Hi everyone

[Flutterby]

I thought I'd better quit lurking and say hello. My name is Ellie and I've been reading through the forums trying to decide how best to go about buying my husband a kilt. It seems like there are so many options, I don't know where to start! He has mentioned to me a few times that he would love to wear a kilt (I must be slow in taking a hint!), and in fact he wears a tupenu (much like a sarong) most of the time when he's at home and occasionally to church, a habit he adopted since our move to the Pacific.

Ah, I'm rambling (sorry!), I guess I'd love some advice on where to buy his first kilt. I don't know much about what to look for and I can't really ask him since he doesn't care much for fashion and will wear pretty much whatever I buy him. Any advice?

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

... Any advice?

Okay lads and lassies, the door has been opened and the questions asked, let the posts begin!

Ellie, welcome to the forums, where we have opinions and free advice that are worth what you pay for them, and also some very good knowledge that can be shared too. None of us are shy, we wear kilts in public for gosh sake!, and will be glad to make a case for our own preferences. That being said, the final decision will be up to you and will probably be influenced most heavily by a copule of factors:

1. Cost
2. Use of the kilt, work, play, formal dinners which will play some role in the style you chose
3. Personal taste preferences
4. Desire for traditional or comtemporary cloths
5. Tartan
6. Accesories.

These are just a few, but I think the main ones, at least when I bought my first 2 kilts over the past 2 weeks.

RJI

[Flutterby]

RJI, thanks for the welcome.

As for the different factors... well, just keep in mind that you're starting from the ground up with me since I am clueless about a lot of this. I know that they are pretty pricey (compared to pants anyway), but since I am making a gift of this I think I could spend between $200-250 on one. I imagine he'd use it mainly for special occasions, although he did mention wearing it to his classes and as every day wear. I think it would be nice to have it as traditional as possible, but I don't know the pros and cons of that.

I'd love to hear any opinions on what you all prefer and why. If someone were making a gift of it for you, what would you want?

[bubba]

RJI, thanks for the welcome.

but since I am making a gift of this I think I could spend between $200-250 on one.

In that price range look at USAKilts semitraditional in poly viscose. Excellent kilt at a good price. www.usakilts.com

[flyv65]

What is the price range on the Alexis Malcolm walking kilts? In Flutterby's price range I think?? I think some of the twill traditional look contempory kilts are pretty sharp too (Freedom, Pittsburgh, etc.).

Bryan...if Tracy was doing something like this for me, I'd *definitely* want to be in on the selection-this is a sizeable chunk of change you're spending...

[GMan]

Ellie welcome. You have already been given some really sound advice. I would suggest that you read all the kiltmaker forums and get a feel for what we all have done with our kilt purchases. Regardless of what you decide, I am sure that your husband will enjoy kilt wearing, as they are so comfortable.

[Prester John]

Ellie

Welcome!

I really think the best place to start would be a semi-traditional from USAKilts.

Rocky and Kelly are some of the best when it comes to making kilts in the US, and their semi-traditional will give you all the benefits of a traditional kilt, with all the benefits of a casual kilt, including washability and price.

It would be very hard to go wrong that way, for a first kilt.

When your husband wants 4 or 5 more kilts, THEN you can take things to the next level.

Just my two cents. Good luck. It should be a fun experience for you!

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Ellie welcome. You have already been given some really sound advice. I would suggest that you read all the kiltmaker forums and get a feel for what we all have done with our kilt purchases. Regardless of what you decide, I am sure that your husband will enjoy kilt wearing, as they are so comfortable.

I will have to second the opinion that your husband will like any kilt you get for him. Many men have to overcome the reluctance of their wife/girlfriend/SO when buying a kilt, but you are already past that. Bravo for you in being forward thinking and open minded!


RJI

[Flutterby]

You guys have been a great help! Thank you for the nice welcome and the input.

I really think the best place to start would be a semi-traditional from USAKilts.

Rocky and Kelly are some of the best when it comes to making kilts in the US, and their semi-traditional will give you all the benefits of a traditional kilt, with all the benefits of a casual kilt, including washability and price.

I really appreciate you pointing out washability. I hadn't thought about that, but it IS an important factor. I checked out USAKilts and was totally impressed. I'm beginning to think that no matter what I end up getting him I can't go wrong.

I will have to second the opinion that your husband will like any kilt you get for him. Many men have to overcome the reluctance of their wife/girlfriend/SO when buying a kilt, but you are already past that. Bravo for you in being forward thinking and open minded!

Thanks! I'd love to see more women supporting their man's decision to wear a kilt. I can't think of anything finer than a man in a kilt, so I'll certainly do my part to get my husband into one!

[Graham]

Welcome Ellie, it's wonderful to see a wife caring so much for her husband as to want to buy him a kilt. I warms the heart!!

If it's tartan you want, I will add that our sponsor USA kilts is a good and safe place to get a kilt. I have half a dozen of their kilts and I love every one.

Was there a particular tartan you were thinking of?