Can't decide on first kilt...

[pig140]

I've been lurking around this forum for some time, searching, reading, learning and I figured what better way to say "hi" than to jump right in with a couple questions!

I've been trying to figure out which kilt to buy. The three I have narrowed it down to are Rocky's semi-traditional in PV, or a 5 yard PV from scottishkilts.net, or the 5 yard jura from scottishkilts.

Here are some details about me. I live in the southern US. I won't be wearing it daily (job requirements). Summer months see 100 degress F and winter lows hit the upper 20's. I'll be wearing it for our kilt nights and Celtic fairs. I would like to be able to wear it to our Scottish Society Banquet (traditional, but not completely formal - some guests wear pants, some kilts with casual shirts, and some full formal jackets). I don't want the look of a "sport kilt," but I will probly be wearing it to mostly casual events. I just like the look of the traditional. Obviously from my 3 choices, money is an issue. As far as appearance, I have a slim build if that matters.

And one last question, is a semi-dress sporran acceptable for daywear? It just seems more versatile and I like the way it looks.

Thanks very much in advance for checking out my long-winded problem!

[Tattoo Bradley]

First of all, I'll extend a welcome! This (as you know from lurking) is a great forum, with a great bunch of guys (and a couple of lassies.) To offer my my advice as to which of your three choices to go with, I would hands down say order the Semi-traditional from Rocky. He does great work (I have one of his casuals) AND he's on this side of the pond, so you have no chance of customs charging you out the wazoo. As for the "semi dress" sporran: do you mean the leather with fur front type? I personally kind of like those and see know problem with wearing them casually. Others will disagree with that. But, I also feel they could be versatile enough to go either way.

[pig140]

Yeah, I meant the semi-dress sporran with fur front, fur tassles, but with the top leather flap like a day sporran. I just like the way it looks and it seems like it would be more versatile for everything I want to do.

I was really leaning toward USA Kilts, but I like the idea of a five yard. It seems more traditional than the "sport, casual, 4 yard, etc." kilts, and its not as much $$.

And you're right about the forum. I was impressed to see that so many Kiltmakers are active, contributing members of this forum.

[Robin]

Welcome!

what I see and hear...the semi trads from USAK are awesome (summer) kilts.

About the sporran..I think a leather daywear sporran will see most action and it will go nicely with a tweed jacket also.

It's always nice to have something on your wish list

[Livingston]

Welcome to X Marks. I would suggest going with Rocky and the semi-formal (leather with fur front) sporran. You can wear that casual or semi-formal.

[chasem]

I would go with the semi-trad. I don't have one yet, but I'm looking to get one as soon as I can.

I have done other business with Rocky though, and can tell you that he and Kelly run a fantastic business and are great to work with.

[BluesDoxieGa]

I also recommend USA Kilts. I have one of their casual kilts and it wears great! And Rocky is a member here and will definately take great care of you.

[pig140]

Thank you all for your responses! I was leaning towards the USAK, I just needed an extra push I guess. Billmcc and kilted code warrior, the warmer climate deal is definitely an issue, so thanks for your advice. I was worried about the weight of wool in the summer.

I guess there's one thing left to do, so, Rocky and Kelly, if you read this, I'll be calling tomorrow!

Thanks!

[macwilkin]

Where ya stay at in Louisiana? The reason being is I have a good friend in the St. Andrew's Society of Baton Rouge who has several wool kilts, and has never once said that Louisiana is too "hot" for them. I'll be happy to ask him and then post his reply.

That being said, I would concur with the suggestions about Rocky & Kelly's USA Kilts -- and I would also be remiss in not mentioning Matt Newsome's kilts, which are 4-5 yards and either box-pleated or knife-pleated.

Cheers,

Todd

[pig140]

I'm in West Monroe, its about 3 hours north of Baton Rouge. Same hot, muggy weather, though (even though this year it seems to be cooling off sooner). The norm here is short sleeves til Christmas, a two month winter, and back wakeboarding by March.