartans. Auld Land Syne is another beautiful universal tartan.

Must haves: (this is my list, I'm not an authority) Sporran, sgian dubh, hose, flashes, ghillie brogues, belt. If for very casual wear, ditch the hose, sgian dubh, flashes and ghillies for boots and solid color wool boot socks. Later upgrade to a jacket, the ghillies, hose, flashes, sgian dubh, and perhaps a waistcoat. You'll want to think about purchasing a solid color shirt, but that's up to you. And top it off with a nice tie. There are many opinions about this, but a wool tartan tie looks smashing with a kilt.

As for fit. Go get fitted. You'll never (unless very careful and quite lucky) be able to get a great fit from a "thrifty" style kilt on your first go. They are good for pub wear, but you really shouldn't dress up a cheap kilt. A fitted kilt will be more adjustable, and can be altered a bit as you drop/gain lbs. A "thrifty" kilt won't really do that.

Hope this helps. Welcome to the addiction!

[puckhead9]

Welcome to the site. I agree with the above posters. Be sure to get a tartan that you can feel comfortable with. Something that you can identify with. The Irish National is indeed a ggod choice for your first kilt. Then followed by the sporran, belt, dark hose, and coordinated flashes will top off the kilt. Get fitted now for your kilt. You can always adjust the straps some one way or the other. Jump in - the water is great!!

[lethearen]

Welcome to the board!

Need? The only thing you need is the kilt. Everything else is for look... but a sporran is definitely handy for modesty and pocket-space. A kilt pin will be handy if New Albany is windy. Hose and flashes? Your personal taste. Especially if you're just pubbing you probably wouldn't need them. I prefer the look myself, but Many don't. Ditto with the belt - it doesn't actually help hold up your kilt, just for looks. And the "belt" loops are apparently actually for the sporran strap, not your belt... and are unnecessary at that, even. Who knew? You can learn a lot from this site

That said, for "gotta haves", I'd say a sporran is about it, maybe a belt. Everything else can wait.

Get what fits you now. Never know if you're actually going to change size... and even still, most kilts have give one way or the other. Maybe not the thrifties, dunno. But then those are inexpensive enough to get you by until you are thoroughly addicted.

If you just want to know if you're going to like the feel of wearing a kilt, wrap a towel around your waist and go about the house for a while in that. Not exact, but might still get some clue of the freedom it offers. But you'll like it

Wear the tartan you like. If you want Stewart, wear it. Learn the history and "claim" it, even if it's only on speculation. Just wear it proudly!

[lucienrau]

What everyone else said. I thought I'd put my 2c in as someone who's been actively getting in shape for the last year. If you're actively losing weight/inches (as opposed to mythically losing weight) go for a thrifty or other economy kilt, but wait on a tank until you're at a steady weight. You probably don't know where you'll end up regarding size until your weight is stable.

Here's what's happened to my measurements in the the last year if this helps with any decisions. I'm 6'2" but have very broad shoulders and a large frame and I put on muscle/take off fat very quickly, of course that means I add fat very quickly too. I started out at 298#, diet, Elliptical, riding my bike 5mi a day and basic weight training. In Nov I was down to 265#, it had an effect on my pants size but not on my gut (problematic to kilt buying.) Come this spring I started pushups and more serious weight training in addition to the above. I'm currently gaining weight (1lbs a week and I'm almost back to 280#) but taking off .5" to 1" off my natural waist a week, but an increase in chest & arms. So if you're in a regular diet and exercise program and noticing differences, you may want to take your measurements over a couple of weeks to see how quickly things are changing. It can make for a very very long jones though. I've got my kilt wish list prepared in detail for that blessed day.

Stillwater is a great place to get your feet wet and not a waste of money even if you shrink out of it. Kilts retain their resale value very well. I'd say buy a SWK now, start kilting and use it for motivation for getting in shape. For casual wear, you can get away with a sporran, hose & boots with a t-shirt or polo with the rest to be added later. Opinions vary. I prefer a sporran or belt but not both. Some feel naked without both. Belt loops are not necessary for either the sporran or belt, if they're fitting right they'll stay in place.

Also, when you are ready for a more expensive kilt, do your research and deal directly with your kiltmaker, you'll save a bundle that way and get a much better kilt.

The Dublin festival is one of the things I miss from Ohio.

PS: Go Buckeyes.

[NeoDreams]

I am very new here too, as of last night actually and wishing you well on your search. Looking over what I see of this site thus far I would say we are both in the best place we could be for advice about the Kilt!

[dfmacliam]

Everyone is giving you good advice. I will add my two cents, I bought an Irish Saffron SWK Standard and being a solid kilt you can wear your print shirts with it. USAkilts makes a nice casual, and it's made to your size. They are good people to work with. I have the Tara tartan and I like it a lot. Belt loops to fit a regular belt, it is an easy casual kilt to wear. We have many kilt makers on site and they will speak true... If they feel another is better suited for your kilt, they will tell you, it's not about selling a kilt, it's about giving you what's best for you... To me, that speaks volumes..


Welcome to the rabble and enjoy your new addiction... LOL