Looking for Advice on First Kilt

**Kent Frazier** · 11th November 07, 04:13 PM

Hello all,

I would like to buy myself a kilt for my birthday in February. I currently live in San Angelo, Texas and there are not many, if any, kilt wearers that I know of. I've been doing some research but would like some advise from those here.

The weather here is hot in the summer (high 90s to low 100s). Winters are fairly mild, there will be days below freezing, but they are few. Average winter temps are usually low 40s to low 50s. Spring and Autumn are really "all over the board". As I write this the temp. is 72 with highs predicted in the lower 80s this coming week.

I'm not sure I want a heavy wool kilt. I would like something that I could wear every day if I so choose. I'm also debating between the Fraser Red and the Fraser Hunting tartan. I had always wanted the Red, but living in the desert southwest the last few years, I'm starting to lean toward the more muted hunting.

Cost is also something that I need to consider. I would like something relative inexpensive, but not "cheap".

Thoughts, suggestions?

Thanks,

Kent

**Riverkilt** · 11th November 07, 07:14 PM

Welcome from a Frazier Cousin,

Well, it don't matter much where you start because you're gonna need more than one kilt once you're deeply addicted to the FREEDOM....

If its just one kilt, spring for the hand sewn since you'll probably only wear it on special occasions and want it to look great and feel great.

I think Rocky at USA Kilts has a Frazier or two in polyviscose. I've one in his casual model Frazier Red Modern, but if I had to do it again I'd get it in the semi-traditional model. Just me.

Its hot in the summer here in the canyonlands of Arizona too. Kilts are a LOT cooler than jeans.

Kilt up!

Ron
And add that Texas Bluebonnet tartan to your kilt wish list.....

**McMurdo** · 11th November 07, 07:19 PM

I would have to second USA Kilts Rocky is great to work with and for relatively cheap you can have a made to measure kilt that will be perfect for your climate. I just went over to the website and Rocky does have both the Frasier Red and Hunting. Here is my USA Kilt Black Stewart Semi Traditional kilt, I would say splurge for the Semi Traditional kilt as it is a traditional cut.

**ccga3359** · 11th November 07, 07:26 PM

You could also check out STA. you could get a 4 yard wool box pleat. Although I believe Matt has quite a list he has to complete first (including McMurdo's, mine and many more). You should also consider the accessories that typically go with a kilt, sporran, hose, belt etc. A search at X Marks will help you find decent accessories at a decent price.

**Fedgunner** · 11th November 07, 08:20 PM

I'm a firm beliver in "starter kilts"
Stillwater Kilts offer very good value for the money. The investment at this level also allows you to buy a sporran, hose ect. earlier rather than later.

When you discover your comfort level, then you can upgrade your kilts. I started with 2 Utilikilts, Then a Stillwater Kilts heavyweight, Then a Neokilts PV MacMillan tartan, then a Kathy Lare handsewn tank, and I have another Neokilts in US Army tartan inbound.

Understand this is an addiction... and our 12 steps will only bring you closer to more kilts.

**TheSp8** · 11th November 07, 08:35 PM

Kent,

I'm in San Antonio so pretty much the same weather though maybe a bit more humidity every so often. This summer I usually wore my SWK Heavyweights or one of my acrylic kilts. I did wear my tank a couple of times to look really sharp and it never was uncomfortably warm. A good breeze works wonders for keeping cool. I would say go with Stillwater or USA Kilts as a good place to start.

YMOS,
Tony

**James MacMillan** · 12th November 07, 08:08 AM

I'm in San Diego area, and I think we share climates. Regarding a starter kilt, I advise going with USA first, and then buy a couple from SWK. For the price of one tank, you can get at least 5 kilts from these two places.

**Jock Scot** · 12th November 07, 08:31 AM

Well done Kent!Ask away,look, read and ask again and again.There is nothing more daunting than getting your first kilt and then wearing it in public for the first time.So lets hope that you can distill all the good advice given here,perhaps some of it will be conflicting advice,but well meant nontheless and "knock 'em dead" on your first outing.Good luck to you laddie.

**Kent Frazier** · 12th November 07, 11:01 AM

Thanks to all who have replied. From the suggestions, I thinking about the USA Kilts semi-traditional, right now cost is a big factor. I still haven't decided on the tartan, I keep changing my mind between the Fraser red and Fraser hunting.

Will any leather belt of proper with work or is there something special about belts for kilts?

Can I wear the kilt with hiking boots? If so, are there any guidelines for the hose?

**McGurk** · 12th November 07, 11:12 AM

Originally Posted by Kent Frazier

Thanks to all who have replied. From the suggestions, I thinking about the USA Kilts semi-traditional, right now cost is a big factor. I still haven't decided on the tartan, I keep changing my mind between the Fraser red and Fraser hunting.

Will any leather belt of proper with work or is there something special about belts for kilts?

Can I wear the kilt with hiking boots? If so, are there any guidelines for the hose?

By all means you can wear it with hiking boots, for a casual look, I think they look good with hiking boots and the hose pushed down to boot top level.