Some advice for a newcomer?

[Wolf]

Hi, as you could have guessed from the title I'm a newcomer.
As I didn't find no place to present myself I didn't, if there is, excuse my blindness.
So on what matter do I need advice? (kilts obviously)
Actually anything regarding kilts.
The idea of buying a kilt has started to grow in me since I saw a couple (to say the least) fellow metalheads walking around in kilts in some festivals, but I'm in no way related to the Scotland or any part of the UK (I'm a Belgian living in Switzerland) and I don't know anyone who could give me advice on the matter.

So I'd love to get myself a traditional kilt, but I don't know up to what point the clanbusiness is taking seriously so I don't know up to what point I should restrict myself in the choice of a tartan (I can always dream, but is there a traditional Belgian tartan by any chance?). I'm also quite young (turning 17 in 3 weeks) so the budget couldn't be enormous (but as my parents pay my clothing and I barely spend anything in clothing I could scratch a dime or two from their backs).
And finally, what is in your opinion the best place to get a kilt from (along with all the accessories required for casual wear)? I checked the links advertised in this forum and they don't look bad but I always appreciate some personal advice.

So to cut this thing short:
As a Belgian can I wear a kilt without being lynched when my real origins are found out?
What tartan can I buy without being lynched?
Where should I buy it (I'm looking for good quality but not with a big ticket attached to it)?

Thanks

PS: if the answers to these questions have been posted somewhere else I apologize

[ChromeScholar]

1. Yes, you can wear a kilt. There are no laws about who can or can't wear a kilt. Are there idiots out there who will look down on you for wearing a kilt when you aren't Scottish? Sure there are. Don't let it bother you.

2. As with kilts, there are no laws about who can wear what tartan. Feel free to pick out and wear whatever looks good to you. However, if you feel uncomfortable wearing a tartan associated with a clan, pick out one of the "universal tartans". There are many to choose from, as some reading here will confirm.

3. Any of the advertisers here are quality. As far as how much you have to spend, there is a wide price range available. I started with a Stillwater kilt due to it's low price tag, decent quality and amazing service.

[TheKiltedWonder]

First of all welcome! Where in the Schweiz are you?

As for your questions: 1. many of us here are not Scottish, but still wear the kilt. That said, you will find some people (generally not scottish) who believe only Scots can wear kilts. Don't let a few people stop you. Most people are supportive of kilt wearing whether you are Belgian or Bangladeshi. 2. There are a number of so-called universal tartans. The most common of these is the Black Watch. That is if you do not feel comfortable wearing a clan tartan. Opinions on this vary. I have heard that some people do not like others wearing their tartans just because. But there is absolutely no rule against it. Most people on this forum seem to feel that if you know something about the tartan you are wearing and you wear it respectfully then it is ok. Please be aware that this is not everyones opinion, but there's no law at all to say you can't wear any tartan you want.
3. Where to buy? A traditional kilt is going to be expensive. No way around it. You can search for used ones, or ones a kilt maker is trying to sell. I was lucky, in that my kilt was a traditional one made for someone my size and he never picked it up, so I got a deal. Maybe you'll have some luck too! There are a number of kilt-makers/sponsers on this forum. Search the reviews and ask questions and you'll find out what's best for you and your budget. Good luck!

As for a Beligan tartan. I searched the Scottish Tartans Authority website and didn't find one. But maybe you could research Scottish families. I believe some of them had roots in Belgium. Perhaps you could find a family that came from your area of Belgium all those years ago, and wear their tartan with pride.

[McClef]

from South Wales UK!

No you wear what you choose as long as it's with pride and respect.

[Bugbear]

Welcome to the forum. I would add that you can also get solid color kilts and tweeds.

[McFarkus]

from Chicago. Another option is the Utilikilt and other solid color kilts - very popular with Goths and metalheads.

[cavscout]

Pick whatever tartan you find attractive and go for it!

There are actually many options in tartans. Northern Europe actually has many tartans available. http://www.swissinfo.org/eng/feature...=1151055489000

Here's a list with several to choose from if you're want a non-clan affiliated tartan
http://gaelicdreams.tripod.com/id100.htm


My first question would be do you want to be able to wash the kilt yourself or take it to a dry cleaner. Since you mention concerts, I'd imagine you'd want to be able to wash it yourself.

Consider Poly/Viscose materials such as from USA Kilts. They have some great tartan options and their Semi-Traditional kilts are made in a traditional style in machine washable materials.

If you're not 100% certain you will wear the kilt very often, you may consider an acrylic kilt from Stillwater.

However, if wool is really what you want, you can start with a Stillwater Heavyweight kilt.

If you know you will wear the kilt and really want a traditional kilt, there are several excellent kilt makers active on this forum.
Freedom Kilts
Matt Newsome at the Scottish Tartans Museum
USA kilts
Barbara Tewksburry
and many many others

This garment is one that if you want to invest the money in a quality kilt, it will really be worth taking the time to read and study a lot of the discussions here (use the search tool at the top and you will find a ton of information). If it's not such a big deal and you'll be pleased with a nice kilt, I'd go with the Stillwater HW or the USA Poly/Viscose.

[CactusJack]

Hello and From a sunny and chilly St.Louis,Mo USA.
Seems like you have already been given some very good advice. What ever you decide to do wear the kilt with pride and enjoy the freedom.

[Bugbear]

Although, I'm not sure what all the taxes and fees would be like going from the U.S. to the E.U., or even from the U.K. to where you live. That might get heavy.

[Arizona Scot]

Hello and welcome aboard from sunny Arizona, as others have said wear whatever you like and makes you comfortable.