Hello from TN

**Gor** · 3rd October 13, 03:30 PM

Greetings, Rabble!

My name is Michael, nice to meet you all. I'm a former Marine, part-time blacksmith, and full-time father of two. I learned about this site at a local Scottish festival, and I'm certainly glad I did. I'm descended from the Gordons on my mother's side, and my research there lead me to the wonderful world of kilts. I have decided to give it a whirl, but I'm at a loss on where to begin.

I've noticed that the general consensus (and I may be wrong about this) is to wear tartan kilts on special occasions, but to leave everyday wear for the utility/contemporary type of kilt. Seems like a great idea to me. I'm very hot natured, and generally wear shorts year-round. And I'm very hard on shorts. They always seem to wear out or split at the crotch. Sounds like I could eliminate both of those problems with a proper kilt. That's where I run into problems. There are so many to choose from that I really don't know where to start.

At any rate, thanks to everyone for providing such a hospitable place to chat and a place to learn.

**Hawk** · 3rd October 13, 09:46 PM

Welcome to the XMTS Community Michael! Where in TN are you from, used to live there for a short time myself? Yes indeed, it sounds like a tough Utility Kilt might be in order in your case, but these gents and ladies here have much more experience in these matters, so I defer to their wisdom.

Which Scottish Festival in your area did you hear about the XMTS Forum?

Looking forward to making your acquaintance here.....

and BTW, Semper Fi Marine.......

Hawk

**mookien** · 3rd October 13, 10:24 PM

Originally Posted by Gor

... I've noticed that the general consensus (and I may be wrong about this) is to wear tartan kilts on special occasions, but to leave everyday wear for the utility/contemporary type of kilt. ...

Michael: While there is nothing inherently wrong with the approach you describe, and it may work well for you, it does not appear to be a general consensus as far as I can tell. Folks on the forum seem all over the place on the subject of when to wear what kilt or style of kilt. Some folks wear utility/contemporary kilts all the time (or almost so) and others always (or almost so) wear more traditional wool kilts. And yet others seem to mix and match based on any number of criteria including formality, type of event/activity, simply how they feel at the moment, and myriad other motivations.

If your "hot natured" propensity is the primary driver of your selection (I would argue that it shouldn't be the only one, but that is just my opinion), then I suggest for coolness sake that you take a hard look at PV kilts and/or short yardage kilts, eg 4 or 5 yards in any material. In any case I highly recommend that you interact on the forum for a while before you make your selection. You will get lots of good advice/ideas. Good luck on your ultimate decision.

John

**Richrail** · 3rd October 13, 10:35 PM

Check out USAk casual kilts for everyday wear. I have two and pretty much lived in them this summer the velcro closure makes for easy on and off. And a large selection of tartans. And

from Reno,NV