Kilt virgin

**Oilverland** · 12th July 18, 02:26 PM

Hi all. For some reason I can't totally explain, the other day I thought, "I should get a kilt, I don't care what people think if I wear it". It was hot that day and I was thinking of ways to be cooler; maybe that's in both senses of the word. I've never had nor worn one.

I've read that the Irish do wear kilts. I'm 50% Irish descent, an Irish Murray, I don't know from what county. I met a real Irish Murray and he said it translates to 'mariner'. So is something like the Irish national pattern appropriate for me?

My intended uses are hiking and when performing on stage in a 3 piece group. We are country and folk singers, but there are some Burns, Yeats, and other Celtic songs I want to do someday too. (I have some classical voice training.) I'm trying to picture myself in a kilt and cowboy hat.

I'm the opposite build of the burly, hirsute guy who tosses telephone poles before breakfast. Skinny is the operative word here, 5'8", 130lb, and I'm beyond retirement age. But I figure if I can wear shorts I can wear a kilt.

I'm pleasantly surprised at there being a wide choice of kilt makers. I don't think I want wool yet, I'm afraid I would destroy it hiking, or maybe I just wouldn't like it. Maybe PV (Polyester/Viscose as I learn here) would be good? Somebody in this forum cited USA Kilts and their 'Semi-Traditional Kilt' looks nice if maybe a slightly costly choice for a first kilt.

The purpose-built 'hiking kilts' seem like they would not hang that well, given the choice of materials (microfiber and nylon are options I have seen).

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Tommy Murray

**Father Bill** · 12th July 18, 02:40 PM

Welcome to the "Great Rabble"!

**McMurdo** · 12th July 18, 02:46 PM

from Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

**FossilHunter** · 12th July 18, 03:05 PM

Welcome from San Diego. I own and recommend the USA kilts semi traditional kilt. It’s affordable, durable, and look like a traditional kilt (though the tartan pattern is smaller than in wool because p/v yarn is thinner, if I understand it correctly).

They are also made to measure so the fit is very good.

**Richrail** · 12th July 18, 03:14 PM

from Reno, Nevada. I can recommend USA kilts, I have 4 PV material 1 being the semi-traditional and 3 casual. I now also have 5, 5 yard wool kilts from them.

**Tarheel** · 12th July 18, 04:17 PM

Well met and welcome Tommy. I hope you look back at old posts by our kilted minstrel Derek. He has performed while kilted for many years and has given all the ups and downs of his adventures. Glad to have you with us and hope you find being kilted good for you.

**ThistleDown** · 12th July 18, 06:43 PM

Welcome, from Inverness-shire and British Columbia.

**Liam** · 12th July 18, 06:53 PM

Welcome from Western Canada!

**Kiltedjohn** · 12th July 18, 11:33 PM

Welcome from a Scotsman living in Central England. Looks like you're getting some good advice already.

**John_Carrick** · 13th July 18, 01:39 AM

Welcome from Ireland. You don't see too many kilts in Ireland except in pipe bands and the occasional wedding; they are perceived to be Scottish, but they are well received. Irish kilt wearing was encouraged in the run up to independence but never really took off, and boys don't tend to wear them for Irish dancing now. That said, the Irish National tartan is very nice and probably a good one to start with.