Distinctives?

[Galant]

Well this is my first post outside of the newbie forum and I'm wondering if you can help me with the tricky decision of choosing a first kilt.

I've been taking a long look around at the different websites and galleries and after trying to create a short list have decided I like UK, PK, Freedom, Bear and USA. The reasons being:

-Budget- I'd like to keep the cost around the $150 mark.

-Reputation- These guys all seem to get good reviews.

-Style- I'm not a camo guy, I like some tartans but have no celtic heritage, I like the general idea of MUG's and casual wearing. After looking around at kilt styles I think I prefer the kilts with more numerous, smaller pleats. Each of these vendors also seem to have a distinctive style to their kilts.

Now, one thing I was wondering was if anyone can help me out with these different vendors, and the 'intangible' or 'unseen' aspects to their kilts. That is, the distinctives that set these kilts/vendors apart from one another.

I never thought buying a piece of clothing could be so difficult!

[Raphael]

No Celtic Heritage and wants a tartan kilt? No Problem!

I am chinese and I wear Tartan. I have 2 Black Watch, 1 Black Sewart and patiently waiting for the arrival of a 8 yard Maple Leaf.

There are a few Tartans that are universial and can be worn by any one.

If you think it is differcult a tartan, the worse is yet to come....

Next thing you know, you want to know what Sporran to buy? DO I want a plain black one or one with some tassels? May be I should get one from Norway? How about a Patent Leather one?

Then you enter the realm of footwear. what shoes to wear with what hose. It is not an exact science, but definately an art.

But no worry, we are all here to help you. Just pull up a chair and ask your questions away.

Welcome to this insanity!

[Casey]

Galant,

I have two kilts from Bear and another on order.

All are in his "classic" style, 4 yds. This means that even though they are "casual kilts" they have a more traditional look to them. The 4yds makes them extremely comfortable. The PV material is wash and wear. Yes, you can do as he says: Throw it in the washer! Throw it in the dryer! Give it a shake! Put it on! Although I would recommend hanging to dry, and, if you want to look a little dressier, give it a quick once over with the iron or steamer.

As for the others, I have no experience to offer you, as yet.

One final note. Measure your self twice according to the kiltmaker's instructions. When you have done this measure yourself once more. If your not sure, contact the kiltmaker.

[The Wizard of BC]

When evaluating a kilt purchase, ask yourself these questions.

What do I want to do with this thing?
If you want to work in the yard, hike in the deep bush, and wash it in a stream, that rules out a traditional wool kilt.
If you want to dress up, go to dinner at a good restaurant, or attend a function where a suit is appropriate, then you can rule out some casual kilts.

Do I need pockets?
Some guys just need pockets. Traditional kilts don't have them. This is the dividing line between the traditional and contemporary kilt. Traditional styles need and look better with a sporran. Some guys like a sporran and spend as much time and money on the sporran as on the kilt. And some think a cargo pocket on a kilt an abomination.

Do I need swish?
It is the swish of those perfect pleats that screams KILT! If you can't afford a traditional hand sewn wool kilt, but have to have swish, then Poly/Viscose is the next best thing. Most Cotton and Cotton blends will move, and some get close to swish, but 12 oz canvas is stiff, even after several washings with 'Downey'.

Do I need STUFF?
A traditional style kilt is a beautiful, plain, unadorned garment. They were designed to showcase the tartan. It is the accessories that you add like sporrans, hose, and jackets, that give it it's distinctive look. The other end of the spectrum are the kilts that have so much STUFF that the STUFF becomes the focal point. Even at times so much so that you can't see that there is something called a kilt under all the STUFF.

I hope this helps you narrow your choice. After all this, the best advise you will find on this forum is, TALK TO YOUR KILTMAKER!!!
Kilts are very personal garments. Pictures on a web site and advertising slogans will not insure you get exactly what you want in a kilt. Talking to the person who will make your kilt is the only way I know of insuring your needs and desires are met.

[Galant]

Regarding 'swish', if I've never seen a kilt 'live' how might I be able to know how much swish I want? Are there any online videos?

[Raphael]

I think Philh has a 'swish' video on his website

[Galant]

Okay, facing off a few types of kilts for a first buy, what are people's opinions?

USA Victory Kilt
vs
'Classic' Cut 4 yard PV Bear Kilt in Warrior tartan
vs
Two-Tone Pittsburgh Kilt
vs
Original Utilikilt

Your opinions/experiences on this one would help me greatly.

Thanks.

[The Wizard of BC]

Of those four I would choose the Bear kilt hands down.
Although you seem to have a preferance for a kilt with non-traditional styling.

If I wanted a contemporary kilt instead, my first choice would be the PK. Of those on your list the Pittsburgh kilt is top notch.

Call Rocky at USA kilts before deciding on the Victory Kilt. Availability may be a problem.

Last of all kilts on your list would be anything from UK. The symetrical pleating system is the least kilt like of anything else on the market. The curl which WILL develop due to shallow pleats and 7" apron will not give you any pleasure for anything but a costume.

One kiltmaker and kiltwearers opinion. Take it for what opinions are worth.

"Anything free is worth what you paid for it." LL

[Jeremy]

I know I'm going to cause a problem with my comment, but what the heck...

My first three kilts were UK's. The first was the now unavailable postal blue duck, which is still my favorite of theirs... my other two are workman models of different colors. The canvas does not hang, it basically spreads out from the pleats, causing a constant "courtsey" look. The duck is light enough to be able to use gravity.

[Galant]

Thanks for the insight Wizard.

I have to say that I was lead into all this after reading the home page at kiltmen.com. I'm interested in MUG's in general and not just kilts, but after looking around there is a lot to be said for kilts specifically.

My tastes in clothing are a little mixed. I tend to like classic looks but being practically minded enjoy functionality, and also like it when classic styles are 'tweaked' a little to make them distinctive.

Kilt-wise, after looking around I liked the look of weightier garments with more and smaller pleats. The functionality of the UK's were the attractive points, along with the more rugged look. I was thinking of something that might tolerate a little more wear or rugged usage.

The USA looked like a possible half-way, though at this point and hearing others talk it looks like I might have to think about just getting two garments!

Do you have any other recommendations?

Jeremy - what's a 'duck', and were you advising against a UK or would you advocate them?