Thinking of buying my first tartan kilt

[Brasilikilt]

Hello all

I've been wearing the one and only (as far as I'm aware) Brasilikilt for about 2 years. My Brasilikilt is a Utilikilt copy made for me by my mother in law who lives in Rio De Janeiro.
I think it's about time I get I get another kilt!!

I'm wondering which kilts are the best buy for the money. It's difficult for me to tell from a picture off of a website which is good and which is crap.
I really don't want to buy a kilt with that "beginner's look".

I'm looking to spend preferably around $100 but I could possibly spend more if i feel as though I'm really getting what I want for a good price.
I'd love to get a wool, or wool blend kilt, but I realize my chances of finding one in my price range is slim.
I'm somewhat hesitant to get one in a synthetic material, but given my inexperience with traditional style kilts, I think it would be less hassle to care for. How vaulnerable to heat is this Polyvicose stuff?
Whatever happened to the MacInnes tartan!?!?!?! I remember seeing it on both the USA and Bear Kilt websites about a year ago as an available option, but now when I'm seriously going to place a kilt order, I can't find it!!!

Any comments or suggestions will be greatly appreciated
Thanks
Brasilikilt

[Jimmy Carbomb]

Brasil...

If you're looking in that price range, there's really only three ways to go.

1). The best in the wool tartans (if they're available) is USAKilts... no competition. The casual or the philabeg are a sure bet. You find me another wool in that quality and price-range and I'LL eat this computer. It's a niche that no one else has even attempted to touch.

2). The best in poly-viscose casuals is BearKilts. His ability to taper and fit with the "unbendable" material is awesome. It takes a work to keep that stuff from "wandering", and his designs do the task. I have two that I wear constantly.

3). For straight price, Stillwater and SportKilts are the options that I can think of. Stillwater has limited tartans, and the front apron and length may need to be altered. SportKilts have a load of tartans, but you MAY want to sew down the pleats and hips, taper the apron, and add beltloops. In both cases, the money saved pays for the alterations.

If I had ANY idea of the CanadaKilts, I would be happy to tell. You may want to discuss the possibilities with FreedomKilts, PittsburghKilts, and RKilts. All three guys are worth the inquiries as they're honest, do great work, and are MORE than willing to bend over backwards for their customers.

[Brasilikilt]

Hey there

From looking at the websites USA and Bear kilts seem to be the best choices, but the only problem is that neither of them have the MacInnes tartan, but I seem to remember that both of them used to.
The Bear Kilts website has a New Foundland tartan which looks pretty close to the MacInnes.
I really like the tartans based on a blue or green

Thanks
Brasilikilt

[Jewddha]

I know how you feel, I've been checking out both site, and neither have my Keith tartan. Well, since they both used to, ask them, maybe they just dropped them due to lack of interest?

[bubba]

I understand Rocky at USA has more than is on the website, but he might be able to get the tartan you want. As for blue base tartans I think both have Ramsey Blue.

[Jimmy Carbomb]

From looking at the websites USA and Bear kilts seem to be the best choices, but the only problem is that neither of them have the MacInnes tartan, but I seem to remember that both of them used to.

The MacInnes that used to be at USAKilts was a fantastic wool material that went out as soon as we brought it in. It was more of a purple than many think, but it was gorgeous. Whenever guys would come in to the shop for a tartan, it went to the top of the choices quite often. Shame it wasn't available in huge rolls at the time!

Remember that you can always do the work and get the tartan from MANY choices online. Get the material... send it to your kiltmaking choice. Tends to save on cost.

[Jeremy]

Speaking from personal experience, USA kilts have access to many tartans that aren't on their website. For fear of starting another rage about "everything should be on the site," I'll say it would be well worth giving them a call. Rocky and Kelly are both really cool people, and are more than happy to accomidate their customers.