Hello, from Michigan

**Nik** · 21st November 11, 07:37 PM

Hello everyone!

I'm Nik, as you can have guessed from the subject, I live in Michigan. Enjoying all the good and bad that comes with that. I'm primarily a field technician for IT. When not working with PCs I like to get into hands on crafts like woodworking, knitting, crochet, and sewing... Things like that.

I've been checking out kilts recently. I've had an on-and-off interest in kilts since finding out about Utilikilts. I've lurked here and searched out sites for information on types, etiquette of wearing one and different fabrics. I figured that it would be best to join and ask you guys my questions I can't find online.

As I've never worn a kilt I'm wondering what would be the best kind of kilt to start with? Contemporary, like Utilikilts or the others. Or if I should try out a more traditional style?

I honestly would have gotten one by now but with the Utilikilt shown to me over $250 and the more traditional one I saw at the Renaissance festival being the same... well I need someone somewhere good to start

-Nik

**Spartan Tartan** · 21st November 11, 07:50 PM

First of all,

from a displaced Michigander that is living in Oklahoma right now!!

Second, since you like sewing you might consider making your own X-kilt. I have never done so (I can't sew) but I understand it is not a terribly complex project for one that sews. The benefit is you only pay for material!!! Much cheaper than $250.

Good luck and again, welcome.

**KiltedDixon** · 21st November 11, 08:04 PM

Welcome from a rainy North Texas.

You are beginning your quest at the right spot.

**Jackson** · 21st November 11, 08:14 PM

Welcome from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado! Sew your own! Interesting. I too sew a bit. The one and only that I have doesn't look that difficult. Can be done, even, by a newby like me. Or, you. Let's think on it.

Jackson

**buellboy492** · 21st November 11, 08:37 PM

Hi Nik! Welcome. You have found the right place to begin you quest. My first kilt was a used UtiliKilt a kiltwearing customer sold me. We will call this my gateway kilt, to use a term from the drug addiction culture. I then bought a ThriftyKilt from a retailer you will find here. Then I began making my own, following the directions laid out by Alan in the X-Kilt tutorial. This is where I got totally hooked. I have made about 8 X-kilts. Now I make traditional kilts. I have made new friends, and have new found confidence and swagger in my step. My customer is now a great family friend. Fair warning, making your own may be addictive. But in a good way. It may become a whole lifestyle choice for you. You know any "Harley" people? You know, the ones who don't own any clothes without the MotorCompany logo? Who plan the entire summer around riding? Kilt people are the same way. There are sports and festivals and music and everything. Just wait. Oh, yeah, I'm from Michigan too.

**CopperNGold** · 21st November 11, 08:39 PM

Welcome from the very windy and rainy Oregon Coast! You've come to the right place to have all of your kilt questions answered.

Cheers,

Jocelyn

**Mikilt** · 21st November 11, 09:10 PM

Nik,
Welcome from a part-time Michigander.

As you choose a kilt, some questions to ask yourself: How are you going to wear it? Will it be something you wear while woodworking, or something for an evening out? Remember, it's easier to dress down (casualize) a formal kilt than it is to dress up a casual kilt.

Are interested in a family tartan? Depending on the tartan, Rocky @ USA kilts may have it available in PV (less expensive than wool, but a good analog) You can find their banner at the top of this page.

Do you want pockets? Cargo or side pockets? If you want side pockets (like on a pair of dress trousers), check out Freedom Kilts. Their banner is at the top of this page as well. All of the advertisers here are top-notch.

There are other considerations, but this should get you started. Welcome to XMarks!

**Mickey** · 21st November 11, 09:14 PM

Welcome from St. Louis.

As far as what type of kilt you should get...what do you want? Do you like the modern utilikilt style? Get one. Do you like traditional kilts? Get one. Do you like both? Get one of each. It is up to you. Go with what is your personal style.

**davidg** · 22nd November 11, 02:22 AM

from West Lothian, Scotland

What you will get depends on many things, not least of which is whether you want to wear the kilt because of Scottish heritage (then possibly a traditional kilt) or because you simply want to wear a kilt every day (then maybe a modern casual or utility kilt). Or you may be somewhere in-between

Try getting second hand first. It will give you a cheaper way to find out the pros and cons