Hello from Bryan, Texas

**Jesse** · 6th December 17, 02:12 PM

Greetings everyone. I am a complete newbie to kilts. I have always wanted one but never had taken the plunge. My fiance wants to buy me one for Christmas and before I pick one out I thought I should talk to people who already own one and can give me tips and pointers and get me headed in the right direction.

**Father Bill** · 6th December 17, 02:24 PM

Welcome to the "Great Rabble"!

Good luck on making it for Christmas, but perhaps an off-the-rack ordered now, or better, a promise and careful shopping plan. A lot of us have regretted trying to do it quickly rather than doing lots and lots and LOTS of research.

Whatever you decide, welcome, and good luck!

**Richrail** · 6th December 17, 02:56 PM

from Reno, NV.

**Jack Daw** · 6th December 17, 03:00 PM

Hello and welcome from Houston, TX. Places in TX to wear kilt:

Salado Highland Games, Salado, TX in November;
San Antonio Highland Games in Helotes, TX, in April;
Kerr County Highland Games, Ingram, TX in October; and
Others to be named by others...

**Taskr** · 6th December 17, 03:02 PM

Welcome,

An echo of Fr Bill's comment - one before Christmas could be a challenge, depending on what you mean by "kilt". An 8yd, hand-sewn highly unlikely. A quality off-the-rack or similar from any of the vendors here on the forum - possible. I think you'd find that folks will point you to USA Kilts (USAK) and Freedom kilts for high quality PV (while not wool, I find my Freedom PV to wear and look as good as my 8yd wool)

And its not just the kilt! Shirt - any good quality shirt you already have. Sporran, something plain goes well almost anywhere. Shoes - again, you probably have ones that will look just fine. Belt - don't really need it if you don't want it. Hose/socks - one or two pair that compliment the shirts you might wear. Hose garters, any one solid colour is okay. Jackets - not absolutely necessary as a good sweater can cover for business casual level nicely. See this thread for ideas on the casual side of kilt wearing, and formality, along with personal flair and style http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-attire-46888/.

So in general, a lot of clothes you already have may go well as a solid start with any kilt you'll purchase. Sporran and hose are the two 'special' things. For the kilt (and any accessories afterward) know what it is you want and go for that; don't let time pressures have you purchase something lesser.

**Jesse** · 6th December 17, 03:23 PM

I know by Christmas is unattainable. Basically the receipt of purchase is my gift until it is delivered. Thanks everyone for the warm welcome.

**Father Bill** · 6th December 17, 03:30 PM

I'm glad you're not going to be disappointed on the timeline, but if I may... go even slower than you may have thought. Read this thread for one: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-attire-46888/ and then read the many discussions that pertain to the type of kilt you want to wear.

After years and years of this, I'm still refining my wishes and my "kit" and have had, sadly, to sell off at a loss, some of the stuff that once delighted me. Had I only known before I spent!

Be cautious because haste is expensive, but have lots and lots of fun!

P.S. - Remember that "Less is more."

P.P.S. - Here's another helpful thread if you're going "traditional". http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...xamples-85511/ (If you're not going traditional, then all bets are pretty well meaningless, let alone "off".)

**cck** · 6th December 17, 03:35 PM

from Austin

**Tarheel** · 6th December 17, 04:30 PM

Well met Jesse. I'm glad you have the time to look over the options available from the members here. After today, you too are of us and as you learn and experience more about kilting, you will be giving advice in no time to others. Glad to have you with us.