Really newbie question

[clsnatreasurer]

I am now, after 10 years of membership in my Clan's society, to buy my kilt. I have all other components, including a very nice formal jacket, sporran, etc. I realize there are many places I can go (online or driving a wee bit) but I guess my first and most confusing question is "what type of kilt" do I want? This is a major expense for me so I want the best overall purchase. One that will be easily worn going to the Games and also one that can be worn at a Robbie Burns celebration. Also, the lengths, weights, etc are confusing for me. I live in SE Virginia (near North Carolina border and the Atlantic Ocean). Warm in the summer, reasonably chilly (not like Canada or anything!!) in winter.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Frank Brown

[Father Bill]

Hi Frank!

I'm in SW Ontario - not as far north as you might think when you think Canada. Bitter cold winters, stinking hot summers.

Wool! Cool in summer, warm in winter, hangs beautifully and sways the way a kilt should. If you want to economize, go with lesser yardage, not with lighter weight or other materials. A 4 yard box pleat (I have one and LOVE it!) is historically correct (up to about 1850ish) or a 5 yard so-called "casual" Otherwise, stick with the 16 oz wool. I can guarantee you won't be disappointed in that.

I had a PV for a relatively short time and sold it because it just didn't fit the bill for me, and you're talking about some relatively formal occasions, so I'd stick with the 16 oz wool for sure.

Cheers, and enjoy!

... and by the way,

Welcome to the "Great Rabble!"

Bill

[ASinclair]

Hello Frank!

[Holcombe Thomas]

Welcome to the Great Rabble from up in Falls Church!

[rtown]

Hello and Welcome

[LongShanks]

I live in Nova Scotia it's cold and hot. Go for the tank be the best dressed man I've had one cheep kilt and it will never happen again heavy weight all the way.

[MacKenzie]

Welcome Frank.

Best advice I can give you is to spend a week or three reading here on this forum. Open a document or some such where you can save links to threads & posts that you deem "good info" so you can refer back to them later.

Once you a near decision turn off the computer and CALL SOME KILT MAKERS. They are a most helpful lot.

[Nathan]

Welcome! I have a couple of 13oz wool kilts that I also like but don't go any lighter than that.

[McMurdo]

I think the best thing to do is to purchase the best kilt you can afford. Having said that I think you should look at the 1 kilt 10 looks thread here
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-attire-46888/
As you can see you do only need one kilt, provided it is a quality garment, personally I would go for a 16 oz. 8 or 4 yard kilt depending on what your primary use will be. The kilt I wore in the link above was hand sewn by Barb Tewksbury, if you could go for something like that you would not be disappointed.

[Mikilt]

Before you start thinking about your measurements, choose a kiltmaker and consult them on what measurements they require. Each kiltmaker uses their own system of measurement. There are many excellent kiltmakers here on the forum. Read. Ask questions. You'll get honest answers based on actual experience of doing business with these kiltmakers.