what to get first

**acerunner81469** · 23rd October 05, 08:31 PM

Hello everyone,

Like most I have researched my family history and have strong Scottish roots. I am looking into getting my first kilt and am needing advice on what to buy. I know I want on that I can wear both as formal and just to the store, if I can. I have seen several post from Indiana scots and I am from Rockville Indiana,so atleast some of you know my area. I was asked to be High commisioner of Indiana for Clan Muir and want to represent my Clan and family. Thanks for any advice and help.

**chasem** · 23rd October 05, 09:57 PM

Welcome aboard!

You sound like you're looking for a traditional for your first kilt, so I would suggest Kathy's Kilts in New Mexico, or USA Kilts. There are others out there as well, and I'm sure someone else will point them out.

Kathy, from my understanding does hand-sewn traditionals in worsted wool only. USA Kilts does wool traditionals, as well as two cheaper models in PV (poly-viscose).

If you want something to knock around in while you jones on a kilt from a traditional kiltmaker, there's always Stillwater Kilts for a relatively cheap, and readily available product.

**Riverkilt** · 23rd October 05, 10:58 PM

Welcome Runner,

Chasem has sound advice. Main difference is that Kathy Lare at Kathy's Kilts can order you up most any tartan made at a mill somewhere. Unlimited selection.

USA Kilts, being sort of middle of the price range for semi-traditionals have a limited tartan selection, though I think they're now doing full traditionals with a wide range of tartans too.

Don't overlook the improved SportKilts with sewn down pleat, custom length, and belt loop options if you're wanting to start out inexpensively.

If it were I (keep in mind I'm severely addicted) I'd order up a hand sewn traditional wool kilt in the most elegant Muir tartan. Would be a lifetime investment and something you'd be proud to wear.

But, it really doesn't matter. Whatever kilt you select will addict you and you'll be off on a kilt binge for sure. Enjoy the addiction

Ron

**Big Paul** · 24th October 05, 02:15 AM

Welcome to our little corner of the web!

**macwilkin** · 24th October 05, 04:32 AM

Welcome to the board, Scott! I'm sure our other resident "Hoosiers" here (Mike1, are you there?) will be posting soon to say "G'day".

I would suggest our own Matt Newsome, who makes 4-yd. box-pleated kilts in any tartan you would want:

http://kilts.albanach.org/

Also, you might check with some of the Canadian kilt manufacturers, such as Hector Russell's branch in Toronto (www.hector-russell.ca) or Burnett & Struth in Barrie, Ontario (http://www.burnetts-struth.com/) -- both turn out first-rate traditional kilts!

Cheers,

Todd

**Cawdorian** · 24th October 05, 04:50 AM

Welcome Runner,

Ron's advice is sound, you will be very happy with a full 8 yard 13 or 16 oz traditional as a starter, it is a good investment, they are very well balanced and easy to dress up or down. Matt's box pleat kilts have received great reviews here, you will be pleased with his kilts. My next kilt will more than likely be one of Matt's box pleat kilts.

You will enjoy the time spent here on our forum.

**davedove** · 24th October 05, 05:18 AM

Another good stateside source of traditional kilts is Alexis Malcolm:

http://www.alexismalcolmkilts.bigstep.com/

**Jerry** · 24th October 05, 05:49 AM

Welcome to the forum. Don't overlook one of the forum's other sponsors, The Kiltstore. They have your tartan, and they give XMARKS members a 10% discount if you order before January 2006.

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 24th October 05, 07:03 AM

Runner,

Welcome to a great forum with lots of advice. You'll have 2 problems with your question. First deciding on a traditional or a contemporary kilt, then deciding on which of the many great kilt makers to order from. Personally, I just decided to order one from all of them for my first go around, then decide what I like best from there!!

Seriouslt, if you are going to be the High commissioner fro Clan Muir, I would recommend a traditional kilt in that tartan. However, while you are waiting, there is no reason not to get one soon (from SWK, UK, SK, etc.) to tide you over!