Hail friends! Got a question for a soon to be kilt wearer

[Seán]

I just have a question on which Tartan to get for my first kilt(thinking of buying a standard 5 yard heavy from scottishkilts.net). Is there any rules for what clan tartan to get? I am Elliot and Maclean on my mothers side and Boyd on my fathers side. Should I go with my fathers side or what? Unfortunatly he didn't pass the boyd surname to me(it was through his mother). If there is no real guidelines to abide by then I think I may go with the Maclean hunting ancient Tartan, since I like the pattern the best. Any comments on the quality of scottishkilts.net would be appreciated as well. Thanks for the help.

-Seán

[davedove]

Since this is your first kilt, to which family name do you feel the strongest ties? There are no real restrictions, so choose the one that "fits" you the best. Of course, later on you can get the others.

[Colin]

I would say go with whichever tartan you feel a connection to, and the tartan you like the best. There are no real "rules", but if you feel connected to a tartan it will be more meaningful to you. Maclean hunting ancient is a beautiful tartan and is available in the Jura Range of tartans from Marton Mills. http://scottishkilts.net/products/5_...yard_kilt.html

Selecting a tartan from the Jura or Lochcarron ranges makes it a bit cheaper in cost than selecting a lesser available tartan. The Elliot and Boyd tartans would be more expensive to get through Scottishkilts,great company and products by the way, I was very happy with them. I have an 8 yard traditional kilt, tweed argyle jacket and waistcoat, kilt hose, and from them and a seal skin sporran coming soon.

Check out their machine sewn 8 yards as well. For not much more ($126.75 Canadian) you can get the higher model.

[Paul Henry]

hello and welcome!
As a newbie myself, I'd say that it important to get one that you like!
Of course it is lovely to have a family link, but in truth you can wear whatever tartan you like, you certainly won't be locked up if someone finds out!
I chose my great grandmother's(paternal) side but the next kilt I get is probably going to be my grandmother(maternal)
, and I'm from Ireland, only visited Scotland on holidays!
I got an 8yd traditional which I really like, and enjoy the feel of it, I've tried on a 6 yard contemporary, it was ok, but didn't have the swing,but that's just my feeling.
Hope you have a great time wearing it

[Freelander Sporrano]

Hi,
and welcome to X I have an Antcient MacLean Hunting. No connection I just liked it . However whichever you choose you'll love the kilt.

[cessna152towser]

Welcome to the forum, from Scotland. I'd recommend whichever of the family tartans fits in best with the colours you like to wear normally. I'd also recommend a heavyweight. It's a big enough step going kilted for the first time without giving yourself the added embarrassment of wearing colours you don't feel at ease with and stepping out for the first time in a cheap lightweight kilt which will be difficult to control if it's windy. Strange as it may sound, going from lightweight polyester trousers into a heavyweight woollen kilt doesn't feel like near as big a transition as going into a lightweight polyester kilt.

[ByDand]

Welcome to the site. I would get what I felt most comfortable with and wear it with pride.

[646guy]

I would definitely say if the family tartan doesn't appeal to you then don't get it because you probably won't wear it. If they all look good to you, put them all side by side and make a choice as to which one you like best AND is the one you will most likely wear given the current contents of your closet. Makes a HUGE difference there...

[UmAnOnion]

Welcome to the forum Sean,
here you will get loads of advice & support from the various & sundry (and a fair amounyt of heckilng as well )

I agree with what has been said above: go with what you like best - & what works best with your current wardrobe. Makes it easier to wear a kilt out when you have loads of other things that work with it already.

Enjoy

Colin

p.s.

Of course, later on you can get the others.

be gentle with him Dave! let the addiction take hold gradually!!!!

[Southern Breeze]

Welcome to X-Marks and the addiction. I'll agree with whats already been said- wear what you like best.