Hello from TN

**Gor** · 3rd October 13, 03:30 PM

Greetings, Rabble!

My name is Michael, nice to meet you all. I'm a former Marine, part-time blacksmith, and full-time father of two. I learned about this site at a local Scottish festival, and I'm certainly glad I did. I'm descended from the Gordons on my mother's side, and my research there lead me to the wonderful world of kilts. I have decided to give it a whirl, but I'm at a loss on where to begin.

I've noticed that the general consensus (and I may be wrong about this) is to wear tartan kilts on special occasions, but to leave everyday wear for the utility/contemporary type of kilt. Seems like a great idea to me. I'm very hot natured, and generally wear shorts year-round. And I'm very hard on shorts. They always seem to wear out or split at the crotch. Sounds like I could eliminate both of those problems with a proper kilt. That's where I run into problems. There are so many to choose from that I really don't know where to start.

At any rate, thanks to everyone for providing such a hospitable place to chat and a place to learn.

**Hawk** · 3rd October 13, 09:46 PM

Welcome to the XMTS Community Michael! Where in TN are you from, used to live there for a short time myself? Yes indeed, it sounds like a tough Utility Kilt might be in order in your case, but these gents and ladies here have much more experience in these matters, so I defer to their wisdom.

Which Scottish Festival in your area did you hear about the XMTS Forum?

Looking forward to making your acquaintance here.....

and BTW, Semper Fi Marine.......

Hawk

**mookien** · 3rd October 13, 10:24 PM

Originally Posted by Gor

... I've noticed that the general consensus (and I may be wrong about this) is to wear tartan kilts on special occasions, but to leave everyday wear for the utility/contemporary type of kilt. ...

Michael: While there is nothing inherently wrong with the approach you describe, and it may work well for you, it does not appear to be a general consensus as far as I can tell. Folks on the forum seem all over the place on the subject of when to wear what kilt or style of kilt. Some folks wear utility/contemporary kilts all the time (or almost so) and others always (or almost so) wear more traditional wool kilts. And yet others seem to mix and match based on any number of criteria including formality, type of event/activity, simply how they feel at the moment, and myriad other motivations.

If your "hot natured" propensity is the primary driver of your selection (I would argue that it shouldn't be the only one, but that is just my opinion), then I suggest for coolness sake that you take a hard look at PV kilts and/or short yardage kilts, eg 4 or 5 yards in any material. In any case I highly recommend that you interact on the forum for a while before you make your selection. You will get lots of good advice/ideas. Good luck on your ultimate decision.

John

**Richrail** · 3rd October 13, 10:35 PM

Check out USAk casual kilts for everyday wear. I have two and pretty much lived in them this summer the velcro closure makes for easy on and off. And a large selection of tartans. And

from Reno,NV

**Spartan Tartan** · 4th October 13, 02:14 AM

from Rhode Island

**Chas** · 4th October 13, 03:19 AM

Hello Gor,

Welcome to XMarks from the other side of the Atlantic in Norfolk, England.

**McClef** · 4th October 13, 03:34 AM

from South Wales UK!

**Nile** · 4th October 13, 12:00 PM

Greetings Michael, and welcome to X Marks from, Delaware. Well, I think you have started at the best place, right here on XMTS.

Your general assessment is pretty close. The type of kilt you choose is often base on the activities you'll be involved in. If your working in the yard, splitting wood, participating in Highland athletics, hiking, etc. you will probably not want to be wearing a $500 - $700, 8 yard, 16oz wool kilt. Though certainly rugged enough, you wouldn't want to stain or tear it. The utility/casual type of kilt would probably be the best choice for those activities. For more sedentary types of endeavors, like hanging out at the pub or going to parties & gatherings, just about any style/type of kilt could be worn. When it comes to dressy or formal activities, the utility style kilt is definitely out but, the casual/sports type kilts can be made to work. However, in this situation, the expensive/heirloom wool kilt is at it's best.
In my opinion, the casual/sports type kilt offers greatest versatility. You can dress it up if you need to and you can get it in the Gordon tartan. [The above sketch is based on my opinion; others may advise you differently.]

As you have surmised, XMTS is perhaps the best single source to learn and glean the information you need. And... don't be afraid to ask questions when you are not sure about something.

I'm glad you chose to join the kilted rabble, and I look forward to seeing the results of your quest.

Nile

**Gor** · 4th October 13, 01:40 PM

Wow, I wasn't expecting such a response! You certainly know how to make a guy feel at home.

Hawk, I live in Bulls Gap at the moment, but I was raised mostly in Morristown (of Evil Dead fame). Honestly, my tendency to keep warm is only part of the motivation behind wearing a kilt. It's part of my heritage, first and foremost. I've also put on a little weight since my time in the Corps. Because of that, tucking in my shirt, which I prefer to do, draws the wrong kind of attention to the wrong parts. I think a kilt worn at the proper height would still look flattering while allowing me to keep a neater appearance. That, and I don't mind standing out.

I've pretty much decided that I'm going to get a couple of utility style kilts for work and smithing and a couple of nicer kilts for evening/formal wear or day wear that doesn't run the risk of damaging them. I really do like the look of the Gordon Modern tartan, as well as the Leatherneck. It's just a matter of saving up and taking the plunge.

Thanks to each of you for the warm welcome. I look forward to learning more as time passes.