What to buy?

[Timothy]

I am about to buy my first kilt (at the age of 15) and am needing advice on whether to buy a tradition phillabeg or a 5 yard casual kilt.
I am in Australia and so doubt that any one will notice the difference....
My use of the kilt will mostly likely be simple day to day use.

I have a couple of questions;
What are the differences in appearence between the two?
Are there any comfort differences (mobility too)?

Thanks

[Graham]

Hello Timothy, welcome to the forum, nice to see another lad from Down Under here.

great to hear you want a kilt, there are lots of choices, but not in Australia.
One of the main kiltmakers in Queensland (All things tartan) refuses to make anything less than 8 yard kilts and this will set you back $400 Aud plus, good kilts tho'

This is why I mainly buy from the USA and Canada.
we have some great kiltmakers here, I assume you want tartan, check out the kiltmakers sponsoring this forum and I know you'll find something you like.

Do you have a preferred tartan?

[Andrew Breecher]

The difference between a traditional 8-yard (give or take a yard) and a 4-yard kilt (again, give or take) is going to be the number of pleats and/or the depth of the pleats, all determined by the size of that particular tartan's sett, or pattern.

As if that didn't confuse you, I'll continue. With a fuller kilt, you'll notice more swing as you walk, and that's always considered a good thing. However, a kilt with more material can also be warmer, something to consider if the summers get hot (you didn't mention where in Australia you are). However, I still wear my 8-yard wool kilt in the dead of summer where I live, and it gets up to 100°F (37°C) with 90% humidity here.

As Graham mentioned, you can get cheaper kilts if you purchase in poly/viscose instead of wool. The feel is slightly different, but the maintenance is much easier (throw it in the washer when it gets dirty!) and it's about half the price of a comparable wool kilt. There are many vendors to choose from, but Bear Kilts and USA Kilts are two popular vendors that many on this board can vouch for.

Fifteen is a great age for getting into kilts! The girls won't know what hit them!

Andrew.

[highlander_Daz]

a quality 8 yard kilt is a major investment that you wont regret, the number of times people "get into" kilts with a cheapo royal mile kilt and regret it within days.

a proper 8 yard kilt has the correct swing and hangs just right. cheaper ones make you look like a catholic schoolgirl in my opinion.
hit me baby one more time!!!

[Bob C]

The lad's just 15. There might not be a lot of sense investing big bucks in a garment that he will outgrow soon. He would likely regret buying that 8-yard tank before he's 18.

Start with a Stillwater or something similar. Buy a tank when you're fully grown.

[Lily]

Yes bob , that makes sense, better buy a "real "kilt when your fully grown up.

[Big Paul]

The lad's just 15. There might not be a lot of sense investing big bucks in a garment that he will outgrow soon. He would likely regret buying that 8-yard tank before he's 18.

Start with a Stillwater or something similar. Buy a tank when you're fully grown.

Very good addvise!

Welcome to the forum Timothy! Feel free to dive in anytime. As you can see there are a buch of helpful folks in here...

[Ranald]

Timothy welcome to the best place on the internet.
As for the first purchase, I say it depends on what you can afford.
But get the best one for the money you have available, it will last a long time,and won't depreciate much like other types of clothes.
If your a chap who may in your opinion put on a little weight in the next few years I suggest buying the next size up and moving the straps to fit now.
Since I was your age I have managed to put on only a couple of inches so bear this in mind.A kilt is a investment, and treated right will last all your life.
Best wishes.

[highlander_Daz]

I still think a quality kilt is better ask the kiltmaker to fir the kilt so the straps are on the tightest fit so there is some growing room. cheap kilts are mot nice althought I do like the look of the Stillwater (cheap in price compared to a 8 yard heavy weight but neverthelsess good quality and 8 yards!)