Hello from Kansas City!

**jphollan** · 30th May 23, 07:30 PM

Hi, everyone! I’m JP, a complete newcomer to the group and the proud owner of ONE kilt I purchased in Edinburgh last summer 😁. Someday I’ll have one custom made, but as my weight has been a moving target in recent years due to medical issues, I was reticent to spend that kind of money on my first kilt purchase.

I was born and raised in Texas, but have lived in Kansas for almost 16 years now. I became interested in kilt wearing a couple years ago when I did a DNA test for ethnicity. My results were basically from all over the UK, but I was particularly happy to see I was 19% Scottish, 16% Welsh, and 7% Irish. I’ve not been able to trace my Scottish heritage to any particular clan, but I’m determined to get it sorted out so I can lock in a family tartan!

My wife and i seized the opportunity last year to visit Ireland, Scotland and London. While in Scotland I bought a proper kilt in the “Heritage of Scotland” tartan. I also bought a leather sporran that looks like the flag of Scotland, along with navy kilt hose and flashes to match the tartan. The only problem: I have yet to wear it! It’s not for a lack of desire or even bravado… it’s because I haven’t figured out how to complete the ensemble.

I just ordered some Celtic style Grandfather Shirts from USA Kilt, along with a simple leather day sporran and am hoping to finally take the plunge someone soon!

I look forward to hearing from many of you in days to come!

**kilted2000** · 30th May 23, 08:47 PM

Failte from the Home of the Blues!

All you really need to wear a kilt is a kilt and probably a sporran.

**Kiltedjohn** · 31st May 23, 12:24 AM

Welcome from the other side of the Atlantic. I'm a Scotsman who has been living in England for many years.
Entirely agree with Kilted2000's comment - take the plunge, and happy kilt-wearing!

**Father Bill** · 31st May 23, 03:12 AM

Welcome to the “Great Rabble”!

**jphollan** · 31st May 23, 04:03 AM

Thanks for the encouragement! But what about shoe choice? Or a shirt that makes sense? I’m totally fine with my clothes making a statement; I just don’t want that statement to be, “Here domes a guy with NO CLUE on how to wear a kilt! 😳

Originally Posted by kilted2000

Failte from the Home of the Blues!

All you really need to wear a kilt is a kilt and probably a sporran.

**jphollan** · 31st May 23, 04:04 AM

I appreciate the nudge!
JPH

Originally Posted by Kiltedjohn

Welcome from the other side of the Atlantic. I'm a Scotsman who has been living in England for many years.
Entirely agree with Kilted2000's comment - take the plunge, and happy kilt-wearing!

**Father Bill** · 31st May 23, 05:09 AM

Originally Posted by jphollan

Thanks for the encouragement! But what about shoe choice? Or a shirt that makes sense? I’m totally fine with my clothes making a statement; I just don’t want that statement to be, “Here domes a guy with NO CLUE on how to wear a kilt! 😳

Any nice business-type shirt will work quite well, particularly in warm weather. If you choose a tie, choose one with colours that compliment your tartan, rather than a tartan tie - it's considered by many to be over-doing it. Save the tartan tie for when you're wearing a Saxon suit. Kilt hose are particularly helpful in creating an image. There are many with loose weaves that are not over-warm in hotter climates. Don't always try to match your flashes to your kilt. Plain self-tie flashes seem to be the most traditional and comfortable, and for reasons best known to others than me, red is considered by many to be basically neutral for flashes. For shoes, any dressy shoe is... dressy.

Oxfords or brogues are most traditional, but try to stay away from 'statement' shoes. The kilt is enough of a statement and you don't want to detract from it. You don't need Gillies, in fact many consider them to be an affectation.

The bottom line is that you're trying to dress nicely, not to put together a costume, and some people will disagree with my advice, so read. Read lots. Read more. Read again. Here on XMarks, look through the old posts and discussions. Look for the ones who are trying to dress in the image you're trying to create. Watch out for the "It's my kilt and I can wear it any way I want" point of view. Yes you can, but it will be obvious that you're veering away from what Scots wear and have worn for decades and even further back. By reading first and buying second, you'll save money and regret.

Good luck, and enjoy!

Bill+