Everyday Kilt

[The Supreme Canuck]

I'm finally at the stage where I'm about ready to take the plunge and make a purchase. I'm partial to traditional kilts, and really prefer a lot of material. Now, as you're all aware, such things are expensive. I'm kind of wary of wearing something like that around. Wouldn't want to ruin it. So what would you guys suggest I go for for everyday wear, keeping in mind that I don't want a non-trad kilt, and want to be as near to a tank as I can be?

[TimC]

Try a SWK heavy. They look great and wear well while costing less that a full tank.

[O'Neille]

I'd say the SWK heavy also. O'Neille

[Kilted KT]

I'd go with an O'Nielle. Well made and great looking, available in many different fabrics.

[The Supreme Canuck]

That's an option. Thing is, I'm one of those guys who's picky about tartans... I'm thinking I'll just have to suck it up and wear an expensive one around.

[Panache]

That's an option. Thing is, I'm one of those guys who's picky about tartans... I'm thinking I'll just have to suck it up and wear an expensive one around.

TSC,

Get a Stillwater Wool Heavyweight in a solid color. It is traditional (read Matt Newsome's stuff about solid color kilts). It will be all All wool, have the weight and all the pleats you want. 1/3 of the cost of a Tank. No worries about tartan. I llack SWK heavy weight.

Cheers

[Colin]

That's an option. Thing is, I'm one of those guys who's picky about tartans... I'm thinking I'll just have to suck it up and wear an expensive one around.

Check out
www.westcoastkilts.com

or
www.tartanweb.com (checkout the Jura and Lochcarron lines)
www.scottishkilts.net

Remember, you can start with a 5 yarder to start, or you can go for an 8 yard machine sewn to start (although the price for handsewn).

[Andrew Green]

All of the above options are quite nice.
I want to second the SWK heavyweight (it's what I am wearing at the moment), if you aren't concerned about wool, a SWK standard might be an ok option for you as well. I will also second the USA Kilt option... I don't own one yet, but I ordered a casual a couple weeks ago (which means it's still in the works), but I am sure that I'll be back for more from USA. They have a fair range of tartans, and are made to measure.
Another possible option would be Neokilt, as there are a few bonuses to that make... Josh puts various hidden pockets and stuff in there. Last I talked to him, he was talking about making that a standard feature on his stuff.
A small warning... wait times on any tailored garment will kill ya... it staves off the jonesing, a little bit...but you still end up itching for your fix!

[possingk]

If you are looking for wool the SWK heavy weight is great, if you are looking for somthing made to measure, that you can wear anywhere and wash when you are done. Try a USA Kilt semi traditional, the only difference between this and a tank is the type of material.

[Ialtog]

I'd suggest a USA Kilt semi-trad as well. I really agonized over my first kilt. I didn't want to start off with some really nice wool one that cost a bundle when I wasn't sure how much I was going to wear it, and when I did I was going to be "working" at various Celtic events. I wanted something that was easy to care for but still looked sharp (and would impress the rest of the lads) - that's why I eventually settled on a USA kilt for my first.